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:
Radio Boise
1020 W Main St • 208-258-2072
Music
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 Jesse Tree whose mission it is to lead the Treasure Valley on preventing eviction and homelessness by supporting our neighbors at risk of housing loss, empowering them to stay in their homes.
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
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*
The Matador Boise
215 N 8th St • 208-342-9988
Food & Beverage
HAPPY HOUR 4p-6p & 10p-CLOSE (daily)
Our newest Seasonal Menu was just released last week featuring the following items:
* Cotija-Crusted Mushroom Quesadilla - Goat cheese, Monterey Jack, caramelized onions, cilantro-lime sour cream, guacamole, garlic crema, toasted pepitas
* Carne Asada Fries - Crispy coated french fries, queso, grilled carne asada, pico de gallo, guacamole, cilantro-lime sour cream
* Chicken Tinga Tacos - Grilled peach & tomatillo salsa, pickled onion, avocado, queso fresco, cheese filled corn tortillas. Served with Mexican black beans & rice
* Camarones A La Diabla - Sautéed shrimp & mushrooms, white wine, arbol-guajillo tomato sauce, chile-garlic butter, pico de gallo, cilantro-lime sour cream, guacamole. Served with Mexican black beans & rice, and choice of tortillas
* Hot Pickle Margarita - Olmeca Altos blanco, house-made hot pickle brine, lime, agave, Tajin
* Blackberry Mojito - Kraken Gold spiced rum, blackberry, lime, mint, sugar, soda
* Charred Pineapple Limeade - Charred Pineapple, lime, soda water
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.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Sun-Thurs 11:00a-11:00p
Fri & Sat 11:00a-1:00a
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
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
Meriwether Cider House
224 N 9th St • (208)972-6725
Art
Join us for Downtown Boise Association's 1st Thursday!
We will be slinging cider and providing you with FREE supplies to paint your very own pumpkin for spooky season! You can choose to take your pumpkin home with you or leave it at the Cider House to help us decorate!
Ink Spa
404 S 8th St • (208)315-6664
Art Shop Activity
$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!
The Avery
1010 W Main St • (208) 990-1010
Food & Beverage
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.
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
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.
Bronco Shop @ City Center
777 W Main St • (208) 426-4648
Shop
🌟 Welcome October with us at the First Thursday in Downtown Boise! 🍂 Join us at the City Center Bronco Shop on October 3rd, and shop until 7 PM.
This month’s special? With every purchase over $25, you’ll get a FREE Idahome Mug! ☕️✨ It’s the perfect fall companion to enjoy your favorite drinks while showing off your Idaho pride.
Stroll through the beautiful autumn streets of Downtown Boise, and stop by to grab some Bronco gear. Let’s make this First Thursday a cozy, memorable one! See you there!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be!
7:15pm—8:00pm
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class
8:00pm—8:45pm
Open 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!
Chandlers Prime Steaks | Fine Seafood
981 W Grove St • (208) 383-4300
Food & Beverage
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.
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
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
•
Art Shop
Professional Offices 500 W. Bannock; corner of 5th and Bannock. Transforming the common areas in this office space into a pop-up gallery of my art and merchandise on sale from my e-commerce site. Dragondreamzzz.com
Boise Brewing
521 W Broad St • (208) 342-7655
Music Food & Beverage
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!
Cushing Terrell Boise
800 W Main St • (208) 336-4900
Art
Come by and see us for First Thursday! Our featured artist at Gallery Cushing Terrell will be Lorelle Rau who will be sharing her exhibition titled, "Fragments & Forms, Grand Canyon & Joshua Tree." Lorelle’s compositions weave together snippets of found paper and captured imagery to create graceful linear vistas and abstract scenes, where color, texture, and shape are coordinated with balanced intention. Guided by an intuitive process, she brings together these elements through the addition and extraction of forms, expertly integrating line and detail within the landscape.
View Free Public Art at Freak Alley Gallery
Alley: 8th & 9th and Bannock & Idaho St •
Art Kid-Friendly Activity
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.
Hotel 43 Ribbon Cutting
981 W Grove St • (208) 342-4622
Art Music Food & Beverage
In conjunction with the Chamber's Ribbon Cutting to celebrate our completed renovation. The event will be from 4-6 p.m., and offer food, drink and cash bar. Music will be performed between speakers and ribbon cutting.
Chandlers Prime Steaks | Fine Seafood
981 W Grove St • (208) 383-4300
Food & Beverage
Celebratory Re-Opening of Hotel 43, hosted by Chandlers and Hotel 43.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine, live music, exquisite local art, and thoughtfully prepared bites.
Be among the first to experience the stunning remodel of Hotel 43, and explore the beautifully transformed spaces that blend timeless elegance with modern luxury.
4:00pm - Music and drinks
4:45pm - A word from our speakers
5:15pm - Ribbon cutting
Hotel 43 + Chandlers Steakhouse
981 West Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702
Boise Brewing
521 W Broad St • (208) 342-7655
Art Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly
Looking for a spellbinding evening to kick off your October? See Misty Monster’s Morbidly Adorable art at Boise Brewing for First Thursday, on October 3rd from 5-8pm. Meet Misty, a sweetly spooky painter, who creates big eye characters in a figurative fantasy and pop surrealism style. She recently completed 78 full-size paintings for her soon-to-be-released “Morbidly Adorable Tarot Deck.” For the first time, Misty will display 14+ of those 78 paintings in public!
Come see an entire set of paintings brimming with charming skeletons, or Skellies, furry big eye animals, and a menagerie of creepy cute creatures! Come take pictures with the art, talk to the artist, and grab some food and drink! Misty will be floating between the restaurant and taproom to take pictures, talk about tarot, and just welcome in the Halloween season. She'll be handing out Morbidly Adorable Treasure Maps to mark off the art and giving out cards with advice from the Potato Oracle! The paintings will be on display through the months of October and November, but First Thursday is the night to get one-of-a-kind freebies! Boise Brewing is a family friendly establishment, so all ages are welcome.
Bronco Shop @ City Center
777 W Main St • (208) 426-4648
Shop Activity
Boise State Homecoming 2024 Downtown Scavenger Hunt
Starting at 5pm, stop into the Downtown Bronco Shop to get clues that will lead you around Downtown Boise. From there you will choose your own path as you race against time and other participants to identify and visit as many locations as quickly as you can! The first three people (or teams) back win a $100 Bronco Shop Gift Card.