First Thursday
Presented by Columbia Bank
December 1, 2022, 5pm - 9pm
Treat yourself to a fun night with your favorite downtown retailers, services, watering holes and restaurants by browsing the listings below and making a plan to enjoy the places that make Downtown Boise the special place that it is.
Experience First Thursday!
Visit Downtown Boise the First Thursday of each month to experience art, shopping, dining, live music, family activities and entertainment in a special and unique way you’ll only find Downtown.
Our local merchants plan exciting, engaging in-store events including food and beverage tastings, local art exhibits, and trunk shows. Stop into your favorite establishment or check out someplace new!
Events typically run from 5:00 – 9:00pm, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
Don't miss out on the fun, receive an email reminder by filling out the form here.
2022 First Thursday's are possible thanks to:
The Alaska Center
1020 W Main St •
Art Shop Music
The Alexa Rose Foundation is excited to present its Art Exhibit showcasing over 50 of their grantees from 2015 to 2022. Since 2015, ARF has funded over 600 grants to individual Treasure Valley artists totaling $1.157 million. Please come enjoy our mixed media experience including painting, sculpture, music, film, and literature, on the 2nd floor of the Alaska building with over 3000 sq ft of exhibition and film-viewing space. As a community, let’s take this opportunity to support our local artists this gift-giving season by purchasing work for sale by ARF grant artists.
Allan Ansell Photography in The Alaska Center
1020 W Main St •
Art
Our Holiday offer continues: 10% off on all gift certificates. Give your family a gift they’ll enjoy for years to come… a family portrait! We still have openings for October and November. Available times and dates are filling fast!
We are continuing our quarterly drawings for a 11x14 family portrait through 2023. The next drawing will be December 1, 2022.
To register for the portrait simply send an email to allan@ansellphotography.com. Include your name in the text and use “Portrait Drawing” in the subject line. You will be entered to win. Or, if you want to have fun, stop by the studio and take advantage of our traditional First Thursday complimentary mini-sessions and studio demonstrations and register there.
The winner for last month’s portrait drawing was the Dusty Black Family. Two adults, one child, and two fur babies. Beautiful Portrait for their holiday cheer!
Art Source Gallery
1015 W Main St • (208) 331-3374
Art Shop Music Tasting
Planning your holiday gift giving? Start at Art Source Gallery, your local stop for unique fine arts and gifts for everyone. First Thursday December 1, enjoy snacks, wine by Indian Creek Winery, and music by JB Duo from 6-9 pm. In addition to our outstanding fine art offerings, the Market features smaller gifts from our artists. Invited guest artists bring even more variety in gifts for that special someone. Choose from ornaments, pottery, jewelry, chess sets, small paintings, photography, wall hangings, glassworks and much more.
Bandanna Running and Walking
504 W Main St • (208) 386-9017
Shop
Join us for our Annual Holiday First Thursday celebration! We'll have loads of in-store shopping shenanigans, homemade cookies and no lack of Holiday cheer! We'll also have photo ops with the friendliest T-Rex you've ever met who can also wrap up your Holiday purchases for FREE! Remember . . . A RUN A DAY KEEPS EXTINCTION AWAY!
Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery
610 W Grove St • (208) 426-0538
Dine Tasting
Enjoy happy hour cocktails this Thursday & everyday from 4-6pm. Get a 2 oz pour of gold medal winning Vodkas, Gin, Rums & Whiskey made by us on site instead of someone's well booze from who knows where. Today, each of our locations is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or a drink on the patio. With food that’s unique to Idaho and handcrafted cocktails that are unique to Bardenay, it’s an experience worth coming back for.
Boise Art Museum
670 S Julia Davis Dr • (208) 345-8330
Art Shop
Boise Art Museum is open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on First Thursday. Admission is "pay what you can." Come experience BAM’s current exhibitions, including “Willem Volkersz: The View From Here.” Stop by the BAM STORE to shop creative gifts during the annual BAM Members’ Appreciation SALE. Members receive 20% off regularly priced items now through Sunday, December 4. Become a BAM member today!
Boise Centre
850 W Front St • (208) 336-8900
Music Activity
Boise Centre brings you holiday cheer! A holiday-themed light & sound one-hour show will be featured nightly through December on the visual art display along 8th Street. Shows play hourly from 4:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Get in the spirit and plan to view the show with your family & friends.
Stop by Boise Centre on First Thursday to watch the show and have your phones ready - selfies are a must!
Boise State University
1910 W University Dr • 208-426-1000
Art Activity
The Stein Luminary is pleased to announce Space for All in partnership with School of the Arts, Boise State Astro Physics, and Gaming Interactive Mobile Media. We will be featuring images from the Webb Telescope, star viewing in our pop up planetarium, and augmented reality experiences.
C.W. Moore Plaza Penthouse
250 S 5th St • (208) 331-3516
Art
Photographs by local fine-art photographers Alan Bailey, Mark Hardy, and Paul Swirczynski are being displayed in the first-floor lobby gallery of the C.W. Moore building at 250 S 5th Street, Boise, ID. Monochrome and color images of Death Valley, Idaho mountains, Idaho's Black Magic Canyon, and extracts from nature are included. Most displayed photographs are available for purchase. Don't forget to visit Zee's Cafe in the top-floor penthouse for a tasty meal!
C.W. Moore Plaza Penthouse
250 S 5th St • (208) 331-3516
Art
Local fine-art photographers Alan Bailey, Mark Hardy, and Paul Swirczynski are displaying images of landscapes and extracts from nature in the first-floor lobby of the C.W. Moore building. Selected images are available for purchase.
Art In The Alaska Center by Chi E Shenam Westin New Painting on Aluminum & Copper
1020 Main St • 208-440-2107
Art Activity
New body of works: Skies of Idaho. I will have a sky-wall of paintings. High mountain Aspens on metal and plein air paintings of the Treasure Valley.
I'll be doing live painting during the event.
Columbia Bank's NeighborHub
190 N 8th St • 208-926-6310
Tasting Activity
Columbia Bank's Warm Hearts Winter Drive is in full swing for the holidays. Come join us as we celebrate the holiday season. Warm Hearts is a foundation that Columbia Bank runs to raise money and supplies for local community resources. All funds raised by the Boise NeighborHub will be donated to The Boise Rescue Mission and The Women's and Children's Alliance. White Dog brewing will be joining us to show off some of their amazing brews and we will have snacks ready. With a donation we will also be featuring a wine wall that will allow people to choose a bottle at random from some delicious bottles of wine donated by local wineries. You can find out more about Warm Hearts at www.warmheartswinderdrive.com.
City Santa at D.L. Evans Bank
890 W Main St • (208) 331-1399
Art Shop Music Dine Tasting Activity
City Santa arrives in Downtown Boise and ho-ho-ho’s his way into D.L. Evans Bank starting the evening of December’s First Thursday. Santa is free to visit, bring your wish list and camera or phone to grab a magical photo with the jolliest of elves. This event supports the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
Here’s what to know:
Visits are on a first come, first served basis. DBA and D.L. Evans staff reserve the right to end the line at our discretion in order to make sure that everyone queued up gets to visit with Santa in the time allotted.
The line will form outside. Dress warm!
You can take your own photo – bring a camera or phone!
This event supports the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
$3 Thursday at Double Tap Pub
409 S 8th St • (208) 364-7800
Dine Tasting
$3 Thursday! All wells and drafts are $3 all day!
Winter Windows
•
Art Shop Music Dine Tasting Activity
This year’s Winter Windows are a fun, free way to get in the holiday spirit and view the creativity of our local businesses and local artists. The community can stroll through town, taking in the holiday displays of participating businesses, and vote on favorites using the QR codes found on posters in windows. Voting ends Sunday, December 18th, winning displays receive bragging rights and social media glory!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Shop Music Activity
Treat yourself to a fun night in Downtown Boise!
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be!
Studio Tours: 5pm—9pm
Dance Demos & Newcomer Mini-Group Class @ 7:15pm—8pm
Give the gift of dance with our special Holiday Dance Happiness package!
— 2 Private Introductory Lessons
— A box of decadent chocolates from The Chocolat Bar
— Your choice of a $25 gift card to Big City Coffee or Hops & Bottles
Only 25 packages available!
Value $150
Presented beautifully wrapped and ready to gift!
https://downtownboise.org/events/first-thursday
Graeber & Company Salon and Spa
350 N 9th St • (208) 343-4915
Shop Activity
Join us for our Annual Holiday Open House!
It's been a long 2 years and we're excited to welcome you back to our Annual Holiday Open House! Be one of the first 25 people through the door & receive a special gift.
Grab your +1 and enjoy 20% off Aveda, gift card specials, local vendors, bites & more!
*Doors open 5pm-8pm*
Giving Tree on The Grove Plaza
827 W Main St • (208) 336-8900
Art Shop Music Dine Tasting Activity
Gift tags in support of the Women’s and Children’s Alliance adorn the garland that surrounds the tree and will be available for the public to choose from beginning Monday, November 28th through Friday, December 16th. Items can be dropped off at WCA at 720 W Washington St, Monday through Friday, 12pm to 4pm. The Giving Tree partnership between WCA and DBA is a long-standing tradition in Downtown Boise, over 4,000 tags were distributed in 2021 supporting families in our community with wish list items identified by WCA.
Idaho State Museum
610 N Julia Davis Dr • (208) 334-2120
Shop Activity
On Thursday, December 1st, 2022, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, enjoy complimentary admission to both indoor museum exhibits and outdoor Winter Wonder Village display. Activities include a wintry-themed craft and hot chocolate. Also included is a Pop-Up Shopping Event with local vendors. Concessions will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome.
JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place)
1000 Myrtle St • (208) 639-6610
Art
Local storyteller Ben Kemper presents JUMP's first story hour, a collection of folktales of peace, kindness, and growth from around the world. Come to JUMP's Inspire Room on the 4th floor at 7:00. Good for all ages.
Mad Swede Downtown Brew Hall
816 W. Bannock St. • (208) 514-2187
Tasting Activity
This First Thursday Mad Swede celebrates the season of giving with City of Good.
City of Good unites local restaurants and growers to provide fresh, nutritious meals to food insecure members of our community and promotes a sustainable food system and inclusive economy. Since only 2020, City of Good has delivered more than 80,000 meals to food insecure neighbors in Boise.
$1 from every pint sold from 4-8pm on December 1st will go to support the work of City of Good. Get a taste of their work with free samples of hummus served with locally-grown produce.
R. Grey Gallery
415 S 8th St • (208) 385-9337
Art Shop
Holiday Show at R. Grey Gallery is starting December 1st; the show will feature Artist and Owner Robert Grey Kaylor's new jewelry designs. This event will showcase 30 unique pieces created and designed by Robert, including his new line of bangle and cuff bracelets.
Stay tuned for our Holiday Raffle, and check our Instagram and Facebook for Details.
Happy Holidays!
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Art Shop Activity
Forget about Santa, KRAMPUS will be at Re-POP for photo-ops December 1st from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
He'll have plenty of room in his satchel for naughty kids! But be warned, he can be a bit spooky to some of the littles so parental discretion is advised.
Gift cards will be on special, purchase a $25 gift card and get an extra $5!
Visit our mystery white elephant station, shop our stocking stuffer selection, or pick out something special with free gift wrap!
Rediscovered Books - Boise
180 N 8th St • (208) 376-4229
Art Shop
Author Book signing for "Boise: City of Trees" by David and Don Day. David and Don will be in store from 5 - 6:30 signing their new book. It is the perfect gift for yourself or someone special who loves Boise!
Extended Happy Hour Specials at Richard's Restaurant & Bar
500 S Capitol Blvd • (208) 472-1463
Art Dine Tasting
Extended Happy Hour in the Bar from 4-9pm. That means discounted beverages & bar bites – $2 off all wines by the glass and cocktails on our list, plus $2 off select apps!
We're connected to the Inn at 500, where you can drop your car for free valet (or park in our covered parking garage for free) and then enter through the lobby to view art by local Idaho artists and unique glass fixtures by Boise Art Glass.
Silly Birch
507 W Main St • (208) 344-1889
Music Dine Activity
Happy Hour from 3pm-8pm!
Enjoy a live DJ on Thursday evening!
What bar would be complete without a few games to blow off steam? After you grab a drink, feel free to ask any of our staff to borrow a pool cue or set of darts and play away!
StretchLab
119 Broadway Ave • (208) 383-4810
Activity
Stiff muscles? Achy joints? Come to StretchLab Boise! On First Thursdays, first-time visitors will receive a FREE 15-minute assisted stretch from one of our highly trained Flexologists! Book your FREE reservation by calling or texting (208) 383-4810. We hope to see you there!
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Shop Music Tasting
December First Thursday at The Warehouse:
Argentine tango dancing at The Warehouse! Argentine tango is a dance originating in Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. Very different from ballroom tango, it emphasizes musical improvisation, connecting with the person you are dancing with, and socializing, while de-emphasizing competition.
Come down and watch, learn more about the dance and its history, and if you feel so inclined, experienced dancers will be on hand to give you a crash-course lesson on how to dance the tango!
Plus enjoy food and beverages available from one of 12+ vendors at The Warehouse!
Zee's Rooftop
250 S 5th St • (208) 381-0034
Art Shop Dine Activity
Please join us at Zee's Rooftop for First Thursday to kick off your Holiday shopping! Local vendors, wreath making station supporting Corks 4 A Cure. Lunch specials during the day, and complimentary apps after 5.
11am-8pm
No reservations needed.