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.
Don't miss out on the fun, receive an email reminder by filling out the form here.
Thank You to Our 2023 First Thursday Sponsors:
Radio Boise
1020 W Main St • 208-258-2072
Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Come down to Radio Boise for some great music, food and FUN. We will have a live DJ spinning tunes as well as some fun swag to rep your favorite community radio station. We welcome you in to our home away from home in the basement of the Alaska Building in downtown Boise for an Open Station on First Thursday. Radio Boise’s station manager, Nichole Marie will be there to show you around, share some food and adult beverages for those 21+. Come see what a community radio station is all about from 5pm-8pm. First Thursday in Downtown Boise
Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery
610 W Grove St • (208) 426-0538
Food & Beverage
Enjoy happy hour cocktails this Thursday & everyday from 4-6pm. Get a 2 oz pour of gold medal winning Vodkas, Gin, Rums & Whiskey made by us on site instead of someone's well booze from who knows where. Today, each of our locations is a popular choice for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or a drink on the patio. With food that’s unique to Idaho and handcrafted cocktails that are unique to Bardenay, it’s an experience worth coming back for.
Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar
1022 W Main St • 208-387-2739
Music Food & Beverage Activity
WaFd Bank is hosting a classic car show for October First Thursday in Downtown Boise!
Where: WaFd Bank parking lot on the corner of 11th & Main St!
Food: The Kilted Kod Food Truck and Guru Donuts
Live music
Idaho British Car Club cars
AND beers from Barbarian Brewing!
A limited number of free beers will be provided by WaFd Bank. Make sure to show up early!
Extra beers available for purchase.
Must be 21 and older with proof of valid ID to drink alcohol.
Outdoor event, make sure to dress for the weather.
JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place)
1000 Myrtle St • (208) 639-6610
Art Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
THURSDAY OCTOBER 5TH 5-9PM
Ghost stories, pumpkin painting, and spooky decor galore--every First Thursday, JUMP comes alive to celebrate community. This month we'll be getting ready for the coming spooky month with family-friendly activities.
- Ghost Stories by Ben Kemper
- Live storytelling by local high schoolers
- Costume Making
- Flash Mob Dance Instruction (to be performed at JUMP-or-Treat)
- Halloween Movie on the JUMP-otron (a family-friendly film about three sisters that happen to be witches)
Silly Birch
507 W Main St • (208) 344-1889
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Happy Hour from 3pm-8pm!
Enjoy a live DJ on Thursday evening!
What bar would be complete without a few games to blow off steam? After you grab a drink, feel free to ask any of our staff to borrow a pool cue or set of darts and play away!
Erma Hayman House
617 Ash St • 208-608-7050
Food & Beverage Activity
Treat yourself to a fun night by making plans to visit the Erma Hayman House on First Thursday!
Starting on June 1 and every first Thursday through October, swing by 617 Ash Street anytime between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. to learn more about Erma Hayman, her house, and the River Street Neighborhood, while enjoying light appetizers and refreshments from local vendors.
This event is free and open to the public. Parking near and around the house is limited. Please plan ahead to find parking or use alternative transportation.
Handlebar Trike Races
1519 W Main St • (208) 344-0068
Food & Beverage Activity
Free to play!
Join us every Thursday at 8pm for indoor racing!
Our trike creations are made in-house with a new trike every month.
Prizes for top 3 winners.
No pre-registration required– just show up!
We carry 24 unique craft beers on tap.
Cactus Bar
517 W Main St • (208) 342-9732
Food & Beverage Activity
Welcome to the Cactus Bar, where laughter, camaraderie, and bingo reign supreme! Join us every first and third Thursday of the month for an exhilarating evening of free-to-play bingo that will leave you in stitches.
Step into our vibrant and cozy venue, adorned with colorful banners, twinkling lights, and an ambiance that exudes pure excitement. As you settle into your seat, you'll notice a lively crowd, eagerly clutching their bingo cards, awaiting the next number to be called.
Our charismatic and quick-witted host takes center stage, armed with a microphone and an arsenal of hilarious jokes and witty commentary. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience as they infuse the evening with their infectious energy and impeccable sense of humor. From cheeky puns to unexpected one-liners, they will keep you entertained throughout the night, ensuring that laughter echoes through every corner of the bar.
Now, let's talk prizes—oh, the prizes! We believe in rewarding our players with an array of enticing treasures that will make your heart skip a beat. The excitement is palpable as each round inches closer to the grand prize, making every number called a potential game-changer.
As the game progresses, you'll find yourself engrossed in the competitive spirit, surrounded by newfound friends and fellow bingo enthusiasts. But it's not just about winning; it's about the journey and the shared experience. The Cactus Bar is a place where strangers become friends, cheering each other on, commiserating over near-misses, and celebrating victories together.
And let's not forget the delightful selection of libations available at the bar. Sip on a creatively crafted cocktail, enjoy a chilled beer, or indulge in a nice glass of fine boxed wine—all designed to enhance your enjoyment and heighten the sense of merriment.
So, whether you're a seasoned bingo pro or a novice looking to dip your toes into this addictive game of chance, the Cactus Bar welcomes you with open arms. Mark your calendars and join us every first and third Thursday of the month for a free-to-play bingo extravaganza that combines humor, camaraderie, and the opportunity to win fabulous prizes. Get ready to shout "BINGO!" and create memories that will keep you smiling long after the final number is called.