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 5pm -9pm, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
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WHERE'S SPUDDY BUDDY?
During this August's First Thursday, join us in finding Spuddy Buddy! In partnership with the Idaho Potato Commission, Downtown Boise is filled with hidden Spuddy Buddies for you to find in various Downtown businesses. Each participating* location welcomes you to come into their business, shop and try your best to find their hidden potato.
Make sure to tag us in your findings at @downtownboise or by using #Spuddybuddydt!
*Participating business will have a note in their post below and a "🥔" symbol.
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!
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.
Lunatic Fringe Salon
836 W Broad St • (208) 955-0400
Food & Beverage Activity
Discover what’s possible for your hair at Lunatic Fringe Salon during First Thursday! Join us from 5:00–8:00 PM for a complimentary personalized hair consultation with one of our expert stylists. Whether you’re dreaming of a new look, struggling with damage, frizz, dryness, or simply want healthier, more beautiful hair, we’ll help you create a plan tailored just for you. Enjoy our signature luxury oil bar featuring customized Kérastase treatments selected specifically for your hair needs, plus complimentary product samples. While you’re here, treat yourself to Zoch pop-up soda bar with $1 popsicles and handcrafted $3 dirty sodas. Stop in, explore, and experience a little luxury in the heart of downtown Boise.
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
Office Evolution - 🥔
999 W Main St • (208) 501-0002
Food & Beverage
Please join us from 5pm-7pm along with our partners, The Avery Hotel & Restaurant, for complimentary beer, wine and appetizers in our new space in downtown Boise. We have recently expanded and have several new offices available and would love to share them with you.
Avery Restaurant Chef Cal Elliott, a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist, will be providing a limited amount of special appetizers for our early guests to enjoy.
Global entrepreneur and author Suzie Hall will be holding a book signing for her book, "Blessed Disruption." There will be a drawing for a Chandler's gift card for those who purchase a signed copy.
Come and meet Annette Hutcheson with Epic 4 Women! She is bringing a revolutionary therapeutic chair and is offering 5 minutes free for you to try it out.
We're on the ground floor of the One Capital Center Building, between 9th & 10th between Main & Grove.
**Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
The Flicks - 🥔
646 Fulton St • (208) 342-4288
Music
First Thursday on the Patio at the Flicks - Grab your drinks and food from our Rick’s Café counter and head out to the patio to enjoy music by Blaze & Kelly . No cover charge, it is a gift to our Flicks fans!
For more than 25 years, Niccole Blaze and Mo Kelly have shared stages, songs, stories, and harmonies throughout the Treasure Valley — building a musical connection that audiences have come to know and love.
**Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
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.
House of Wine
1008 W Main St • 208-297-9463
Shop Food & Beverage Activity
Come join us at House of Wine for our exciting “First Thursday” event in August!
For this night we’ll put aside our regular wine by the glass options and offer free tastes of 3 great wines from local Idaho favorite Indian Creek Winery!
The festivities begin at 5pm and last until 8pm. This is a free event and no registration is required. We look forward to welcoming you!
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.
August Roaming Artist: Flamenco Idaho
Downtown Boise •
Music
Flamenco Idaho Dancers stroll through the Boise Downtown!
Flamenco Idaho is a performing group drawing inspiration from classical guitar, contemporary dance and art performance, cultural music, and the rich traditions of Flamenco.
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.
**Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
Wassmuth Center for Human Rights
777 S 8th St • 208-345-0304
Art Shop Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Join us at the Center for First Thursday as we partner with Artisans for Hope on August 6 for a special exhibition of The Narrative Thread: Sewn Stories of Refugee Journeys to Idaho. This special open house features a collection of narratives and story quilts crafted in-between 2011 and 2021 by refugees who made Boise home. Through each quilt and accompanying story, discover the threads of courage, resilience, and belonging woven into the fabric of our community.
Thursday, August 6
4:00 - 7:00 PM
We invite you to wander through the Center, meet some of the artists, and connect with the powerful stories that have helped shape Idaho. Docents will be on hand to share more about the connective programs that both Artisans for Hope and the Wassmuth Center provide all year long.
Free and open to the public! Light refreshments provided.
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, TajĂn
* MEXICAN CANDY - Olmeca Altos blanco, watermelon, grilled pineapple, lime, hot sauce, chamoy, TajĂn
* SUMMERTIME SANGRIA - Chablis, St-Germain, pisco, watermelon, strawberry, nectarine, pineapple, orange, lime, cucumber, mintÂ
* WATERMELON-LIME AGUA FRESCA - Watermelon, lime, agave, soda water ADD DHĹŚSÂ 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
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!
**Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
Rediscovered Books - Boise - 🥔
1576 W Grove • (208) 376-4229
Shop Kid-Friendly
This First Thursday, enjoy a popsicle on our newly renovated patio area here at Rediscovered Books. We're staying open until 7 PM just for you! Inside the store, the elusive Spuddy Buddy will be hidden, and the first person to find him gets a prize.
**Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
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
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
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!
Liquid Lounge
405 S 8th St • (208) 287-5379
Music Food & Beverage
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!
Plus Solid has ½ Off Draft Beers, Well Drinks, $2 off all wines and $1 off appetizers from 4pm-6pm & 10pm-Midnight.
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.
City Peanut Shop - 🥔
803 W Bannock St • (208) 433-3931
Food & Beverage
Join us at the City Peanut Shop for a night of fun beer and nut pairings! We will be sampling four yummy carefully selected pairings with local brewery White Dog Brewing. We hope to see you there!
** Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
Solid Grill & Bar
405 S 8th St • (208) 345-6620
Shop Music Food & Beverage
~ ½ Off Draft Beers, Well Drinks, $2 off all wines and $1 off appetizers from 4pm-6pm & 10pm-Midnight.
~ We also have Two Free Comedy Shows! Just the Tips comedy show at 7pm! National touring comedians 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!