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.
Idaho State Museum
610 N Julia Davis Dr • (208) 334-2120
Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Ring in the Holidays at the Idaho State Museum!
Join us for our 4th Annual Holiday Fest during Downtown Boise’s First Thursday on December 4, 2025, from 5–8 PM.
Celebrate the season with a vendor fair featuring local Idaho artists, makers, and organizations. Enjoy festive music, crafts, wine and tea tastings, and free hot cocoa as you explore unique, handmade gifts and enjoy hands-on fun for all ages.
While you’re here, experience the wonder of Idaho’s history with access to our galleries, including our newest exhibits, Sage Brush and Brushstrokes and Hidden in Plain Sight.
Don’t forget to stop by the M Store, our destination retail gift shop—open seven days a week—for even more Idaho-inspired treasures.
Admission is free! Last admission is at 7:15PM.
Rediscovered Books - Boise
1576 W Grove • (208) 376-4229
Shop
Join us for some holiday shopping and to support our Idaho Neighbors! Bring food donation to support the food bank for the families of Giraffe Laugh Day Care and Pre-School. Come and find out more about The Community Center, another Idaho non-profit that makes Boise a better place from 5 - 6:30 p.m..
Boise Contemporary Theater
854 Fulton St • (208) 331-9224
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage
Join us for discounted drinks and tickets only available during our First Thursday Happy Hour: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Tickets to ALL IS CALM are $20 for preview nights and/or 20% off other performances (excluding opening and closing nights) when you buy directly from our box office during this event. Enjoy complimentary charcuterie while you browse selected works by local artist Garth Claassen, who will be on hand, including a new piece made especially for this show! Take advantage of our discounted drinks and then head to our pub at 6 pm to enjoy Carolers provided by Opera Idaho! Festivities end at 6:30 pm, just as the theater house opens, so you can get a ticket to that night’s show for only $20 and relax in the theater with your discounted drink, you clever thing!
Events:
5:30-6:30 pm Happy Hour in the BCT Lobby
6:00-6:30 pm Carolers provided by Opera Idaho in BCT's Ghost Light Pub
6:30 pm Seating begins for that night's performance of ALL IS CALM
7:00 pm Performance of ALL IS CALM begins
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop
Artist Reception | First Impressions: Cody White Solo Exhibition
Celebrate the beauty of the West at the opening reception for Cody White’s solo exhibition 'First Impressions' at IAG Boise! Experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains brought to life in Cody’s richly textured, large-scale oil paintings.
This exhibition runs alongside our ongoing Open Theme Exhibition, showcasing over 25 local and nationally acclaimed artists. Meet Cody, enjoy lively art conversation, and discover stunning works—all available for purchase. Bring a friend and join us for an evening of inspiration, creativity, and community!
BANANA ink
214 N 9th St • (208) 345-1288
Art Shop Activity
🎄 First Thursday Holiday Scavenger Hunt at BANANA ink! 🎁
What’s Happening:
🎅 Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt — find hidden clues, and win Christmas prizes!
🎨 Live Painting by Toponaut Designs — He will be creating something magical right here in the shop and have all his amazing art as well!
🎁 FREE Gift Wrapping All Day! — you support local, we wrap your thoughtful gifts.
🎄 Mystery White Elephant Presents — surprise your friends with these pre-wrapped goodies!
🎉 Giveaways & More! — festive treats, local love, and holiday vibes all around.
Come celebrate local art, shop small, and kick off the holidays with us! ❤️🎁