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 happen all throughout the day, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
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Step right up for October’s First Thursday on 8th Street! Enjoy carnival-inspired fun while you shop, play and dine your way down the block and show some love to our 8th Street businesses.
Happening from 5-7pm on 8TH Street between Bannock and Main!
Cactus Bar
517 W Main St • (208) 342-9732
Food & Beverage Activity
Karaoke baby!!! Anyone can come in and sing. Starting from 9 pm till close every 1st Thursday. (And actually we do Karaoke every Thursday not just 1st Thursday). Come in and sing your heart out...or just come in and watch and listen. Actual customer quote, "Some of the worst singing but the most fun they had every had!"
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.
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.
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.
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop
STANDING TALL: Exhibition by René Romero Schuler
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 05 | 5-9PM
On View: November 03-28
Idaho Art Gallery | 702 W Idaho St #105 | Downtown Boise
Join us for the opening reception of Standing Tall, by René Romero Schuler, an exhibition celebrating the quiet strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of women. Schuler’s semi abstract, textured paintings and sculptures explore how the experiences we carry, loss, joy, disappointment, love, mistakes, and triumphs, become part of who we are. Built through layers of materials scraped, carved, and incised by hand, the elusive figures invite interpretation while reflecting the scars and imperfections that shape us.
At its heart, Standing Tall is a reflection on resilience, not as becoming someone new, but as becoming more completely ourselves. The women in these works are not portraits of perfection or invincibility, but embody a grounded strength that comes from living fully and carrying the evidence of that life with grace. Represented by galleries across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, Schuler has exhibited extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with her work held in numerous permanent museum and institutional collections.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
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!
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
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.
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
Ron Guant Studios
•
Art Activity
Join Ron Gaunt in his studio during First Thursday!
He will be showcasing his work including his children book illustrations!
Stop by from 5-7pm on October 1st.
Eureka!
800 W Idaho St • (208) 286-4410
Food & Beverage
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Come back throughout the week and enjoy one of our featured specials!
• EVERY DAY — Happy Hour: 3–6 PM & 9 PM–Close
• MONDAY — $10 Martinis
• TUESDAY — 1/2 Off Wine: 6 oz & 9 oz Pours
• WEDNESDAY — $9 Double Smash Burger with Fries
• THURSDAY — $10 Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned
• SATURDAY & SUNDAY — $8 Bloodys or Mimosas
COME SEE US
Stop by and enjoy Eureka! during our regular hours:
• SUNDAY–THURSDAY — 11 AM–11 PM
• FRIDAY & SATURDAY — 11 AM–Midnight
Suite 104
280 N 8th St •
Music Food & Beverage
Suite 104 is a lively and welcoming cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Boise, serving up thoughtfully crafted cocktails, beer, and wine in a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Happy Hour discounts are extended till the end of the night every First Thursday from 7–11pm! Hosted by local country music band leader Jace Kempke! Everyone 21+ is welcome, anyone can sign up to sing, and everyone is invited to come listen, drink, and enjoy!
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
Once a month on the first Thursday, the vibrant and eclectic space at The Funky Taco comes alive with an exciting evening of live music featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quartet. Pair their signature creative tacos and incredible plant-based fare with our unique form of jazz for a guaranteed unforgettable performance every time we take the stage.
Please check The Funky Taco's Facebook page for upcoming dates and specific event details!