Experience First Thursday!

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.
 


Art Source Gallery

1516 W Grove St

Art Source Gallery First Thursday opening reception of “Trees and Water, The Essence of Life” exhibit by artist Linda Huene-Solomon. The public is invited to come meet the artist and enjoy live music and treats at the opening reception Thursday, August 1, 5:00- 9:00 pm. The show will be on display at Art Source Gallery throughout the month of August.

208-331-3374

https://www.artsourcegallery.com/


The Avery

1010 W Main St

Join us for Happy Hour on First Thursday! Located on the alley side of The Avery Hotel, Tiner's Alley offers old world charm with fare and cocktails to match. Offering $5 and $10 menus including a Classic Negroni, Scotch Eggs, and Fish N Chips- all from our Michelin rated chef, Cal Elliott.

(208) 990-1010

https://theaveryboise.com/


The Avery

1010 W Main St

Join us on August 1st to experience The Avery Brasserie and Tiner's Alley!
Enjoy a FREE well cocktail, beer, or glass of wine with purchase of an entree during lunch in the Brasserie. Lunch is offered from 11am-2pm.
In Tiner's Alley enjoy our happy hour menu all night! $5 and $10 offerings available 3pm-10pm. See you there!

(208) 990-1010

https://theaveryboise.com/


Boise Brewing

521 W Broad St

Each first Thursday at Boise Brewing offers live music from rotating local artists on the patio, 6-9pm. Come inside check out the restaurant while admiring fresh art provided by Boise Weekly!

(208) 342-7655


Join the BoldCircle at BoldHue!

405 S 8th St

FIRST and only
AT-HOME SHADE
MATCHING DEVICE

BoldHue revolutionizes the beauty industry with an approach to beauty that is completely customizable, for every unique individual. Our patented technology is one of a kind, just like you.

Follow our story, learn more, and view our viral videos on Instagram (instagram.com/boldhue) and TikTok (tiktok.com/@boldhue)

Join the BoldCircle and be the first to know when we officially launch. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive behind the scenes content and see milestones in real time while you wait for its anticipated arrival! Join for free at BoldHue.com

https://www.boldhue.com


Capitol Contemporary Gallery

451 S Capitol Blvd

Capitol Contemporary Gallery is pleased to announce Refraction, a new exhibition for the month of August. Toby Davis and Josh Udesen will showcase paintings inspired by water, rivers, and lakes and what lies beneath the surface. Additionally, we will feature D’Arcy Bellamy’s subtractive sculptures fabricated from steel pipe.

Please join us at the gallery on First Thursday, August 1st from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The artists will be in attendance, and we will be serving wine by Vizcaya Winery.

The show is free, open to the public, and runs through January 30th.

208-384-9159

https://www.capitolcontemporary.com/


Chandlers Prime Steaks | Fine Seafood

981 W Grove St

Join us for Social Hour on First Thursday at Chandlers! Located in the heart of downtown Boise, our sophisticated lounge combines elegance with exceptional fare and cocktails. Enjoy $10 bites such as Pacific Oysters, American Wagyu Sliders, and Spicy Popcorn Shrimp, paired with $10 sips like the Classic Champagne Cocktail, Cosmopolitan, and more. Unwind with us from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.

(208) 383-4300


Art in The Alaska Center: New Art Series by Chi E Shenam Westin

1020 Main St

An exploration of Zen Buddhists oil paintings of Sutras and Practices.

New paintings on copper & aluminum including Extreme Plein Air: The Trees of Winter.
Also showing The trees of Zion, paintings from McCall, Thorn Creek Butte, Tetons in Driggs, and Payette Lake.

208-440-2107

http://chieshenam.com


Discovery Center of Idaho

131 W Myrtle St

The Discovery Center of Idaho will be offering exclusive after-hours access to our newest exhibition, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, between 4:30pm - 7:30pm.

Featuring one of the largest collections of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, Mummies of the World presents a one-of-a-kind collection of naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies. This compelling exhibition, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies from South America, Europe and ancient Egypt, some dating back thousands of years.

Book your tickets up to 7 days in advance at https://www.dcidaho.org. Regular admission prices apply.

(208) 343-9895

https://www.dcidaho.org/firstthursdays


Live Performance! Rippled Activations

Downtown Boise

Rippled Activations is a collaborative project that brings together live figure drawing and violin, involving three emerging creatives local to Boise. Kamryn Rose Boykin is a visual and time based artist. Kamryn is dedicated to the exploration of the body and using mediums like video, drawing, and performance to delve into the many levels of the psyche. Sydney Blood is a lifelong dancer, choreographer, and aspiring poet. The dynamic movements and poignant poetry in her work cultivate an intense empathy between dancer and audience. Joshua Emara is a self taught violinist who’s gained local notoriety for his dancing violin act. His passion for music has informed his transition from dancer to composing original music set to culminate in an album.


Live Music! Cross Country

Downtown Boise

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.


Flamenco Idaho

Downtown Boise

Flamenco Idaho is a performing group who draws inspiration from classical guitar, contemporary dance/art performance, cultural music and Flamenco. We are focused on performing new and traditional works that represent the artists that comprise the group. We come from a varying background including: classical, cultural and experimental music, numerous dance forms, visual art and poetry.


View Free Public Art at Freak Alley Gallery

Alley: 8th & 9th and Bannock & Idaho St

Freak Alley Gallery is the Northwest's Largest Open-Air, Multi-artist Mural Gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise.

https://www.freakalleyboise.com/


Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise

1511 W Main Street

Come join us on the Dance Floor for our Free Open House! 7:15pm — 8:45pm.

Starting at 7:15pm, we’ll host a beginner friendly group class. You’ll learn the basics to a variety of dances and what makes each one unique.
At 8:00pm, we’ll shift into Social Dancing! Practice your moves, meet our dance community, and enjoy some tasty treats!

Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay and practice to music.
No partner required — or bring your friends. We love to see couples who want to dance together, too. Everyone is welcome, no experience required!

208-514-0440

https://www.fredastaireboise.com/calendar


The Funky Taco

801 W Bannock St

Jazz Night at The Funky Taco

Once a month, on the First Thursday, The Funky Taco will have a jazz night featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quintet for the first set. We will then feature local jazz artists for the second set and close the night with a jam session featuring established, up-and-coming, and future jazz musicians.​

Check the Event Calendars (https://www.deanvjennings.com/eventscalender) or the Funky Taco's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/thefunkytaco/) for upcoming Jazz Nights at The Funky Taco.

(208) 488-4593

https://www.deanvjennings.com/jazznightfunkytaco


House of Wine

1008 W Main St

Join House of Wine for our August “First Thursday” event!!

We will be featuring Idaho’s very own, Koenig Vineyards!! Enjoy complimentary splashes of 3 of their fantastic wines with the option to purchase a full glass or bottle.

Supporting local never tasted so good!

Everything kicks off at 5pm and goes until 8pm. We hope to see you there!"

208-297-9463

https://houseofwineco.com/


Idaho State Museum

610 N Julia Davis Dr

Enjoy free admission at the Idaho State Museum on Thursday, August 1st. Drop in for a guided tour led by a certified tour guide, offered at 5:30PM and 6:30PM. Tours are 45 minutes and cover the highlights of the Museum exhibits. In addition, come by and see our newest traveling exhibition "Courage and Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American World War II Experience" from Go For Broke National Education Center in the Syringa Gallery and our newest pop-up exhibit "Fighting the Odds: The Life and Legacy of Senator Frank Church" in the Canyon Gallery! Weather permitting, visit our outdoor exhibits in Pioneer Village.

The Museum will be open from 5pm – 8pm. Last admission is 7:15pm.

(208) 334-2120

http://history.idaho.gov/events


Ink Spa

404 S 8th St

$50 piercings - including jewelry - September - December First Thursdays at Ink Spa! Bring a friend and walk in between 4 and 9 PM to get that piercing you've been wanting. Not enough needles? Get a tattoo while you're in too! What better art experience than new ink!

(208)315-6664

https://inkspa.com/firstthursday


Lenses & Brushes

404 S 8TH ST, L100

Lenses & Brushes gallery showing of all the art created by summer camp artists. Art work will be displayed August 1 - 15, 2024. Stop by to view these talented artist's creations, learn about services, and enjoy refreshments.

2085902612

https://www.lensesandbrushes.com/


Lunatic Fringe Salon

836 W Broad St

Experience luxury at Lunatic Fringe Salon! We welcome the community to step into elegance and style at our salon's First Thursday event. Enjoy upbeat music, an energetic atmosphere, and exciting giveaways for you to treat yourself or someone you love to. Come on in and indulge in a night of beauty and fun!

We can't wait to pamper you!

(208) 955-0400

https://lunaticfringesalon.com/boise/


Meriwether Cider House

224 N 9th St

Join us for Downtown Boise Association's 1st Thursday! Get your creative juices flowing by making your very own pet rock! With just the right amount of love your new pet will live forever, no food, water, or exercise required!
We have all the supplies to bring your lil guy to life for free while you sip one of our 20 craft ciders!

(208)972-6725

https://www.facebook.com/events/843643347301535


Radio Boise

1020 W Main St

Radio Boise is having an "Open Station" in the basement of the Alaska Center on Main St. between 10th and 11th St where we will give guided tours, have live DJs Wendy Fox and Jason D on the air, share snacks and generally chat about the station and community radio from 5pm-8pm. It is hosted by Nichole Marie of The Rapture and Geek Goddess from the Rebel Alliance. This month we are joined by the Idaho Office for Refugees, whose mission it is to offer refuge and safety to people forced to leave their homes due to persecution of religious beliefs, political opinions, or ethnic heritage.

208-258-2072

https://radioboise.org/


Richard's Restaurant & Bar

500 S Capitol Blvd

Experience Boise's Best Happy Hour at Richard's, featuring the $15 2-for-1 "Copy & Paste" cocktail list. $10 wines by the glass, $5 drafts, $10 cocktails (including N/A cocktails), as well as app specials. Available in Richard's bar from 2pm to 9pm!

(208) 472-1463

https://www.richardsboise.com/menus/#happy-hour


SHIFT boutique

807 W Bannock St

TAG SALE at SHIFT boutique! Join us First Thursday, we'll be hosting artist Jacey Peterson - showcasing her art. Then join us all weekend long for TAG SALE deals.

208-331-7806


The Matador Boise

215 N 8th St

HAPPY HOUR 4p-6p & 10p-CLOSE (daily)

Come in and be enveloped by our passion for the most daring of spirits. For brave, fresh Mexican flavors, and beautiful scratch-made cocktails. For the people and the culture of Mexico, where we forge friendships with tequila makers, listen to their stories, and bring them home to share with you, as we guide you through your tequila experience.

Situated on historic 8th St in energetic downtown Boise, the Matador has been a part of the city’s restaurant and happy hour scene since 2010. Within easy walking or biking distance from all downtown shops and sights, as well as the Greenbelt and the scenic Treasure Valley foothills, the Matador offers adventures in Mexican-inspired food and tequila when you need a retreat from your adventures outdoors or in town.

NEW LATE NIGHT HOURS!!

HOURS OF OPERATION
Sun-Thurs 11:00a - Midnight
Fri & Sat 11:00a - 1:00a

208-342-9988

https://www.matadorrestaurants.com/locations/boise


The Warehouse Food Hall

370 S 8th St

Thursdays just got a major upgrade at The Warehouse Food Hall with the return of live performances! Whether you're into tunes, flavors, or just good times, our live music Thursdays cater to all. Dive into a world of diverse food options, sip on crafted drinks, and let the music elevate your evening.

Weekly on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Free for all ages

986-999-4081

https://www.warehouseboise.com/entertainment


Tom Graineys

109 S 6th St

DJ Mike Moses spins all vinyl every 1st Thursday of the month at Tom Grainey’s from 9-close. Funk and soul, new and old, hip-hop samples and remixes, and more!

(208) 345-2505


Treefort Music Hall

722 W Broad St.

Duck Club Presents a FREE, all ages First Thursday show at Treefort Music Hall! Shamarr Allen and The Gold Souls are bringing groovy, funky, soulful music straight to Boise. The Gold Souls are all things soul soothing, booty shakin' boogie music! This eight-piece cosmic soul sensation's unique brand of boogie is driven by deep grooves, soaring horns, and powerhouse vocals. Shamarr Allen is the epitome of New Orleans Music! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip hop, rock, funk, blues and country, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Willie Nelson, Galactic, Patti Labelle, Harry Connick Jr. and Lenny Kravitz. Come get groovy for this FREE show! Doors are at 5pm, show starts at 5:30pm and is all ages.

https://theduckclub.com/show/first-thursday-free-show/


Trillium Restaurant

245 S Capitol Blvd

All day Happy Hour! Half off appetizers and $5 draft beer, $5 well cocktails, $5 select wines from 11am-11pm every first Thursday in Trillium Restaurant or Trillium Bar. *Offer is only applicable with mention of First Thursday promotion*

208-333-8002

https://www.trilliumboise.com/menus


Voodoo Cellar Boise

200 N Capitol Blvd

$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!

2089180881