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.
SUPERSIZED First Thursday's are back!
What does that mean? More free activation throughout your downtown area! We'll have roving artist performing & engaging with the public for free fun during select months! Keep an eye out for the signs for where they'll pop-up next!
Interested in being a performing artist for our SUPERSIZED First Thursdays?
Submit ARTIsT Information Here
Thank You to Our 2024 First Thursday Sponsor:
Foothills School of Arts & Sciences
601 S 9th St • 208-331-9260
Art Shop
Foothills School hosts downtown neighbor non-profit Backyard Artists for a First Thursday Art Show and Sale on May 2 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm!
Come see downtown Boise's newest mural designed and installed by Foothills School alumnus Hawk Sahlein of Sector Seventeen!
Artists will be sharing and showing their art at Foothills School with free parking to launch your First Thursday downtown exploration. Join us for some art, conversation, community, and a free raffle for a summer recreation package!
BHS Creative Writing Showcase Performing Live!
Downtown Boise •
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
BHS Creative Writing Showcase will be doing live performances for the public to enjoy throughout the night!
The Boise High School creative writing program is composed of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who write stories and poems about the images dancing behind your eyelids at night and the silences that rattle your bones all day. This iteration of performers represents many of those published in Rosasharn: Loose Change, this year's literary journal published annually at Boise High.
https://sites.google.com/boiseschools.org/rosasharn/rosasharn-nebula-2023
Radio Boise
1020 W Main St • 208-258-2072
Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
We are 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 from Green's Deli and just 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.
Join the BoldCircle at BoldHue!
405 S 8th St •
Art Shop Activity
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
Re-POP Gifts
210 N 10th St • 208-991-6112
Shop
Get ready to party with us at Re-POP Gifts! Join us for our monthly Birthday Celebrations, where we will be throwing a birthday party on the first Thursday of each month from 4:00-8:00. 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
Bronco Shop @ City Center
777 W Main St • (208) 426-4648
Shop
🌟 Get ready to kick off May with a bang at Downtown Boise's First Thursday! 🎉 Swing by The Bronco Shop and experience the excitement on May 2nd, where the festivities last until 7 PM.
Here's something special for all our amazing supporters: with every purchase over $75, score a FREE Bronco hat! 🧢✨ It's the perfect accessory to showcase your Bronco pride wherever you go.
Join us Thursday, May 2, for an evening of fun, shopping, and community spirit. Let's make May's First Thursday unforgettable together! See you there!
Boise Chamber Gift Shop and Visit Boise Information Center
1101 W Front St • (208) 472-5215
Shop Food & Beverage
Happy First Thursday! Receive 10% off your entire purchase from 9a-4p. Not sure what's in our gift shop? We have merchandise from our Boise Metro Chamber Members and Gift Shop Members. We have a great, cute and welcoming souvenir gift shop!
I hope to see your friendly smiles!
Delia Dante Gallery & Fire Fusion Studio
1322 W Main St • 208-810-6240
Art Shop Music Kid-Friendly Activity
First Thursday at the Delia Dante Gallery from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
John Killmaster
Opening and Artists Reception - May 2
Music by Samantha Trulock
Wine and Light Hors d'Oeuvres
This exhibition showcases a collection of paintings and enamels by Boise artist John Killmaster. These pieces document John's artistic journey, highlighting his unwavering commitment to creating art and his ongoing process of growth, refinement, and enjoyment along the way. By prioritizing creativity over repetitive formulas, John encourages experimentation and discovery, fostering the development of innovative new art forms.
Exhibition runs May 2 - June 30
Delia Dante Gallery hours:
Tuesday-Wednesday from 10am - 3pm
Thursday-Saturday from 10am - 6pm
All gallery exhibitions are always free and open to the public
House of Wine
1008 W Main St • 208-297-9463
Shop Food & Beverage
Join House of Wine for May's “First Thursday” event!!
We will be featuring Idaho’s very own, Huston Vineyards!! Enjoy FREE 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!
Live Performances by Wolfe Ballroom Dancers!
Downtown Boise •
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
The Wolfe Ballroom Dancers will be roving throughout downtown for the evening performing at various outdoor public locations!
Wolfe ballroom dancers learn ten basic dance styles, as well as some extra fun things like lifts and tricks. They are a small group of ballroom dancers that love to perform. They dance several times a week together, including at a local studio geared towards youth ballroom.
https://www.instagram.com/wolfeballroomdancers
Idaho Gives
Downtown Boise •
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Idaho has given you a place to dream. What can you give Idaho?
April 29 – May 2, 2024
Mungo Performing Live!
Downtown Boise •
Art Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Mungo will be performing live throughout Downtown Boise at various location!
Mungo plays a lot of Neo-Soul and Rnb music. Fusing African sounds that he grew up around to create a fusion that is new and different.
https://instagram.com/mungowona