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.
Idaho State Museum
610 N Julia Davis Dr • (208) 334-2120
Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration
Embark on a free holiday experience at the Idaho State Museum on the First Thursday of December 2026. Start with a variety of tastings from locally made wine to tea and take 15% off purchases from our curated gift shop collections. Enjoy sweets and savories while listening to live holiday caroling by Gemma Arts, and participate in a family friendly craft. Free hot cocoa and candy canes will be available, along with an appearance by a special holiday character.
Ron Gaunt 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.
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
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
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!"
Graeber & Company Lifestyle Salon + Facial Bar
420 W Main St • (208) 343-4915
Shop Activity
Join Graeber & Company and Roast & Vine for a holiday market style First Thursday in downtown Boise.
Come shop, sip, and celebrate the season with us. We’re bringing together some of our favorite local makers and friends for an evening that makes holiday gifting feel a little more joyful.
What to expect:
- A Graeber holiday market filled with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list
- Music from DJ It Was Jack
- Permanent jewelry from The Ritzy Rose
- Bites from Tasty Touches Catering
- Sweet treats from Leesa's Chocolates
- Wine tasting from The Wine Merchants
And a few more surprises along the way
Bring a friend, check a few names off your list, and spend the evening with us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
📍 Graeber & Company, 420 W Main St. Ste. 101A, Downtown Boise
🗓 Thursday, December 3
🕔 5 to 8 PM