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.
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Drive • (208) 345-8330
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
Find inspiration and get creative at BAM during First Thursday! Admission is “pay what you can,” and the Museum is open late, until 7 p.m., to encourage Access for All. Experience BAM’s current exhibitions, including “Here We Have Idaho: Belonging | Sofía Jaramillo and Ceci Richardson-Salvador.”
🎨 Drop in from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and get creative in our FREE Studio Art Exploration program in BAM’s Education Studios. Make a collage using maps, inspired by “Here We Have Idaho: Belonging”
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
🎁Stop by the BAM STORE to find unique and creative gifts for all ages.
Pennecard Real Estate
121 N 5th St • 208-861-8295
Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
First Thursday is back and this one is for the dads, the grill masters, and anyone who loves a good time downtown. Join Pennecard Real Estate and Prime Lending at our downtown Boise office for a Father’s Day themed evening with dinner, beer, outdoor games, prizes, and great people.
"Yappy Hour" at the Inn at 500 Capitol
500 S Capitol Blvd • (208) 277-0500
Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
This playful gathering from the Inn at 500 Capitol, Idaho Humane Society, and Idaho Wine Commission invites First Thursday Fans to sip, socialize, and enjoy their four-legged companions at a "Yappy Hour."
Adoptable pets from the Idaho Humane Society will be on display, and the Idaho Wine Commission will offer complimentary wine tastings from Telaya Wine Co. and SCORIA Vineyards for those 21+.
Attendees can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a one-night stay in a Deluxe King room at Inn at 500 Capitol, adding extra excitement to an already paw-some evening downtown. On-site donations will also be taken for high-need items for the Idaho Humane Society. A list can be found here: https://idahohumanesociety.org/support/other-ways-to-give/needed-items/
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join the event on-leash!
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.
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
Hotel 43
245 S Capitol Blvd • (208) 333-8000
Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
June 4th, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Sip. Savor. Discover.
Come experience Lobby Hop—Where you can hop from location to location, enjoying multiple Idaho wine tastings
throughout the evening. It’s the perfect way to explore downtown and support local wine during Idaho Wine and Cider Month.
Where To Go:
Hotel43 will have tastings by Gem 73 and Ste. Chapelle Winery
The Grove Hotel will have a tasting by Cinder Wines
Inn at 500 will have tastings by Telaya Wine Co and SCORIA Vineyards
The Avery Hotel will have a tasting by Veer Wine Project
Hotel Renegade will have a tasting by Rolling Hills Vineyard
Residence Inn by Marriott Boise Downtown / City Center will have a tasting by Huston Vineyards
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
Capitol Contemporary Gallery
451 S Capitol Blvd • 208-384-9159
Art
Capitol Contemporary Gallery is proud to present its June exhibitions: Structure and Flow by Terry Vineyard, Embrace by Lisa Flowers Ross, and Partially Polychromed by Gary Holt Peer. Vineyard will showcase a series of paintings inspired by his recent travels through the Pacific Northwest, while Ross will exhibit her hand-dyed fiber works, and Peer will present new wood sculptures featuring polychrome details.
The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, June 4, from 5:00–9:00 PM. This free event offers guests the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy complimentary wine provided by Vizcaya.
An Artist Talk will take place on June 23 at 5:30 PM. The exhibition will remain on view through June 29.
Toy POP!
780 W Main St • 2088590095
Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
Smiski Trading Event! Smiski collectors are welcome to bring smiski figures to trade with other smiski fans! We'll have refreshments, smiski coloring pages, and a raffle to win a smiski plush!
Purchase 5 or more blind boxes and get 10% off!!!
Anesso
1100 W. Idaho St Suite 110 •
Food & Beverage
Anesso will be grilling up some fresh Smash Burgers on the Cherie-Buckner Webb Park Patio. Along with free wine tasting, and of course fresh beer on tap and other tasty beverages.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Boise's ONLY guided social dancing party!
The perfect opportunity to get comfortable on a social dance floor in a safe and fun environment!
Practice your moves and meet our dance community! Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay 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!
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class from 7:00pm—7:45pm
Social Dancing Party from 7:45—8:30pm
Treefort Music Hall
722 W Broad St. •
Food & Beverage Activity
Bingo & babes, what more could you ask for? Rally your crew and come out for First Thursday celebrating pride month! Elle Nouveaux, Kara Mel, Mxstress Delicious, and Miz Wafer join the fray for a drag-licious twist on bingo in the Hall. We’re slinging swanky prizes all evening, PLUS proceeds benefit Dragfort through Treefort for Good! See ya there ;)
*ticket includes (2) Bingo Cards
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Art Shop
This First Thursday come join us from 4-8pm and meet one of our favorite local artists, Villtura! She'll be here signing prints and showing off some of her new stuff!
If you have anything of hers that you would like to have signed, please bring it by!
Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Inc
611 W Grove Street • 208-343-2671
Art Shop Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Join us at the Basque Museum for all sorts of First Thursday activities! Open from 5:30-8:00pm with FREE admission to the Museum & Boardinghouse, wine tastings, and take part in a free art project with local Basque artist, Marianne Schaffeld Uberuaga Belaustegui. We will also be highlighting another Basque artist and bench jeweler, Lori Salutregui Aguirre, of Etxetxu Jewelry & Sweet Relish Style Jewelry & Designs. Come by and check it all out!
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
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.
Solid Grill & Bar
405 S 8th St • (208) 345-6620
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Activity
½ Off Draft Beers, Well Drinks, $2 off all wines and $1 off appetizers from 4pm-6pm & 10pm-Midnight
We also have Free Comedy shows at 7pm & 9pm in the Solid Cellar!
~ 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! Liquid Laughs in the Solid Cellar
The Balcony Club
150 N 8th St • (208) 336-1313
Art
Karaoke for those that want to be in bed by 10. Every First Thursday we have Early-Oke starting at 6pm - 9:30pm. Benji is ready to help you have the best early evening ever! And if the fun is just to much to end, we will keep it going till 2am! Come sing it out at The Balcony!
Liquid Lounge
405 S 8th St • (208) 287-5379
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Activity
First Thursday at 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!
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop Activity
Opening Reception: "Meanwhile, Out West" by Bonnie Griffith
702 W Idaho St #105 – Idaho Art Gallery
Thursday, June 04, 2026 | 5-9PM
Join us for the opening reception of Meanwhile, Out West, a solo exhibition by acclaimed landscape artist Bonnie Griffith, on Thursday, June 04 at IAG Boise.
This body of work reflects Griffith’s deep connection to the Western landscape and the quiet presence of the animals that inhabit it. Working in both oil paint and pastel, she captures the rhythms of open land, including its shifting light, weather, and familiar figures of cows and horses that become both subjects and storytellers. Through layered surfaces and expressive mark-making, each painting invites viewers into a West that feels both expansive and intimate.
Raised on a cattle ranch in north-central Montana and now based in southwestern Idaho, Griffith has built a distinguished career as both artist and educator. Her work is featured in galleries across the West and held in museum and commercial collections throughout the region. A celebrated Plein Air painter and award-winning pastel artist, she is also an active teacher, juror, and longtime leader in the regional arts community.
Alongside Griffith’s solo exhibition, explore our current open-theme group show featuring local and national artists. This rotating presentation offers a dynamic mix of styles, media, and perspectives throughout the month.
While you’re here, be sure to visit our curated gift shop, featuring small-format artworks, original pieces, and locally made artisanal goods perfect for unique gifts or something special for your own collection.
Join us for art, conversation, and community in the heart of downtown Boise. We’d love to celebrate with you.
Chi E Shenam Westin Art
1020 Main St • 208-440-2107
Art Music
New paintings, paintings from Zion National Park and winter in the magic valley.
A full year of paintings featuring plein air from Kathryn Albertson Park. This collection of paintings were created between April and October of 2025! We have small 8x10 paintings up to 24x30 inch paintings in oil.
Swing by and say hello and enjoy live music from John Ceccarelli!
Complimentary portraits downstairs with Allen Ansel.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
800 W Main St • (208) 426-8000
Food & Beverage
Join us to celebrate Idaho Wine Month and sample some delicious tastes from Split Rail Winery. We will also be offering a complimentary Beef Tenderloin Slider with the purchase of any item from our Happy Hour Menu. Stop by from 4:30 to 6:30pm to kick off some Sizzling Summer Fun at Ruth's Chris!
JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place)
1000 Myrtle St • (208) 639-6610
Kid-Friendly Activity
America 250: First Thursdays at JUMP — We the People: Becoming American
Join us for an evening of live storytelling featuring the voices of Americans whose journey to the U.S. started with displacement. Explore Idaho's resettlement history, hear firsthand accounts from storytellers representing Ukraine, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and experience the cultural heritages they continue to carry with them as they contribute to the American experiment.
Come early (doors open at 5 p.m.!) to explore Boise Public Library's Excitetrike and check out books, games, and activities!
This event is free and open to everyone, with registration encouraged.
This event is presented by the City of Boise in partnership with the Idaho Office for Refugees and hosted at JUMP, part of the City of Boise's America 250 celebration. For a full schedule of city-sponsored America 250 events, visit cityofboise.org/America250.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:00 p.m. Drinks & small bites available for purchase (optional)
6:30 p.m. Program begins (6th Floor, Pioneer Room)
PARKING
To access JUMP, we encourage you to use public transportation or carpool. Paid parking options are limited at JUMP and ParkBOI facilities. Plan ahead!
QUESTIONS
For more information, email artsandhistory@cityofboise.org or call 208-608-7050.
ACCESSIBILITY
The City of Boise is committed to ensuring equal access to all public meetings, programs, and services. Reasonable accommodations and effective communication—such as ASL interpretation, materials in alternative formats and language access—are available at no cost to facilitate participation. To request an accommodation, please contact us at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call 208-972-8500, TTY: 711.
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.
Art Source Gallery
1516 Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art
Celebrate First Thursday with “Currency Worth Wearing!”, featuring the coin jewelry artistry of Aidan Poe at Art Source Gallery. Poe transforms historic coins into handcrafted rings, pendants and earrings. Meet the artist, enjoy live music and refreshments, and explore this unique exhibition during the opening reception, June 4, from 5–9 p.m.
Idaho Websites Grand Opening!
1020 W Main St •
Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Idaho Websites is officially moving to Main Street! To celebrate our company's 7th anniversary, and our new home in the historic Alaska Building, we are hosting a Grand Opening & First Thursday Open House on Thursday, June 4th. We'll kick things off with a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony at 4:00 PM at the Alaska Center (our entrance is via the alleyway). Then, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the space transforms into a full-blown block party featuring a live set by Boise electronic staple DJ Psycache, with some local drinks, and snacks.
Come raise a glass, meet our resident web design and digital marketing team, and celebrate this massive new chapter with us!
Dawson Taylor Downtown Coffee House
219 N 8th St • (208) 336-5633
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Come join us for an epic First Thursday event from 5-7pm!
You can expect:
- A flower bloom bar where you can build your own bouquet
- Permanent Jewelry from the Ritzy Rose
- Live music from Kiri Music
- BOGO Drinks & first access to our summer drink launch
- New art on our gallery walls
We can't wait to hang out, see you there!
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music
First Thursday Jazz Night at The Funky Taco! Live Jazz music from 6:30 - 8:30pm.
Title Nine
170 N 8th St • (208) 342-1493
Shop Activity
Title Nine Boise is open late for you- with special Guest: Stretch Lab stop by, get a FREE stretch, see what's new, check out our sale items ** buy 2 or more SALE ITEMS FIRST THURSDAY ONLY save 20 %.
OR sign up for SMS and get 10 % off your full price purchase.
Wassmuth Center for Human Rights
777 S 8th St • 208-345-0304
Art Music
Step inside the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights for a special First Thursday evening of art, music, and reflection. From 4:00 –7:00 PM, experience the powerful work of artist Tom Callos as he unveils 24 portraits from his striking “Upstander” series.
A martial artist and an accomplished relief printmaker, Callos is on a mission to create 1,000 portraits honoring people who have shaped the world through courage, compassion, and action. His expressive prints capture the spirit of individuals who inspire us to take action and create a better world together.
Guests are invited to wander the Wassmuth Center throughout the evening, meet Tom and hear about the stories behind the work, and enjoy live music from local violinist Lana Entringer. Free and open to the public!