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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Mixed Greens
213 N 9th St • (208) 344-1605
Art Shop Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
First Thursday is back at Mixed Greens!
Stop by to shop local favorites, meet some wonderful vendors, and enjoy a fun evening downtown. This month’s guests include Curbside Books, Little Blue Shed Art, Idaho Botanical Garden, Payette Brewing, and Amare Jewelry. Come say hello, find something special, and support local businesses and community organizations. See you Thursday!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place)
1000 Myrtle St • (208) 639-6610
Art Kid-Friendly Activity
Free - All Ages - Props Provided
Instructor: Krissy Humphreys
Drop in anytime
First Thursday Raffle, Prizes and Hula Hoop Contest!
Flow arts is a dynamic practice that blends elements of dance, skill-based object manipulation, and creative expression. It often incorporates props such as poi, hula hoops, staffs, fans, and juggling equipment, which are used in rhythmic, fluid movements to create visual artistry or tell a story.
Spin jams are social gatherings for flow artists and anyone curious about flow arts. They offer an inclusive, welcoming space where people of all skill levels can explore prop-based manipulation. These gatherings are the heart of the community—where we come together to share ideas, connect and become part of a community.
Krissy is hosting FREE Flow Arts classes to produce a comprehensive research paper exploring how flow arts can serve as a medium for community building. The paper will focus on the how the role of accessible spin jams can foster social connections, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose through movement and artistic expression.
The mission is to create and foster community through open practices and classes in flow arts. This includes hula hooping, poi dance and other props with dancing.
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!
Amsterdam Lounge
607 W Main St • (208) 345-9515
Art Music Food & Beverage
Abstract Hour - First Thursday is back!!
The perfect sunset evening on the patio showcasing art, music, and cocktails. Leave with your next favorite piece and support local art! Sip on featured drinks and dance with us til late.
Thursday May 7th 7PM-9PM
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