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.
801 West Main Street
Board & Bottle is making its First Thursday debut! Join us at Acero from 5-9 PM for our Board & Bottle special: enjoy a bottle of wine from our curated selection and a delicious bruschetta board of your choice for just $35. Sip, snack, and celebrate the night with us!
208-801-6896
https://www.aceroidaho.com/
999 W Main St
NIGHT MARKET!
*State Fair Edition*
Come enjoy food, drinks, music, and over 20 vendors.
Featuring…
HOT ERIC HONEY
BANANA INK
FREE SPIRITS
FLYNN DAY POTTERY
CITY PEANUT
SHIFT BOUTIQUE
REDISCOVERED BOOKS
MAPS COFFEE
METAL & MALLET
CITY OF TREES REIKI & TAROT
SATORI SAKE
NOBLE HARDESTY
CITY OF GOOD
RACHEL TEANNALACH ART
AND MORE...
https://www.kinboise.com/art-haus-cocktail-bar
1516 W Grove St
First Thursday opening reception of "Think Outside the Jewelry Box - Wearable Art", August 7, 2025 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM at Art Source Gallery, 1516 W Grove St. in Boise, in downtown Linen District. . Meet the artists and enjoy live music, snacks and great art. The exhibit will be open throughout the month of August.
“Think Outside the Jewelry Box - Wearable Art”, features six of the gallery’s jewelry artists. There will be a wide diversity of work showcasing individual styles. For this show each artist has created a completely unique and individual Jewelry Box that will be displayed along with displays of their jewelry.
208-331-3374
http://artsourcegallery.com
1022 W Main St
Kick off your First Thor's Day with fresh new beers, Bingo, and Downtown Boise First Thursday!
ROCK'N BINGO starts at 7pm. Free to play for paying customers.
Prizes for the winners, including Jurassic Park Idaho Lottery scratchers!
Must be 21+ to enter Barbarian Downtown.
__________________________
New Beers:
~ SALUTE YOUR SCHWARZ ~
Traditional German style Schwarzbier dark lager.
5% abv.
Draft and 16oz cans.
~ MR. BOB MANALITA ~
West coast pale made with experimental Manalita and Southern Cross hops from Freestyle Hops in New Zealand, and a touch of Simcoe Abstrax hop oil added in the brite. Collaboration brew with The Handlebar Boise. Manalita hops have notes of gummy candy, red grapefruit and red berries.
5.5% abv.
Draft and 16oz cans.
208-387-2739
https://www.facebook.com/events/4146495765581191/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22left_rail%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%2C%7B%2
670 Julia Davis Drive
Find inspiration and get creative at BAM during First Thursday! Admission is “pay what you can,” and the Museum is open late, until 7 p.m., to encourage Access for All. Experience BAM’s current exhibitions, including the recently opened “James Castle: Perspectives.”
🎨 Drop in from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and get creative in our FREE Studio Art Exploration program in BAM’s Education Studios. Design an artwork that will help raise awareness about a cause that is important to you, inspired by “Julie Green: The Last Supper.”
Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
🎁Stop by the BAM STORE to find unique and creative gifts for all ages.
(208) 345-8330
https://boiseartmuseum.org/exhibitions/
521 W Broad St
Art Show at Boise Brewing – All August!
Boise Brewing is hosting an art show by local artist Zinnia Barnes all month long in August! Zinnia’s bold, playful artwork will be on display for everyone to enjoy. Her art brings good vibes, big energy, and a unique style that’s all her own.
Meet the Artist – August 7, 5–7 PM.
Come say hi to Zinnia in person on Thursday, August 7 from 5–7 PM at Boise Brewing! It’s a casual meet-and-greet where you can chat with the artist, check out her work up close, and maybe even grab a piece to take home.
(208) 342-7655
https://www.zinniabarnes.com/
517 W Main St
Bingo Nights every First Thursday and every 3rd Thursday of every month. Free to play. Multiple games played in a night. Starts at 7 and ends roughly around 9 pm. Prizes to be won.
(208) 342-9732
http://cactusbarboise.com
451 S Capitol Blvd
Capitol Contemporary Gallery is pleased to present Free Range, a new exhibition for the month of August featuring work by Jan Freeman Long and Linda Williams.
Jan Freeman Long’s mixed media abstractions offer a meditative sense of calm through layered textures and composition. In contrast, Linda Williams’ detailed oil paintings explore a variety of subjects with precision and sensitivity. Together, their work offers a vibrant and engaging visual dialogue.
Please join us for the opening reception on First Thursday, August 7, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Meet the artists, enjoy a glass of wine courtesy of Vizcaya, and experience this beautiful new exhibition.
This event is free and open to the public, and the exhibition will be on display through August 30.
208-384-9159
https://www.capitolcontemporary.com
981 W Grove St
Gather. Sip. Socialize.
Join us at Chandlers for Social Hour.
Monday through Friday at the bar/lounge from 4-6pm.
Gather and relax with handcrafted cocktails like
our Cosmo or Champagne Cocktail and savor with a
selection of sociable dishes, all offered at $10.
(208) 383-4300
https://www.chandlersboise.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/25-0205-Social-Hour-Menu.pdf
1020 Main St
We are excited to share three art collections including:
New! Plein Air paintings from Kathryn Albertson Park
And Oil paintings of the Sawtooth Mountains, one week before the 2024 fires.
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/
803 W Bannock St
Seltzi will be in-house for our Nuts+Cocktail pairings tonight. Come try the combinations we chose and sample other treats. City Peanut will also be hanging out at KIN for their Thursday Night Market. Wander around downtown and discover some new things.
(208) 433-3931
800 W Idaho St
All can enjoy this delicious deal every First Thursday of the month from 5pm - close
$14 Single Smash Burger served with signature fries & any beer from our permanent tap list.
Additionally, every Thursday we are pouring $10 Buffalo Trace Old Fashioneds, all day long!
(208) 286-4410
https://eurekarestaurantgroup.com/locations/boise
646 Fulton St
BILL COFFEY & DAVE MANION LIVE ON THE PATIO 5:30-7:30
Grab your drinks and food at Rick's Cafe inside and head out to the patio for live music with Bill and Dave. No Cover Charge--it's a gift to our customers/!
(208) 342-4288
https://www.theflicksboise.com/events/item/1515-first-thursday-bill-coffey-and-dave-manion-on-the-patio
1511 W Main Street
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be!
7:00pm—7:45pm
Free Dance Demos & Newcomer Group Class
7:45pm—8:30pm
Free Guided Social Dancing
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://fredastaireboise.eventcalendarapp.com/u/39647/391567
8th & Front on The Grove Plaza
Jaialdi Hangover? Not us we're still in a "Festa" mood. Stop by our gallery on the Grove Plaza for all your Basque needs. We still have Market Totes, Coffee Mugs (to hide your Kalimotxos) a few T-shirts, coasters and prints. Plus a plethora of other artsy items. From our African jewelry collection to originals by John Horejs, Shalece Fiack, Will Bullas and Cassandra Barney.
(208) 336-5899
https://gallery601.com/
1401 West Shoreline Drive
Karaoke Night @ Green Acres
Timeframe: 6-9pm
Time to Karaoke with Boise Rockeoke! Sing with a LIVE rock band to accompany your vocals! Choose from over 200 songs! It’s your time to shine on the Green Acres stage. Sign up the night of. Instead of instrumentals, the live band will play the song so you’ll really feel like a lead singer :) This is one our most favorite things to host at Green Acres.
Food truck lineup for the day:
Kanak Attack
Darjeeling Momo
Basilios Tacos
Sear + Savor: Craft smash burgers
The Fizzy Cow Ice Cream & Soda Shop
The Green Acres Bar
No cover or charges, Karaoke and Green Acres is free to the public
Find us off the Greenbelt at the intersection of 14th street and Shoreline Drive
We are dog and kid-friendly!
1401 Shoreline Drive Boise ID 83702
208-856-6157
http://www.greenacresboise.com
500 S Capitol Blvd
Join us at Hemlock for Happy Hour, every day from 3 to 6 PM! Pull up a seat at the bar and enjoy $7 drafts, $9 wines, and $10 classic cocktails. Hungry? Go for the Hemlock Happy Meal, featuring Boise’s Best Burger and a cold beer for just $20. Prefer something else? We’ve got plenty more snackable bites and small plates on the full happy hour menu.
Plus, free valet parking for all guests!
https://www.hemlockboise.com/happy-hour
1008 W Main St
Come join us at House of Wine for our exciting “First Thursday” event in August!
For this night we’ll put aside our regular wine by the glass options and offer selections for a free three wine tasting from Proletariat Wine Company!
The festivities begin at 5pm and last until 8pm. This is a free event and no registration is required. We look forward to welcoming you!
208-297-9463
https://houseofwineco.com/event/august-first-thursday-with-proletariat-wine-company-free-wine-tasting/
621 W Main St
Hey Y'All! 1st Thursday in DT Boise, it's a "No Scrubs, Just Jams, A 90's Themed Early Bird Dance Party" starting at 5pm Do you miss dancing at a club with your friends, but don't miss being out till the wee hours and dealing with the late night club scene? If so, come out on 1st Thur Aug 7 for "No Scrubs, Just Jams, A 90's Themed Early Bird Dance Party" starting at 5pm at the one & only Humpin’ Hannah’s in Downtown Boise!
-Costume Contest for HUGE Prizes!
-Dance mix will be curated by DJ Feelings of Tropico FM
-NO cover charge
-The bar will be open for purchases of cocktails and mocktails!
- $3.50 Wells, Shots & Beers, plus ALL Seltzers ½ price
Dance and party and hang with your friends, and get home early enough to:
-be in your pjs by 8:30
-have time to watch your favorite show or read your book
-walk your dogs
-tuck in your kids
-not be totally wrecked the next day
1st Thursday, July 3, 5pm, it’s Wham! Bam! Thank You Glam, An 80's Themed Early Bird Dance Party!!!
THANK YOU, Steph Coyle & Friends!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1866467224302470
(208) 345-7557
https://www.facebook.com/events/1866467224302470
280 N 8th St
Who: Third Shelf: A Placemakers’ Cooperative Library
What: Book Swap! Book swaps are opportunities for Third Shelf members to exchange books with each other, to browse some of our collecive placemaking library, and welcome new people to the community. All are welcome!
Where: Idaho Smart Growth 280 N 8th St. Suite #210
When: Every 1st Thursday starting March 6th 6-8pm
Why: Third Shelf was created as a resource sharing, agency building, and community networking infrastructure project for placemakers. Members use a booksharing app to connect and exchange their collective books becoming a physical library distributed on member bookshelves throughout the community.
Website: thirdshelf.org
Instagram: @third.shelf
http://thirdshelf.org
1000 Myrtle St
THURSDAY AUGUST 7TH | 5-8PM | JUMP BUILDING | ALL AGES | FREE
This month, we've got a sneak peek into our Local Artist Showcase happening on August 16th, as well as tons of fun, educational, interactive, and family-friendly activities! Plus, the official LAUNCH party for Boise Design Week will be happening from 5:00 - 10:30 PM in the sixth floor PIONEER Room!
JUMP Room:
Local Artist Showcase Preview: Artist Talks & Activities | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
• ANA ROBINS | Activity: Custom Tarot Card | Participants will paint on small card-sized canvases following writing and painting prompts geared towards a few selected tarot cards to create their very own tarot card.
• DAMON & MICHAEL BRADSHAW | Explore the world of mythical water creatures through three creative stations
- Station 1: Color-a-Creature (Ages 3+)
Activity: Pre-drawn sea monster coloring pages
- Station 2: Fold-a-Serpent (Ages 7+)
Activity: Origami sea serpent folding
- Station 3: Blank Page Challenge (All Ages)
Activity: Design your very own river monster from scratch
• DAVID COWAN | Through Space & Science
Participants will receive paper, coloring materials and craft supplies to design their own space habitat or closed system while learning about the four basic elements of an Environmental Control and Life Support System, the critical systems of a spacecraft that allow the astronauts to live to on board.
THE LOFT & 5th Level Lobby:
Sticker Making Contest | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Local Dance Performance
• Watch performers from Starbelly Dancing
THE DECK
HAPPY[ness] Hour | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
• Live DJ: TENN∀NT (5:00 - 7:00 PM)
• BOGO Drinks (per person)
• $5 Bites by Chef Anna
• Trivia Challenge (start: 6:00 PM)
• Music Bingo (start: 7:00 PM)
• Slide Rides (5:30 - 7:30 PM)
MOVE STUDIO
Open Mic by Nick Badasci (Studio Community Project)
• A family-friendly open mic stand-up comedy event where aspiring comedians can perform 2-7 minute sets at a microphone as an accessible means of training/trying out comedy/storytelling in front of a live audience.
LOBBY (ALL MONTH):
Jaialdi Decor & Activities | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
• Basque Craft at the craft table
• Sheep Wagon from the Basque Museum
PIONEER Room:
Boise Design Week: LAUNCH | 5:00 - 10:30 PM
Join newly established Boise Design Week for the LAUNCH party of the future week-long inspirational, networking, and community-building event. With the goal to become a five-day event in 2026, Boise Design Week: LAUNCH brings together designers covering all industries and aspects of design, with the goal of bringing together the community in creativity, innovation, and design.
The LAUNCH party will feature local speakers, community exhibitors, refreshments, and more. Stick around after the lectures for and after party where we open the stage for creative leaders, play backyard games, sing karaoke, and more!
• 5:00 PM : DOORS OPEN
• 5:30 - 6:00 PM: OPENING REMARKS | Alex Caves | Boise Design Week Founder
• 6:00 - 9:00 PM: GUEST SPEAKERS | Hear from local experts in their industries
- Product Design & Development: Nate Pavitt | Product Developer / Entrepreneur | 6:00 - 6:30 PM
- Filmmaking: Greg Wilson | Director / Cinematographer / Photographer | 6:35 - 7:05 PM
- Environmental Graphic Design: John Yarnell | Creative Director / Public Artist / Placemaking Advocate | 7:10 - 7:40 PM
- Brand Design & Marketing | Jennie Meyers | Professor / Creative Strategist / Designer | 7:45 - 8:45 PM
• 9:00 - 10:30 PM: AFTER PARTY | After the Main Event the room will transition into a fun, game filled experience, designed to create the perfect networking atmosphere.
- Musical Performance by Tree City Soul | 9:00 - 9:30 PM
- Karaoke with DJ Pho-Tato (Viet Tran) | 9:30 - 10:30 PM
- Games
(208) 639-6610
https://jumpboise.org/events/august-first-thursday
1020 W Main St
Life Changes - so should your HEADSHOT. Update Yours On First Thursday!
Leap Photography’s Headshot Special – August 7, 2025
Is your headshot outdated… or do you just dread being in front of the camera? We get it. That’s why Leap Photography is offering a quick and stress-free headshot special during Boise’s First Thursday event.
-15-minute session
-Multiple angles
-Choose your favorite image on the spot
-Just $120 (+tax)
Schedule your appointment today and get a fresh, professional headshot without the hassle.
Spots are limited! Book your session now.
208-703-7360
https://tave.com/leap-photography/schedule/first-thursday-headshots-august-7
404 S 8TH ST, L100
The Found Camera Project – First Thursday Gallery Showing
Date: August 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Location: Lenses & Brushes
Discover the results of a community-wide photography experiment!
Over fourteen days, black-and-white disposable cameras were hidden throughout downtown Boise—each one waiting to be found, used, and returned. Participants captured moments, scenes, and surprises from their unique perspectives, creating a spontaneous visual diary of our city.
Join us for First Thursday to view the developed photos, and see how a simple camera can connect strangers and spark creativity.
Come celebrate curiosity, connection, and the unexpected beauty in everyday life.
2085902612
https://www.lensesandbrushes.com/
505 W Bannock St
Kick off your summer with First Thursdays at The Lively—where the drinks are fabulous, the food hits all the right notes and the music sets the mood. We’re turning up the energy with live music and an extended happy hour to make your Thursdays anything but ordinary. Come early, stay late, and let the good times flow!
208.209.5503
http://www.thelivelyboise.com
215 N 8th St
HOURS OF OPERATION
Sun-Thurs 11:00am-11:00pm
Fri & Sat 11:00am-Midnight
HAPPY HOUR 4pm-6pm & 10pm-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.
The Matador uses all-natural ingredients only, and that includes our carne, pollo, carnitas and seafood. We source the freshest, in-season vegetables and fruits available. Then we take those ingredients and cook them up into creative dishes that taste a bit like Mexico, a bit like the local area, and a bit like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.
Our newest Seasonal Menu was just released and features the following items:
* MEXICAN STREET CORN (gf/veg) - Fried corn cob, chipotle mayonnaise, cotija, cilantro, Chile-garlic salt, lime
* WATERMELON SALAD (gf) - Cucumber, queso fresco, mixed greens, Tajin, agave vinaigrette with watermelon
* STEAK & ELOTE TACOS - Served on flour tortillas with Mexican rice and beans. Chile-seasoned sirloin, flame-roasted corn esquites, French fried onions, garlic crema, cotija, cilantro
* GRILLED SHRIMP TACOS - Served on corn tortillas with Mexican rice and beans. Charbroiled shrimp, red cabbage curtido, guacamole, chipotle crema, queso fresco, cilantro
* WATERMELON MARGARITA - Milagro reposado, watermelon, lime, agave, Tajin
* WATERMELON COSMO - Weber Ranch Agave vodka, Grand Marnier, watermelon, lime
* WATERMELON GIN MOJITO - Las Californias Nativo gin, lime, watermelon, mint, soda water
* WATERMELON-LIME AGUA FRESCA - Watermelon, lime, agave, soda water
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.
208-342-9988
https://www.matadorrestaurants.com/menus/boise/happy-hour
224 N 9th St
Let’s get crafty! Join us for First Thursday at Meriwether Cider House and unleash your inner artist at our Pet Rock Creation Station!
We’ll provide the rocks, paints, googly eyes, glue, glitter, pipe cleaners, and plenty of inspiration. You bring the creativity (and maybe a punny name or two). Whether you craft a rockstar, a punk pebble, or a moss-covered mystery, your pet rock is yours to take home and cherish.
(208)972-6725
https://www.meriwethercider.com/eventscalendar
213 N 9th St
Join us this week for 1st Thursday from 5-8 pm!
We will be sampling Noble Mick’s refreshing summer mocktails!
Flourish Bakery will be here sampling their delicious goodies, YUM!
Sublime Apothecary will be popping up with their tallow body products!
The Humane Society will be here promoting their “Toast for Tails” event!
And… with any terracotta pot and succulent purchase you can have one of our artists on staff personalize it for you at no extra charge!
(208) 344-1605
http://www.ilikemixedgreens.com
206 N 9th St
🎶 LIVE MUSIC 5-8pm 🎶
🍋🟩Ranch Water Drink Special 🍋🟩
208-577-0537
515 W Idaho St
Join us for First Thursday Flamenco. Performance starts at 8pm.
(208)209-5522
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fu3SR89N3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
274 N 8th St
Prost! will be offering $1 off Liters and providing live music on the patio between 5pm-8pm
(208) 336.9395
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 Leap Housing who believe that everyone should have an opportunity to access safe, stable and affordable housing.
208-258-2072
https://radioboise.org/
210 N 10th St
Come celebrate your birthday with your friends at Re-POP! If your birthday is in August, or if you know someone who was born in August, bring them down to party it up this First Thursday!
If it's your birth month, you and your friend will receive a special treat - 15% off your entire purchase*!
And that's not all! As an extra bonus, if it's your birth month, you will also receive a birthday treat bag filled with surprises. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate your special day with us at Re-POP Gifts LLC!
*cannot be combined with other offers, some exclusions apply
208-991-6112
https://www.facebook.com/share/19PdCR8NTW/
506 W. Grove
Curated list of a $10 First Thursday cocktails! Let our mixologist wow your pallet
208-717-2588
http://www.saltbrush.com
112 S 6th St
Stop by Stretch Zone this 1st Thursday for a free stretch and feel the difference assisted stretching can make!
208-993-7979
https://www.stretchzone.com/locations/boise-id
370 S 8th St
Make The Warehouse Food Hall your First Thursday spot... grab a bite, sip on something good, and settle in for live music. Each month, a local artist takes the stage, setting the vibe while you kick back with craft drinks and plenty of flavor to go around.
986-999-4081
https://www.warehouseboise.com/entertainment
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
777 S 8th St
The Wassmuth Center will open its doors after hours to invite the public in to engage with the 28 pieces of our inspiring human rights art collection and catch our visiting exhibition, Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate, on its LAST night in Boise.
Whether you’re seeking reflection, conversation, or inspiration this is your chance to immerse yourself in human rights education through art and connection with our knowledgeable docents.
6:00pm - 8:00pm
208-345-0304
https://www.wassmuthcenter.org/