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.
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
Capitol Contemporary Gallery
451 S Capitol Blvd • 208-384-9159
Art
Capitol Contemporary Gallery is proud to present Birds of a Feather, a special August exhibition featuring the work of artists Aaron Hazel, Randy Van Dyck, and Richard Burke. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.
The World Center for Birds of Prey serves as the headquarters of The Peregrine Fund, an international nonprofit organization founded in 1970 and dedicated to conserving endangered raptors around the world. Through this collaboration, Birds of a Feather celebrates the beauty, diversity, and significance of birds of prey while highlighting the important work being done to protect these remarkable species.
The public is invited to join us for an opening reception on Thursday, August 6, from 5:00–9:00 PM. This free evening event offers guests the opportunity to meet the artists, experience the exhibition, and enjoy a truly special encounter with LIVE BIRDS OF PREY in attendance from 5:00–7:00 PM. Complimentary wine will also be provided by Vizcaya.
Birds of a Feather will remain on view at Capitol Contemporary Gallery through August 31st.
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Art Shop
Featured artist The Spooky Dinosaur will be joining us to show off his debut Legend of Zelda Midna inspired print to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Twilight Princess. Join us from 4-8pm to meet the artist, see his new print, and get his work signed!
Also, if it happens to be your birthday in August, you and a friend still get 15% off (some exclusions apply) during the First Thursday event.
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.
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.
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.
Dawson Taylor Downtown Coffee House - 🥔
219 N 8th St • (208) 336-5633
Art Food & Beverage
BOGO drinks at Dawson Taylor Downtown! Plus, Find the Spuddy Buddy.
Come for First Thursday Power Hour from 3-5 pm, and bring a friend.
Plus, discover the latest local artwork we have on display.
See you then!
**Where's Spuddy Buddy Participant
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