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.
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!
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.
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.
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
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
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.
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop Activity
Opening Reception: Alive in the Sun, Solo Exhibition by Benjamin Childress
Thursday, August 06, 2026 | 5PM-9PM
Idaho Art Gallery | 702 W Idaho St #105 | Downtown Boise
Join us for the opening reception of Alive in the Sun, a solo exhibition by Utah artist Benjamin Childress. This poignant body of work explores memory, loss, and the enduring traces of human presence through atmospheric paintings of Salt Lake City alleyways inhabited by luminous shadow-like figures. Inspired by personal grief and the histories embedded within everyday spaces, the artist creates layered compositions that blur the boundaries between past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the people, places, and connections that continue to shape us long after they have faded from view.
Through a process that combines photography, projected colored light, and richly layered oil paint, Childress transforms familiar urban landscapes into contemplative spaces where memory lingers and the human spirit endures. Experience this new exhibition, meet the artist, and spend the evening immersed in thoughtful conversation and reflection.
Boise Art Glass
1124 W Front St • (208) 345-1825
Art Activity
Join us in making glass blown Sundae Cups in our Specialty First Thursday class! In this 30 min class our skilled instructors will walk you through the process of making your very own sundae cup perfect for your summer ice cream. What better way to end the summer!?
August 6th from 4pm to 9pm at Boise Art Glass.
$85 per student
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
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.
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.
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
City Hall Plaza
150 N Capitol Blvd • (208) 384-4422
Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
City of Good partners with the Boise Farmers Market to bring the market to you!
Every Thursday from 1:30-3:00 the Mobile Market is parked at City Hall. From berries to beets, seasonal produce will be available alongside locally sourced meat, cheese, and bread. To ensure that all our neighbors can access the food they need and want, this is a Choose What You Pay market.
See you at the market!