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.
Meriwether Cider House
224 N 9th St • (208)972-6725
Art Food & Beverage Activity
Get crafty this First Thursday and make your own Valentine’s Day cards! We’ll have supplies on hand to help you create something heartfelt, funny, or a little quirky. Grab a cider, get creative, and spread the love!
Rediscovered Books - Boise
1576 W Grove • (208) 376-4229
Art Shop Activity
Build Your Own Blind Date with a Book!
Looking for something special for that special someone? We can help you out! Pick out a book, puzzle, or other items as a gift from Rediscovered Books and then you can zhuzz it up for a one-of-a-kind present. We will have lots of fun add-ons for your special someone to let them know how much you care.
We will provide supplies, any needed advice, and work space!
The Art Room Inc.
508 South 5th Street •
Art Food & Beverage
Gabe Watkins is the Art Room's featured artist of February. Join us on February's first Thursday to see the show. Admission is free. Coffee and affogatos will be for sale at the coffee bar.
As a part of his show titled "Unmedicated ADHD", Gabe has put together an interactive art installation in the Cafe of Momentum Roasting Co and the Art Room. You have the opportunity to join Gabe's team and help him complete the principal piece of his show.
At the showcase event, Thursday February 5, Gabe will have a full wall covered in a grid of 8-tracks with one large image traced across the grid. The following Saturday (February 7), a small team of people will have the opportunity to work with Gabe to complete this installation by filling in the traced image. Each individual 8-track will be painted to create one cohesive mural for "Unmedicated ADHD".
Show 2/5 5-8pm
Workshop 2/7 4-8pm
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop Activity
Opening Reception: PORTALS by Scott Blaser
702 W Idaho St #105 – Idaho Art Gallery
Join us for the opening reception of PORTALS, a solo exhibition by abstract artist Scott Blaser on Thursday, February 05 from 5-9PM at IAG Boise!
This compelling body of work explores the relationship between line and color as points of entry between control and chance, intuition and material process. Using handmade acrylic paints created from raw pigments, Blaser builds layered, dimensional surfaces inspired by natural systems, movement, and transformation. Mark your calendars to experience this new exhibition, meet the artist, and spend the evening immersed in thoughtful abstraction and conversation.
Blaser’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in the United States and Europe, including presentations in London and across the Intermountain West. His practice is rooted in decades of material exploration and international study, with a focus on process-driven abstraction that emphasizes depth, spatial tension, and the physical origins of color.
Alongside Blaser’s solo exhibition, explore our current open-theme group show featuring 15+ local and national artists. This evolving exhibition is refreshed regularly, with new work added and selections rotated throughout the month—offering a dynamic mix of styles, media, and perspectives.
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 adding something special to your own collection.
Join us for art, conversation, and community in the heart of downtown Boise. We’d love to celebrate with you.
The Balcony Club
150 N 8th St • (208) 336-1313
Art Music
For those who want to karaoke but have a bedtime! First Thursdays is for Early-Oke at The Balcony Club! Come sing, have a cocktail or one of our many NA Drinks and be in your PJ's in time to watch the news! The fun kicks off at 6pm on Thursday Feb 5th!
Art Source Gallery
1516 Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
First Thursday: Opening Reception of “Echos of Service” at Art Source Gallery
Echoes of Service is a juried art exhibition honoring the creativity, resilience and voices of U.S. military Veterans participating in the Idaho VA Veterans’ Creative Arts Collective. Hosted by Art Source Gallery, the exhibition features two- and three-dimensional works that explore art as expression, healing and connection.
On view Feb. 2–28, 2026, at Art Source Gallery, 1516 Grove St. A public opening reception and recognition ceremony will be held on First Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 5:00-9:00 PM. There will be live music, snacks and a chance to meet the artists.
Chi E Shenam Westin Art
1020 Main St • 208-440-2107
Art Music
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. Two 18" x 24" oil on canvas plein air paintings from Eagle Extreme Plein Air.
Swing by and say hello and enjoy live music from John Ceccarelli!
Complimentary portraits downstairs with Allen Ansel.
Gallery 601 on The Grove
8th & Front on The Grove Plaza • (208) 336-5899
Art Shop
Celebrate McCall Winter Carnival with Iconic Americana Artist Jane Wooster Scott. We have set aside a limited number of this vintage limited edition hand signed print for just this occasion. We are offering these prints at a 50% discount and just a tad over 40% off framed prints. Sale ends at the end of the Winter Carnival Feb. 8th.
Stop by the gallery on the Grove Plaza between 10-3 or shop on line. But hurry limited inventory and a limited time to purchase this memorable work of art.
Capitol Contemporary Gallery
451 S Capitol Blvd • 208-384-9159
Art
Capitol Contemporary Gallery is pleased to present its February exhibition featuring paintings by JanyRae Seda and Easton Soule, along with sculpture and jewelry by Evan Senderowicz. Seda’s vibrant, richly textured paintings celebrate colorful landscapes, while Soule’s silver gelatin prints—created using traditional darkroom techniques—offer a compelling view of the natural world. Senderowicz presents sculptural works alongside wearable jewelry.
Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, February 5, from 5:00–9:00 PM. Meet the artists, enjoy a glass of wine courtesy of Vizcaya, and experience this dynamic new exhibition.
The event is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view through February 28.
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Art Shop Kid-Friendly
Come celebrate your birthday with your friends at Re-POP! If your birthday is in January or February, or if you know someone who was born in either of these months, bring them down to party it up this First Thursday!
If it's your birth month, you and your friend will receive a special treat - 15% off your entire purchase*!
And that's not all! As an extra bonus, if it's your birth month, you will also receive a birthday treat bag filled with surprises. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate your special day with us at Re-POP Gifts LLC!
*cannot be combined with other offers, some exclusions apply
Boise Contemporary Theater
854 Fulton St • (208) 331-9224
Art Shop Food & Beverage
5:30-6:30 pm, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, is Happy Hour! Mingle over discounted drinks and complimentary charcuterie while viewing local art in our lobby, and get discounted tickets from our box office to stay for that night’s show! Tap beers, ciders, and wines are $1 off, while tickets to our current production are $20 for preview nights and/or 20% off other performances (excluding opening and closing nights) when you buy directly from our box office during this event. Also available for purchase are coffee from Dawson Taylor and treats from The Chocolat Bar, and City Peanut Shop. Get a ticket to that night’s show at a great discount! When happy hour is over, the theater house opens so you can relax in the theater with your discounted drink.
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 “Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love | from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.”
🎨 Drop in from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and get creative in our FREE Studio Art Exploration program in BAM’s Education Studios. Create a sculpture using air dry clay and beads, inspired by Jeffrey Gibson’s artwork.
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.
Solid Grill & Bar
405 S 8th St • (208) 345-6620
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Activity
Liquid Laughs in the Solid Cellar!
Comedy Show! National headlining comedian Daniel Speranza! Doors 6pm Show starts at 7pm! Get tickets at solidboise.com
Followed by Free comedy! Treasure Valleys funniest comedians and some first timers! Free Comedy! Free Laughs! Sign ups at 9pm Show starts at 9:30pm.
ART HAUS BAR by KIN
999 W Main St •
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Stroll in and have a cocktail with us, perhaps a burger or noodles. Stay for dessert and maybe a round of darts or one of our many board games. As your evening ebbs and flows, so might your drink and food preferences. With a full bar that includes beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, we’ll always have a menu item to match your mood.
Sober-curious or fully immersed in the NA life? That choice was not an afterthought. Your drink shouldn’t be either. Welcome back to the night life.
Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 4–11 PM
Join us for Happy Hour from 4–5 PM and again 10–11 PM, because one just isn’t enough.
Enjoy 20% off everything: food, drinks, top-shelf spirits, and even merch. No fine print, just good times.
Come early, stay late, or do both.
Curbside Books: Trolley Gallery
816 W Bannock St • (208) 385-7300
Art Kid-Friendly Activity
Curbside Books is rolling into First Thursday with a micro art gallery inside a restored trolley, featuring a new local artist each month. Step inside for a fun art stop in downtown Boise.
February's artist: Jessica Evett
Jessica Evett is a local linocut artist. Her playful approach to traditional block printing methods and collage provides unique, handmade artwork with character that fits with any budget. If you aren't exactly sure what goes into a linocut print, Evett will be there with an array of hand-carved Valentine Day stamps/blocks and prints ranging from the thoughtful to slightly snarky. Print your own card or pick up a pre-made print for your sweetheart (even if that's just you)! The trolley will hold a variety of Evett's editioned prints, collage panels, bookmarks, cards, and textiles that make thoughtful gifts for any time of year. Or just swing by to view local art and see how the Trolley Gallery experience rolls.
Look for the trolley Thursday, February 5th, on Bannock between 8th and 9th from 5pm - 9pm
Lenses & Brushes
404 S 8TH ST, L100 • 2085902612
Art Shop Activity
First Thursday | Featured Photographer Opening
Thursday, February 5 | 5–8 PM
Join us for our February First Thursday as we celebrate our first Featured Photographer, Jerry Miller.
Eight selected works will be on display in the lower level lobby from February 1–21, showcasing Jerry’s unique photographic vision and craftsmanship.
Stop by for an evening of art, conversation, and community. Meet the artist, explore the work, and experience photography as a shared creative language.
Lenses & Brushes – Lower Level Lobby
Exhibition Dates: February 1–21
Opening Reception: February 5, 5–8 PM
Liquid Lounge
405 S 8th St • (208) 287-5379
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Activity
Comedy Show! National headlining comedian Daniel Speranza! Doors 6pm Show starts at 7pm! Get tickets at liquidboise.com
Followed by Free comedy! Treasure Valleys funniest comedians and some first timers! Free Comedy! Free Laughs! Sign ups at 9pm Show starts at 9:30pm
Boise Art Glass
1124 W Front St • (208) 345-1825
Art Shop Activity
Make-Your-Own Heart Shaped Bowls
Whether you want to make a gift for your Valentine, or, give them a gift of an experience, this class is for you!
In this 30-minute class, your instructor will walk you through the process of making your very own heart bowl. Your one-of-a-kind bowl will be the perfect Valentine's Day gift or a fun keepsake for you! February is the month of love, so what better way to celebrate than with a fun glassblowing class!
Beginner-friendly
$75 per student ( 1 student per class)
New items every month
1 item per 30 min class