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 happen all throughout the day, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
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Step right up for October’s First Thursday on 8th Street! Enjoy carnival-inspired fun while you shop, play and dine your way down the block and show some love to our 8th Street businesses.
Boise Art Glass
1124 W Front St • (208) 345-1825
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
What's better than pumpkins? Glow-in-the-dark pumpkins!
In this 30 min class students will learn how to make glow-in-the-dark pumpkins! Your instructor will walk you through the process of making your very own spooky pumpkin just in time for Halloween. This class fills up fast so reserve your spot now!
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
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
Ron Guant Studios
•
Art Activity
Join Ron Gaunt in his studio during First Thursday!
He will be showcasing his work including his children book illustrations!
Stop by from 5-7pm on October 1st.
Cactus Bar
517 W Main St • (208) 342-9732
Food & Beverage Activity
Karaoke baby!!! Anyone can come in and sing. Starting from 9 pm till close every 1st Thursday. (And actually we do Karaoke every Thursday not just 1st Thursday). Come in and sing your heart out...or just come in and watch and listen. Actual customer quote, "Some of the worst singing but the most fun they had every had!"