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.
Liquid Lounge
405 S 8th St • (208) 287-5379
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Activity
First Thursday at Liquid Laughs Undergound!
~ Two Free Comedy Shows! Just the Tips comedy show at 7pm! National touring comedians stop in Boise to perform at Liquid Laughs Underground! Free to attend!
Followed by the Treasure Valley's funniest comedians and some first timers! Free Comedy! Free Laughs! Sign ups at 9pm Show starts at 9:30pm. Ever want to try stand up comedy? This is your chance!
The best deal you will find on First Thursday!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Boise's ONLY guided social dancing party!
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be. This is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable on a social dance floor in a safe and fun environment!
Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay to meet our dance community and practice to music from a variety of dance styles.
No partner required — or bring your friends. We love to see couples who want to dance together, too.
Everyone is welcome, no experience required!
7:00pm—7:45pm
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class
7:45pm — 8:30pm
Social Dancing Party
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
The Warehouse Food Hall is bringing live music to the heart of downtown Boise every First Thursday. Guests can enjoy performances from local artists while exploring 10+ food and drink vendors under one roof. With cold drinks, bold flavor, and no cover, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your evening and stay awhile.
Matador Boise
215 N 8th St • 208-342-9988
Food & Beverage
HOURS OF OPERATION
Sun-Thurs 11am - Midnight
Fri & Sat 11am - 1am
HAPPY HOUR 4pm-6pm & 10pm-CLOSE (daily)
For brave, fresh Mexican flavors, and beautiful scratch-made cocktails. Come in and be enveloped by our passion for the most daring of spirits. Cheers to the people and the culture of Mexico, where we forge friendships with tequila makers, listen to their stories, and bring them home to share with you, as we guide you through your tequila experience.
Our newest Seasonal Menu was just released and features the following items:
* WATERMELON & STONE FRUIT SALAD (gf/veg)- Grilled nectarine salsa, agave vinaigrette, mixed greens, toasted almonds, queso fresco. Add grilled chicken +5
* MEXICAN STREET CORN (gf/veg)- Chipotle mayonnaise, cotija, cilantro, chile-garlic salt, lime, fried sweet corn cob. Add second cob for +4.5
* STEAK & ELOTE TACOS - Served on flour tortillas with refried pinto beans & Mexican rice Chile-seasoned ribeye*, cotija, pico de gallo, fresh grilled sweet corn esquites, crispy fried corn tortilla strips. Add third taco for $6
* TEQUILA SHRIMP (gf)- Blanco tequila, sautéed tail-on shrimp, garlic, cilantro, lime, Mexican rice, watermelon salad, toasted almonds
* WATERMELON MARGARITA - Milagro reposado, watermelon, lime, agave, Tajín
* MEXICAN CANDY - Olmeca Altos blanco, watermelon, grilled pineapple, lime, hot sauce, chamoy, Tajín
* SUMMERTIME SANGRIA - Chablis, St-Germain, pisco, watermelon, strawberry, nectarine, pineapple, orange, lime, cucumber, mint
* WATERMELON-LIME AGUA FRESCA - Watermelon, lime, agave, soda water ADD DHŌS BLANCO N/A TEQUILA TO MAKE IT A "SPIKED" AGUA FRESCA FOR +3
The Matador uses all-natural ingredients only, and that includes our carne, pollo, carnitas and seafood. We source the freshest, in-season vegetables and fruits available. Then we take those ingredients and cook them up into creative dishes that taste a bit like Mexico, a bit like the local area, and a bit like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.
Situated on historic 8th St in energetic downtown Boise, the Matador has been a part of the city’s restaurant and happy hour scene since 2010. Within easy walking or biking distance from all downtown shops and sights, as well as the Greenbelt and the scenic Treasure Valley foothills, the Matador offers adventures in Mexican-inspired food and tequila when you need a retreat from your adventures outdoors or in town.
Hemlock
500 S Capitol Blvd •
Food & Beverage Activity
Join us at the bar from 3–6 PM.
Indulge in:
Boise’s Best Burger.
Steak skewers. Oyster shooters. Gaucho meatballs.
Duck-fat potatoes. Fries. Marinated olives.
$7 drafts.
$9 select wines.
$10 classic cocktails.
Two Hemlock Happy Hour rituals to get the most of First Thursdays:
Hemlock Happy Meal
Haute Girl Dinner
Saltbrush
506 W. Grove • 208-717-2588
Food & Beverage
Come check out our beautiful new patio! Enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails and snacks during our Violet Hour from 4-6pm, plus some delicious summer spritzes.
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Art Shop Kid-Friendly
Join us this first Thursday to hang out with our featured artist Lauryl, or The Nubbiest Place! She will be here 4-8pm and will be available to sign prints!
P.S. - If it's your birthday this month don't forget to mention that to us for a 15% discount!
City Peanut Shop
803 W Bannock St • (208) 433-3931
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!! Come join us at City Peanut Shop for loads of nutty fun! Inside we will have local brewery White Dog Brewing for some carefully selected delicious beer and nut pairings while @Laceyink will be having some fun flash tattoo designs. And don't worry we've got dinner covered too!! J's Street Dogs will be right outside cooking up some crave worthy hot dogs right in time for the Fourth. We hope you join in on all the fun with us!
Capitol Contemporary Gallery
451 S Capitol Blvd • 208-384-9159
Art
Opening Reception, Thursday, July 2nd, 5:00 -9:00 pm
Capitol Contemporary Gallery is pleased to present its July exhibition, An Artist's Journey: Archie Boyd Teater, featuring the work of renowned Idaho artist Archie Boyd Teater. The gallery is honored to partner with the Hagerman Valley Historical Society & Museum to bring this special exhibition to the community.
Born in Boise in 1901, Archie Teater became a prolific impressionist painter. With a popular studio in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Teater found success painting western scenes, commissioned portraits, and the Teton Range. His art funded trips around the world, and in the 1950s, a studio/home in Idaho designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The only Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure in Idaho, Teater's Knoll still overlooks the Snake River.
The public is invited to celebrate the exhibition's opening at a free reception on Thursday, July 2, from 5:00–9:00 PM. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of art and conversation, with complimentary wine from Vizcaya.
In conjunction with the exhibition, scholar and author Lester D. Taylor, whose extensive research culminated in The Life and Art of Archie Boyd Teater, will present a special gallery talk on July 17 at 5:00 PM. Taylor will share insights into Teater's life, artistic legacy, and enduring impact on Idaho's cultural landscape.
We look forward to sharing the remarkable work and story of Archie Boyd Teater with our visitors this summer.
The Flicks
646 Fulton St • (208) 342-4288
Music
First Thursday on the Flicks Patio: Wendy Matson
Grab your drinks and food from our Rick’s Café counter and head out to the patio to enjoy music by Wendy Matson. No cover charge, it is a gift to our Flicks fans!
Solid Grill & Bar
405 S 8th St • (208) 345-6620
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Activity
½ Off Draft Beers, Well Drinks, $2 off all wines and $1 off appetizers from 4pm-6pm & 10pm-Midnight.
Also Liquid Laughs underground in the Solid Cellar we have:
~ Two Free Comedy Shows! Just the Tips comedy show at 7pm! National touring comedians stop in Boise to perform at Liquid Laughs Underground! Free to attend!
Followed by the Treasure Valley's funniest comedians and some first timers! Free Comedy! Free Laughs! Sign ups at 9pm Show starts at 9:30pm. Ever want to try stand up comedy? This is your chance!
The best deal you will find on First Thursday!
Lunatic Fringe Salon
836 W Broad St • (208) 955-0400
Shop Food & Beverage Activity
Join us at Lunatic Fringe Salon in downtown Boise for First Thursday from 5:00–8:00 PM! Stop by for a free hair consultations, complimentary product samples, our signature oil bar, $1 popsicles, and $3 dirty sodas. Whether you're looking for hair inspiration, professional advice, or just a fun stop during your evening downtown, we'd love to see you. Come say hello, support local, and enjoy First Thursday with our team!
House of Wine
1008 W Main St • 208-297-9463
Shop Food & Beverage Activity
Celebrate July First Thursday with us! Our incredible House of Wine team has handpicked three standout wines just for you to enjoy for the holiday. For one night only, we’re setting aside our usual by-the-glass menu and offering a free tasting of these special staff selections.
The fun kicks off at 5pm and goes until 8pm. No registration needed. Just bring your curiosity and your tastebuds. See you there!
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Drive • (208) 345-8330
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
Find inspiration and get creative at BAM during First Thursday! Admission is “pay what you can,” and the Museum is open late, until 7 p.m., to encourage Access for All. Experience BAM’s current exhibitions, including “Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love | from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” which closes later this month on July 26th.
🎨 Drop in from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and get creative in our FREE Studio Art Exploration program in BAM’s Education Studios. Make an abstract painting, inspired by “Visual Language: The Art of Abstraction.”
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
🎁Stop by the BAM STORE to find unique and creative gifts for all ages.
Office Evolution
999 W Main St • (208) 501-0002
Food & Beverage
All are welcome at our open house on Thursday, July 2nd, from 5pm-7pm to see our new beautiful offices and event space that we have available to book. We are located in the lobby of One Capital Center building at 999 W. Main Street, and will be celebrating with complimentary beer, wine and charcuterie from our partners at The Avery Restaurant. Start your Independence Day weekend early! We look forward to seeing you on the ground floor of One Capital Center, between 9th & 10th on Main Street. Entrances from both Main Street and Grove Blvd.
Studio Blue
212 N Ninth St •
Art
Join me, Kristen Edwards in my studio space for First Thursday to view a collection of finished works and an inside look at what’s currently in progress. My paintings are modern, contemporary, and industrial in feel, with a strong focus on texture. Originals, prints, and commissions available.
Studio Blue is located inside Boise Boba and up the stairs.
The Olympic Venue
1009 W Main St • (208) 342-0176
Music
Live Music! Bong Wizard - Formed in Los Angeles and relocated to Houston, Texas, this stoner metal/sludge trio, crafts hypnotic music with their powerful blend of heavy riffs, crushing rhythms, and trippy soundscapes creating a sonic experience that seamlessly marries humor and playfulness with the heavier themes of cannabis culture.
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art
Opening Reception: Live Forever and Never Die, Solo Exhibition by Grace Page
Thursday, July 02, 2026 | 5PM-9PM
Idaho Art Gallery | 702 W Idaho St #105 | Downtown Boise
Join us for the opening reception of Live Forever and Never Die, a solo exhibition by Grace Page. This evocative body of work explores the enduring symbolism of fruit trees as vessels of memory, inheritance, and personal history. Through abstraction, the artist examines the space where lived experience and collective meaning intersect, allowing familiar forms to dissolve and reassemble into layered reflections on family, labor, temptation, and belonging.
Based in Boise, Idaho, Grace Page is a contemporary painter whose work explores themes of memory, time, and perception through abstraction and fragmentation. Drawing from personal experience and everyday observation, she creates layered compositions that reflect the fluid nature of memory and the stories we carry forward. Her work has been exhibited throughout Idaho and Utah, inviting viewers to consider how meaning evolves through experience and recollection. Experience this new exhibition, meet the artist, and spend the evening immersed in thoughtful conversation and contemplation.
Cactus Bar
517 W Main St • (208) 342-9732
Activity
Free to play Bingo. Prizes and drink specials following the event. from 7 to 9 pm ish
SHIFT boutique
807 W Bannock St • 208-331-7806
Music
Join us + Tropico FM for a live DJ set! 5pm -8pm!
Green Acres Food Truck Park
767 S Pioneer St • 208-856-6157
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Take the stage with a LIVE rock band backing you up while you belt out your favorite hits from a lineup of 200+ songs. Whether you're channeling your inner rockstar or just here for the chaos and fun, every First Thursday is your moment to shine. Sign-ups happen the night of, and guests can browse the full song list ahead of time on our website, so grab your crew and get ready.
Come hungry because we'll also have an awesome lineup of local food trucks:
- Loving Lefse serving Norwegian flatbreads, breakfast favorites, espresso, and sweet treats (9:00 am-2:30 pm)
- The Place To Feed Yo Face with hearty, flavor-packed soul food
- Bistro Babe serving gourmet sandwiches and handcrafted bites
- Kanak Attack featuring Hawaiian-inspired favorites, BBQ, and island flavors
- Wok N' Roll with fresh, made-to-order Asian fusion dishes
Hosted by Boise Rockeoke, this is one of our ABSOLUTE favorite nights at Green Acres!
Acero Boards & Bottles
801 West Main Street • 208-801-6896
Food & Beverage
All Day Happy Hour at Acero
For First Thursday, we’re extending our weekday $6 til 6 special all day long! Enjoy $6 glasses of wine and $6 beer pitchers from 11 AM–10 PM while you explore Downtown Boise.
Reserve wines excluded. First Thursday only.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
Art Source Gallery
1516 Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
The 22nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition will be on display throughout July at Art Source Gallery. Featuring artists from Idaho, Washington and Oregon, the show presents a diverse selection of 2D and 3D works chosen by juror Katy Shanafelt. An opening reception will be held July 2 from 5–9 p.m., with live music, refreshments, cash prizes and a People’s Choice Award.
Cherie Buckner-Webb Park
1100 W Bannock St •
Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Join the City of Boise at Cherie Buckner Webb Park to celebrate America250! Enjoy activities, music, and fun Under the Tree!
The Art Room Inc.
508 South 5th Street •
Art Food & Beverage
The Art Room features a new local artist every month. That means new art on the walls of the coffee shop, classes available to the public taught by the featured artist, and a free artist showcase every First Thursday. Join us each month in encouraging local artists and building the Art Room.
Our vision is to see a generation consumed by consumption experience revival in creation. Our mission is to serve Boise with art, coffee, and community and shine the light of Jesus.
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
Join us every First Thursday in Downtown Boise to experience Live Jazz performed by The Ohadi Trio inside the lobby of The Grove Hotel from 6pm-8pm!