Our local merchants plan exciting, engaging in-store events including food and beverage tastings, local art exhibits, retail trunk shows, live music, family activities, and entertainment in a special and unique way you'll only find in Downtown Boise. Stop into your favorite establishment or check out someplace new!
Events typically run from 5–9pm, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
SUPERSIZED First Thursday's are back!
What does that mean? More free activation throughout your downtown area! We'll have roving artist performing & engaging with the public for free fun during select months! Keep an eye out for the signs for where they'll pop-up next!
Interested in being a performing artist for our SUPERSIZED First Thursdays?
Submit ARTIsT Information Here
Thank You to Our 2024 First Thursday Sponsor:
Boise Brewing
521 W Broad St • (208) 342-7655
Music Food & Beverage
Each first Thursday at Boise Brewing offers live music from rotating local artists on the patio, 6-9pm. Come inside check out the restaurant while admiring fresh art provided by Boise Weekly!
Radio Boise
1020 W Main St • 208-258-2072
Music
Radio Boise is having an "Open Station" in the basement of the Alaska Center on Main St. between 10th and 11th St where we will give guided tours, have live DJs Wendy Fox and Jason D on the air, share snacks and generally chat about the station and community radio from 5pm-8pm. It is hosted by Nichole Marie of The Rapture and Geek Goddess from the Rebel Alliance. This month we are joined by the Idaho Office for Refugees, whose mission it is to offer refuge and safety to people forced to leave their homes due to persecution of religious beliefs, political opinions, or ethnic heritage.
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
Jazz Night at The Funky Taco
Once a month, on the First Thursday, The Funky Taco will have a jazz night featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quintet for the first set. We will then feature local jazz artists for the second set and close the night with a jam session featuring established, up-and-coming, and future jazz musicians.
Check the Event Calendars (https://www.deanvjennings.com/eventscalender) or the Funky Taco's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/thefunkytaco/) for upcoming Jazz Nights at The Funky Taco.
Lunatic Fringe Salon
836 W Broad St • (208) 955-0400
Shop Music Food & Beverage
Experience luxury at Lunatic Fringe Salon! We welcome the community to step into elegance and style at our salon's First Thursday event. Enjoy upbeat music, an energetic atmosphere, and exciting giveaways for you to treat yourself or someone you love to. Come on in and indulge in a night of beauty and fun!
We can't wait to pamper you!
Discovery Center of Idaho
131 W Myrtle St • (208) 343-9895
Kid-Friendly Activity
The Discovery Center of Idaho will be offering exclusive after-hours access to our newest exhibition, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, between 4:30pm - 7:30pm.
Featuring one of the largest collections of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, Mummies of the World presents a one-of-a-kind collection of naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies. This compelling exhibition, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies from South America, Europe and ancient Egypt, some dating back thousands of years.
Book your tickets up to 7 days in advance at https://www.dcidaho.org. Regular admission prices apply.
Lenses & Brushes
404 S 8TH ST, L100 • 2085902612
Art Shop Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Lenses & Brushes gallery showing of all the art created by summer camp artists. Art work will be displayed August 1 - 15, 2024. Stop by to view these talented artist's creations, learn about services, and enjoy refreshments.
Tom Graineys
109 S 6th St • (208) 345-2505
Music
DJ Mike Moses spins all vinyl every 1st Thursday of the month at Tom Grainey’s from 9-close. Funk and soul, new and old, hip-hop samples and remixes, and more!
Join the BoldCircle at BoldHue!
405 S 8th St •
Art Shop Activity
FIRST and only
AT-HOME SHADE
MATCHING DEVICE
BoldHue revolutionizes the beauty industry with an approach to beauty that is completely customizable, for every unique individual. Our patented technology is one of a kind, just like you.
Follow our story, learn more, and view our viral videos on Instagram (instagram.com/boldhue) and TikTok (tiktok.com/@boldhue)
Join the BoldCircle and be the first to know when we officially launch. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive behind the scenes content and see milestones in real time while you wait for its anticipated arrival! Join for free at BoldHue.com
View Free Public Art at Freak Alley Gallery
Alley: 8th & 9th and Bannock & Idaho St •
Art Kid-Friendly Activity
Freak Alley Gallery is the Northwest's Largest Open-Air, Multi-artist Mural Gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
Thursdays just got a major upgrade at The Warehouse Food Hall with the return of live performances! Whether you're into tunes, flavors, or just good times, our live music Thursdays cater to all. Dive into a world of diverse food options, sip on crafted drinks, and let the music elevate your evening.
Weekly on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Free for all ages
The Avery
1010 W Main St • (208) 990-1010
Food & Beverage
Join us for Happy Hour on First Thursday! Located on the alley side of The Avery Hotel, Tiner's Alley offers old world charm with fare and cocktails to match. Offering $5 and $10 menus including a Classic Negroni, Scotch Eggs, and Fish N Chips- all from our Michelin rated chef, Cal Elliott.
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
All day Happy Hour! Half off appetizers and $5 draft beer, $5 well cocktails, $5 select wines from 11am-11pm every first Thursday in Trillium Restaurant or Trillium Bar. *Offer is only applicable with mention of First Thursday promotion*
Art in The Alaska Center: New Art Series by Chi E Shenam Westin
1020 Main St • 208-440-2107
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
An exploration of Zen Buddhists oil paintings of Sutras and Practices.
New paintings on copper & aluminum including Extreme Plein Air: The Trees of Winter.
Also showing The trees of Zion, paintings from McCall, Thorn Creek Butte, Tetons in Driggs, and Payette Lake.