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.
____________________________________________________________________
Step right up for October’s First Thursday on 8th Street! Enjoy carnival-inspired fun while you shop, play and dine your way down the block and show some love to our 8th Street businesses.
Happening from 5-7pm on 8TH Street between Bannock and Main!
8 Horses Lounge
199 N. 8th Street • 208-433-7800
Music Food & Beverage
Live music at 8 Horses Lounge with Vibeka Amador
Vibeka Amador is a Boise, Idaho–born Americana songwriter whose music blends indie folk, Appalachian folk, and indie pop with heartfelt, vulnerable storytelling. Raised in the foothills and high desert, she grew up absorbing music from her father’s truck radio and road trips, which sparked her lifelong passion for performance.
Ochos Craft Cocktail Bar
515 W Idaho St • (208)209-5522
Music Food & Beverage
First Thursday Flamenco on the patio with Flamenco Idaho. Performance starts at 6pm. This is a 21+ Event.
8th Street Carnival Pop-Up
8th Street between Main St & Bannock St •
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Join the City of Boise, the Downtown Boise Association (DBA) and local businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 1 to celebrate First Thursday on the newly improved 8th Street block between Main and Idaho. The event is free and open to the public.
Enjoy live music, carnival-inspired pop-ups, face painting, a roaming magician, balloon artist, games and local vendors while exploring the newly completed space and supporting your favorite downtown businesses!
Humpin' Hannah's
621 W Main St • (208) 345-7557
Art Music Food & Beverage
PRETTY IN PINK BREAST CANCER SHOW & BLINGED BRA AUCTION! Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, entertainment, and giving back! Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Doors @ 6:00 PM
Show @ 7:00 PM
FREE to attend, save that money for the bra auction!
BLINGED BRA AUCTION!
Come bid on fabulous, one-of-a-kind blinged-out bras created for a great cause! Whether you’re bidding, donating, or simply coming out to enjoy the show, every dollar helps make a difference.
100% OF PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT ST. LUKE’S CANCER CENTER
Bring your friends, bring your generosity, and get ready to SASHAY FOR A CAUSE! Because behind every ribbon is a story, and together we can help support those fighting cancer.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1397165645716624
Suite 104
280 N 8th St •
Music Food & Beverage
Suite 104 is a lively and welcoming cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Boise, serving up thoughtfully crafted cocktails, beer, and wine in a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Happy Hour discounts are extended till the end of the night every First Thursday from 7–11pm! Hosted by local country music band leader Jace Kempke! Everyone 21+ is welcome, anyone can sign up to sing, and everyone is invited to come listen, drink, and enjoy!
Art Source Gallery
1516 Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Shelly Johnson: Urban Flower Series — Opening Reception
Discover the unexpected beauty of Boise’s urban landscape through Shelly Johnson’s watercolor paintings. Inspired by flowers thriving in overlooked and abandoned spaces, Johnson’s Urban Flower Series celebrates nature’s resilience and explores the contrast between the natural and man-made. Meet the artist and view studio and plein air works. LIve music and refreshments provided.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 5-9 p.m. Art Source Gallery, 1516 W. Grove St., Boise. Free and open to the public.
Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar
1022 W Main St • 208-387-2739
Music Food & Beverage
First Thursday R0CK’N BINGO!
Rock'n Bingo takes two of America’s favorite things and combines them into one awesome game…Bingo and Music. Instead of numbers in the squares there are songs.
Each night the industry leading Game Night Live software creates a customized game, and each players bingo card is completely unique. They'll have every genre of music from Oldies, Classic Country and Classic Rock to Modern Hip Hop, Modern Country and even Movie & TV tunes.
Free to play for paying customers.
Must be 21 and older to enter Barbarian Downtown.
Mixed Greens
213 N 9th St • (208) 344-1605
Art Shop Music Activity
What’s in the cards for First Thursday at Mixed Greens?
Curious what the universe has in store for you? Join us at Mixed Greens for a special evening of tarot readings with a talented local tarot reader!
Tarot reading available throughout the evening. Shop Mixed Greens selection of gifts. Enjoy the good vibes, a little mystery, and maybe a glimpse into your future…
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.
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 Brewing
521 W Broad St • (208) 342-7655
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Joins us First Thursday for another round of bluegrass music on the patio as our resident bluegrass bandits return. The Tree City Travelers play from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
Also, come say hello to local artist Sarah Remer at her Artist Reception starting at 5:00pm. Sarah is our October Gallery Artist, and her art will be on display throughout the restaurant and taproom for the duration of the month.
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!
Fork Restaurant
199 N 8th St • (208) 287-1700
Shop Music Food & Beverage
Live music by Hillfolk Noir 5:30-8pm plus a pop-up mini farmers market, all in celebration of the renovation and reopening off the South side of 8th Street!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Boise's ONLY guided social dancing party!
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be. This is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable on a social dance floor in a safe and fun environment!
Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay to meet our dance community and practice to music from a variety of dance styles.
No partner required — or bring your friends. We love to see couples who want to dance together, too.
Everyone is welcome, no experience required!
7:00pm—7:45pm
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class
7:45pm — 8:30pm
Social Dancing Party
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
The Warehouse Food Hall is bringing live music to the heart of downtown Boise every First Thursday. Guests can enjoy performances from local artists while exploring 10+ food and drink vendors under one roof. With cold drinks, bold flavor, and no cover, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your evening and stay awhile.
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
Once a month on the first Thursday, the vibrant and eclectic space at The Funky Taco comes alive with an exciting evening of live music featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quartet. Pair their signature creative tacos and incredible plant-based fare with our unique form of jazz for a guaranteed unforgettable performance every time we take the stage.
Please check The Funky Taco's Facebook page for upcoming dates and specific event details!