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.
Modern Hotel & Bar
1314 W Grove St • (208) 424-8244
Art Music Food & Beverage
There’s just something about a First Thursday in downtown Boise when the city leans into its creative pulse. If you know, you know. If you don’t, come find out!
May 7, Gregory Rawlins takes the stage in the Modern courtyard from 6–9 PM. Expect a golden-hour glow, a drink in hand, and laid-back vibes.
Hailing from La Grande, Gregory Rawlings brings a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. His songwriting is rooted in storytelling—honest and unpolished in the best way. It’s music that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer than you planned.
Reservations at themodernbar.com!
Mixed Greens
213 N 9th St • (208) 344-1605
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Pop into Mixed Greens for the perfect Mother's Day gifts. Cinder Winery will be pouring wine, Poppyseed Bakery will have goodies for sample and sale, Bead-a-Bull Jewelry will have a selection of jewelry to pick from, and Eric Henderson will be singing all night in the shop. Come join us from 5PM-8PM.
Art Source Gallery
1516 Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Join us for the First Thursday opening reception of “Upon Closer Reflection”, a feature artist exhibition by Boise artist Beth Trott, May 7, 5–9 pm. The artist will be there, along with snacks, wine and live music.
Beth explores the natural world through a blend of observation and abstraction. Featuring both new and recent work from this series, the show runs May 5–30 at Art Source Gallery, in the Linen Arts District.
WaFd Bank
1001 W Idaho St • (208) 338-7400
Art Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Stop by WaFd Bank and celebrate First Thursday with us!...Enjoy art from incredibly talented Boise High students, along with another local artist, Joelle Ater, plus live music, yummy snacks, drinks, and our nonprofit partner, the Girl Scouts sharing about some great programs that support and lift up young women in our community!
Neighborhood Prom!
1118 W Idaho St • (208) 343-0571
Art Music Activity
Join us at Neighborhood Prom!
Presented by Neighborhood Imagination Foundation (NIF) and Larry Flynn Benefit Events.
Mark your calendar: May 7th at 6:30-10:00pm at The Shrine Ballroom (upstairs).
The unforgettable night includes a presentation from NIF, live auction and paddle raise, the Royalty Raffle, drinks for purchase, Jilly.FM on the tunes, and dancing until bedtime!
Each ticket comes with a custom Party to the People Neighborhood Prom tote! Must be present to collect.
Follow us on Instagram or visit our website and sign up for email updates for more information!
Secure your ticket today!
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.
The Record Exchange
1105 W Idaho St • (208) 344-8010
Shop Music Kid-Friendly
Join The Record Exchange at 5:30pm on First Thursday, May 7 for a vinyl release party and live performance celebrating Mylo Bybee’s new album “Revisions.” As always, this Record Exchange in-store event is free and all ages.
The vinyl will be available to purchase, and you can get your copy signed following the band’s performance!
ABOUT MYLO BYBEE AND ‘REVISIONS’:
Mylo Bybee is a high-energy rock band from Boise, turning raw emotion into tightly-wound songs fueled by restless rhythms, sharp guitars and vocals balancing grit and vulnerability. Since forming in 2020, they’ve carved out a reputation for music that doesn’t ask permission, it grabs you, shakes you and leaves you charged.
Known for high-octane live shows, the band has grown from local stages to major festivals, building a name as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic acts. With releases like “Revisions” and singles “Time Machine” and “I Wish You Well,” Mylo Bybee continues to evolve, pushing their sound forward while staying true to the raw spirit that defines them.
“The propulsive indie pop sound of the Pacific Northwest is alive and well and in the amplifiers of Mylo Bybee.” - Ron Hart SPIN Magazine
Ochos Craft Cocktail Bar
515 W Idaho St • (208)209-5522
Music Food & Beverage
First Thursday Flamenco with Flamenco Idaho. Performance starts at 6pm. This is a 21+ event.
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.
Live Music! Cross Country
Downtown Boise •
Art Music Kid-Friendly Activity
Cross Country has singer-songwriter roots with a penchant for classic country music. Whether not-so-subtly stealing ideas from Josh Ritter or doing their best Willie Nelson impression, Cross Country is sure to impress your dad. When not playing music, they're probably up running in Boise's foothills, stopping occasionally to spot birds in the brush.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Boise's ONLY guided social dancing party!
The perfect opportunity to get comfortable on a social dance floor in a safe and fun environment!
Practice your moves and meet our dance community! Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay 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!
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class from 7:00pm—7:45pm
Social Dancing Party from 7:45—8:30pm
Hap Hap Lounge
722 W Broad St. •
Music Food & Beverage
Join us at Hap Hap as we celebrate the launch of our BRAND NEW Spring/Summer menu! Check out the new decor, sip some delish new cocktails, and dance to vinyl with DJ Mr. Grant Olsen! As part of Idaho Gives, $1 from each drink purchase will be donated to Treefort For Good. You can also donate to TFG for a chance to win show tickets, merch and more by spinning the wheel!
Wassmuth Center's Hansberger Art Awards
1000 Myrtle St • (208) 639-6610
Art Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Experience the beauty and strength of American diversity through art on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at JUMP! The Wassmuth Center’s Hansberger Arts Awards Showcase highlights student performance, writing, and visual arts in response to Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Freedom from Discrimination. Don’t miss this community-wide celebration of kindergarten through 12th grade Idaho artists!
Located on the 6th floor in the Pioneer Room
Event Schedule
5:00 p.m. Student Arts Showcase, Idaho Gives Nonprofit Table Fair, Drinks & small bites available for purchase
6:30 p.m. Student Arts Awards
7:30 p.m. Boise Rock School Performance
For a full schedule of city-sponsored America 250 events, visit cityofboise.org/America250.
Parking
To access JUMP, we encourage you to use public transportation or carpool. Paid parking options are limited at JUMP and ParkBOI facilities. Plan ahead!
Accommodation
The City of Boise is committed to ensuring equal access to all public meetings, programs, and services. Reasonable accommodations and effective communication—such as ASL interpretation, materials in alternative formats and language access—are available at no cost to facilitate participation. To request an accommodation, please contact us at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call (208) 972-8500, TTY: 711.