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:
Idaho State Museum
610 N Julia Davis Dr • (208) 334-2120
Kid-Friendly Activity
Enjoy free admission at the Idaho State Museum on Thursday, August 1st. Drop in for a guided tour led by a certified tour guide, offered at 5:30PM and 6:30PM. Tours are 45 minutes and cover the highlights of the Museum exhibits. In addition, come by and see our newest traveling exhibition "Courage and Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American World War II Experience" from Go For Broke National Education Center in the Syringa Gallery and our newest pop-up exhibit "Fighting the Odds: The Life and Legacy of Senator Frank Church" in the Canyon Gallery! Weather permitting, visit our outdoor exhibits in Pioneer Village.
The Museum will be open from 5pm – 8pm. Last admission is 7:15pm.
Flamenco Idaho
Downtown Boise •
Art Music Kid-Friendly
Flamenco Idaho is a performing group who draws inspiration from classical guitar, contemporary dance/art performance, cultural music and Flamenco. We are focused on performing new and traditional works that represent the artists that comprise the group. We come from a varying background including: classical, cultural and experimental music, numerous dance forms, visual art and poetry.
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.
Ink Spa
404 S 8th St • (208)315-6664
Art Shop Activity
$50 piercings - including jewelry - September - December First Thursdays at Ink Spa! Bring a friend and walk in between 4 and 9 PM to get that piercing you've been wanting. Not enough needles? Get a tattoo while you're in too! What better art experience than new ink!
Live Music! Cross Country
Downtown Boise •
Art Music Kid-Friendly
Cross Country has singer-songwriter roots with a penchant for classic country music. Whether not-so-subtly stealing ideas from Josh Ritter or doing their best Willie Nelson impression, Cross Country is sure to impress your dad. When not playing music, they're probably up running in Boise's foothills, stopping occasionally to spot birds in the brush.
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.
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.
Treefort Music Hall
722 W Broad St. •
Music Kid-Friendly
Duck Club Presents a FREE, all ages First Thursday show at Treefort Music Hall! Shamarr Allen and The Gold Souls are bringing groovy, funky, soulful music straight to Boise. The Gold Souls are all things soul soothing, booty shakin' boogie music! This eight-piece cosmic soul sensation's unique brand of boogie is driven by deep grooves, soaring horns, and powerhouse vocals. Shamarr Allen is the epitome of New Orleans Music! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip hop, rock, funk, blues and country, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Willie Nelson, Galactic, Patti Labelle, Harry Connick Jr. and Lenny Kravitz. Come get groovy for this FREE show! Doors are at 5pm, show starts at 5:30pm and is all ages.
Chandlers Prime Steaks | Fine Seafood
981 W Grove St • (208) 383-4300
Food & Beverage
Join us for Social Hour on First Thursday at Chandlers! Located in the heart of downtown Boise, our sophisticated lounge combines elegance with exceptional fare and cocktails. Enjoy $10 bites such as Pacific Oysters, American Wagyu Sliders, and Spicy Popcorn Shrimp, paired with $10 sips like the Classic Champagne Cocktail, Cosmopolitan, and more. Unwind with us from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
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!
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.
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
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.
The Matador Boise
215 N 8th St • 208-342-9988
Food & Beverage
HAPPY HOUR 4p-6p & 10p-CLOSE (daily)
Come in and be enveloped by our passion for the most daring of spirits. For brave, fresh Mexican flavors, and beautiful scratch-made cocktails. For 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.
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.
NEW LATE NIGHT HOURS!!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Sun-Thurs 11:00a - Midnight
Fri & Sat 11:00a - 1:00a
Capitol Contemporary Gallery
451 S Capitol Blvd • 208-384-9159
Art
Capitol Contemporary Gallery is pleased to announce Refraction, a new exhibition for the month of August. Toby Davis and Josh Udesen will showcase paintings inspired by water, rivers, and lakes and what lies beneath the surface. Additionally, we will feature D’Arcy Bellamy’s subtractive sculptures fabricated from steel pipe.
Please join us at the gallery on First Thursday, August 1st from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The artists will be in attendance, and we will be serving wine by Vizcaya Winery.
The show is free, open to the public, and runs through January 30th.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Activity
Come join us on the Dance Floor for our Free Open House! 7:15pm — 8:45pm.
Starting at 7:15pm, we’ll host a beginner friendly group class. You’ll learn the basics to a variety of dances and what makes each one unique.
At 8:00pm, we’ll shift into Social Dancing! Practice your moves, meet our dance community, and enjoy some tasty treats!
Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay and practice to music.
No partner required — or bring your friends. We love to see couples who want to dance together, too. Everyone is welcome, no experience required!
The Avery
1010 W Main St • (208) 990-1010
Food & Beverage
Join us on August 1st to experience The Avery Brasserie and Tiner's Alley!
Enjoy a FREE well cocktail, beer, or glass of wine with purchase of an entree during lunch in the Brasserie. Lunch is offered from 11am-2pm.
In Tiner's Alley enjoy our happy hour menu all night! $5 and $10 offerings available 3pm-10pm. See you there!
SHIFT boutique
807 W Bannock St • 208-331-7806
Art Shop
TAG SALE at SHIFT boutique! Join us First Thursday, we'll be hosting artist Jacey Peterson - showcasing her art. Then join us all weekend long for TAG SALE deals.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
House of Wine
1008 W Main St • 208-297-9463
Shop Food & Beverage
Join House of Wine for our August “First Thursday” event!!
We will be featuring Idaho’s very own, Koenig Vineyards!! Enjoy complimentary splashes of 3 of their fantastic wines with the option to purchase a full glass or bottle.
Supporting local never tasted so good!
Everything kicks off at 5pm and goes until 8pm. We hope to see you there!"
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.
Art Source Gallery
1516 W Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art
Art Source Gallery First Thursday opening reception of “Trees and Water, The Essence of Life” exhibit by artist Linda Huene-Solomon. The public is invited to come meet the artist and enjoy live music and treats at the opening reception Thursday, August 1, 5:00- 9:00 pm. The show will be on display at Art Source Gallery throughout the month of August.
Richard's Restaurant & Bar
500 S Capitol Blvd • (208) 472-1463
Food & Beverage
Experience Boise's Best Happy Hour at Richard's, featuring the $15 2-for-1 "Copy & Paste" cocktail list. $10 wines by the glass, $5 drafts, $10 cocktails (including N/A cocktails), as well as app specials. Available in Richard's bar from 2pm to 9pm!
Live Performance! Rippled Activations
Downtown Boise •
Art Music Kid-Friendly
Rippled Activations is a collaborative project that brings together live figure drawing and violin, involving three emerging creatives local to Boise. Kamryn Rose Boykin is a visual and time based artist. Kamryn is dedicated to the exploration of the body and using mediums like video, drawing, and performance to delve into the many levels of the psyche. Sydney Blood is a lifelong dancer, choreographer, and aspiring poet. The dynamic movements and poignant poetry in her work cultivate an intense empathy between dancer and audience. Joshua Emara is a self taught violinist who’s gained local notoriety for his dancing violin act. His passion for music has informed his transition from dancer to composing original music set to culminate in an album.
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!
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*
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
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!
Meriwether Cider House
224 N 9th St • (208)972-6725
Food & Beverage Activity
Join us for Downtown Boise Association's 1st Thursday! Get your creative juices flowing by making your very own pet rock! With just the right amount of love your new pet will live forever, no food, water, or exercise required!
We have all the supplies to bring your lil guy to life for free while you sip one of our 20 craft ciders!
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.