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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September First Thursday Live Art Show!
Join us on the Grove Plaza from 3:00 - 7:00 PM to watch local artists and students from the Idaho Fine Arts Academy do live mural painting. Stop by while enjoying all of your favorite First Thursday activities around Downtown Boise!
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September First Thursday Partner
Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park is widely recognized as the premier cultural event in the Northwest. This open-air festival, held on the weekend following Labor Day each September, provides visitors of all ages and interests with the opportunity to meet 240 artists and purchase their works.
Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park: September 11 - 13, 2026
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.
Boise Art Glass - 🎨
1124 W Front St • (208) 345-1825
Art Shop Activity
Pumpkins are back!! Join us and learn how to make a pumpkin in this 30-minute class! Your instructor will walk you through the process providing step-by-step guidance to help you create your very own gord-ous pumpkin! Sign up for a class anytime between 4pm and 9pm.
Art Source Gallery - 🎨
1516 Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Join Art Source Gallery for the opening reception of “The Quiet Between the Horizons”, an exhibition of original oil paintings by Boise artist Lisa Bower on Thursday, Sept 3, from 5 to 9 pm.. The collection captures peaceful landscapes illuminated by changing light and dramatic skies. Come meet the artist and enjoy live music and refreshments. The exhibit will be on display through the month of September.
Idaho Art Gallery - 🎨
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop
Opening Reception: Archeology: Hidden Treasures, a Solo Exhibition by Martha Channer.
Thursday, September 03 | 5-9PM
Idaho Art Gallery | 702 W Idaho St #105 | Downtown Boise
Join us for the opening reception of Archeology: Hidden Treasures, a solo exhibition by local artist Martha Channer, an installation that explores the unity of opposites through the metaphor of an archaeological excavation. Blending symbolism, fantasy, and personal vision, the exhibition invites viewers on a journey beneath the surface—both literally and psychologically—to uncover the hidden landscapes of the unconscious mind. Through a series of mixed-media works, sculptural elements, and installation components, each discovery reveals another layer in a larger narrative while standing as a unique work in its own right.
Inspired by archaeology, mythology, and the shared human experience, the exhibition combines richly textured mixed-media paintings with interactive and environmental elements that encourage curiosity and reflection. Meet the artist, experience this one-of-a-kind installation, and spend the evening exploring an imaginative world where hidden treasures, symbolism, and storytelling come together.
Live Art Show on The Grove Plaza!
827 W Main St •
Art Kid-Friendly
September First Thursday Live Art Show!
Join us on the Grove Plaza from 3:00 - 7:00 PM to watch local artists and students from the Idaho Fine Arts Academy do live mural painting. Stop by while enjoying all of your favorite First Thursday activities around Downtown Boise!
Artists:
Miriam Mason
Sofia Torres
Jenny Valenzuela
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.
Toy POP!
780 W Main St • 2088590095
Art Shop Kid-Friendly Activity
We're dropping NEEDOH for first Thursday!
The Needoh will drop at 4:00, line will start at the back door through the breezeway.
We will issue tickets to line holders.
Limit four total per customer, with no more than one per style.
In addition to everyone's favorite squishy, we'll have 10% off all art supplies all day!
Our coloring station will be set up with super hero masks to color and help your little ones get ready for the Boise Comic Arts Festival!