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
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.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
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
Rush Bowls at The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St suite 115 • 208-579-2351
Food & Beverage
Buy ONE smoothie or ONE bowl and get a FREE acai bracelet!
Code: First Thursday
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!
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
All day Happy Hour! Half off appetizers and $4 draft beer, $4 well cocktails, $4 select wines from 11am-11pm every first Thursday in Trillium Restaurant or Trillium Bar.
Call for First Thursday Performing Artists!
816 W Bannock St • (208) 385-7300
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Downtown Boise Association seeks performing artists and activators to implement a variety of one-night roving activations during Supersized First Thursday events from May to September 2024.
New or existing work may be submitted for consideration. The theme is open, but the content must be appropriate for all members of the public. View more details, requirements, compensation, application, and more via the 'Venue Website' button below.
Radio Boise
1020 W Main St • 208-258-2072
Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
We are 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 from Green's Deli and just 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.
The Matador Boise
215 N 8th St • 208-342-9988
Food & Beverage
HAPPY HOUR 4p-6p & 10p-CLOSE (daily)
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 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.
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.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Sun-Thurs 11a-11p
Fri & Sat 11a-1a
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.
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 Freedom Bound Hounds, a non-profit dedicated to saving dogs and helping them find their forever homes in the Pacific Northwest.