Be Downtown Boise the First Thursday of each month to experience art, shopping, dining and entertainment in a special and unique way you’ll only find Downtown. Our local merchants plan exciting, engaging in-store events including food and beverage tastings, local art exhibits and trunk shows. Stop into your favorite establishment or check out someplace new!
Events typically run from 5:00 – 9:00pm, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing for individual hours and details.
1516 Grove St
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.
208-331-3374
https://www.artsourcegallery.com/event/232507/echoes-of-service-a-juried-exhibition-of-veterans-art
1020 Main St
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. And Oil paintings of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Featured Guest Artist: Art Photography by Sri Galindo. Photography has always been her passion. She loves finding things extraordinary that are seemingly insignificant. She overlays her photographs to make complimentary and contrasting exposures. Her photography is all about how it makes you feel. She hopes that these new pieces make the viewer feel something very special.
Swing by and say hello and enjoy live music from John Ceccarelli!
Complimentary portraits downstairs with Allen Ansel.
208-440-2107
https://www.chieshenam.com/
816 W Bannock St
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
(208) 385-7300
http://www.curbsidebooks.com
500 S Capitol Blvd
Join us at the bar from 3–6 PM.
Indulge in:
Boise’s Best Burger.
Steak skewers. Oyster shooters. Gaucho meatballs.
Duck-fat potatoes. Fries. Marinated olives.
$7 drafts.
$9 select wines.
$10 classic cocktails.
Two Hemlock Happy Hour rituals to get the most of First Thursdays:
Hemlock Happy Meal
Haute Girl Dinner
https://www.hemlockboise.com/happy-hour
702 W Idaho St
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.
(208) 733-4134
https://idahoartgallery.com
1000 Myrtle St
Join FARE Idaho in kicking off the 2026 Field to Fork Festival with a two part hands-on culinary experience featuring Chef Kelly Grindstaff! Two back to back chef led classes where you will both learn and sample, taking away great new skills and an appreciation for local food!
Learn more about the Field to Fork Festival and how you can support Idaho's food system the following week!
JUMP will have a beer/wine bar available for 21+ attendees.
(208) 639-6610
https://www.fareidaho.org/field-to-fork
928 W Main St
Wisdom College for Creativity & Design offers industry-focused programs in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Textile Design, and more—empowering students with creativity, skills, and hands-on experience to lead in the design world.
(208)794-1194
https://wisdomdesigncollege.in/
404 S 8TH ST, L100
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
2085902612
https://www.lensesandbrushes.com/
224 N 9th St
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!
(208)972-6725
https://www.meriwethercider.com/eventscalendar
1405 W. Grove Street
Outdoor Exchange is rolling out its first Beer and Beta event. This months presentation will be from Avalanche Science Guides. Come learn about avalanche safety, backcountry protocol, and get to talk with outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.
208-297-7002
112 S 6th St
Stop by Stretch Zone this 1st Thursday for a free stretch and feel the difference assisted stretching can make!
208-906-1357
https://www.stretchzone.com/locations/boise-id
245 S Capitol Blvd
Join us every First Thursday in Downtown Boise to experience Live Jazz performed by The Ohadi Trio inside the lobby of The Grove Hotel from 6pm-8pm!
208-333-8002
https://www.trilliumboise.com/live-jazz
200 N Capitol Blvd
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
2089180881