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 Freedom Bound Hounds, a non-profit dedicated to saving dogs and helping them find their forever homes in the Pacific Northwest.
"Impact of Exchange" Global Ties Exhibit
827 W Main St • (208) 336-8900
Art Kid-Friendly
Immerse yourself in the Impact of Exchange: Stories from U.S. Exchange Alumni, a remarkable traveling photography exhibit that intertwines public art with compelling narratives.
About the Exhibit:
"Impact of Exchange" is made possible through funding from the Office of Alumni Affairs and is executed by Global Ties U.S. in partnership with Photoville and local Community-Based Members nationwide. Featuring photographs and stories of U.S. citizen Exchange Alumni, this exhibit aims to ignite inspiration and foster future participation in exchange programs.
Engage with Global Ties Idaho:
Meet representatives from Global Ties Idaho during the event to discover opportunities for involvement in local programming. Gain insights into the impactful work they do and explore avenues for collaboration and engagement within the community.
Special Discussion with U.S. State Department:
Additionally, seize the opportunity to converse with a diplomat from the U.S. State Department who will be present to discuss employment opportunities within the department. Whether you're considering a career path or seeking insights into international affairs, this session offers valuable insights and connections.
Don't miss this enriching experience that celebrates the power of exchange and fosters cultural understanding. Mark your calendars for an evening of art, storytelling, and dialogue. The exhibit itself will run from April 22, 2024 through June 6, 2024. All are welcome. Free to attend.
For more information, contact globaltiesidahoboard@gmail.com.
Join the BoldCircle at BoldHue!
405 S 8th St •
Art Shop Activity
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Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
All day Happy Hour! Half off appetizers and $4 draft beer, $4 well cocktails, $4 select wines from 11am-11pm every first Thursday in Trillium Restaurant or Trillium Bar.
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.
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.
Art Source Gallery
1516 W Grove St • 208-331-3374
Art
First Thursday at Art Source Gallery: “Wu Li: Patterns of Organic Energy” by photographer Mike Shipman
Wu Li is a Chinese term to describe how the interactions of matter and energy create visible and measurable patterns. The term seeks to encapsulate the idea that all matter and energy are connected in some way, and those connections manifest patterns. Those patterns are observable in the world either in repetition, such as animal migrations. Or, randomly like the movement of water droplets on a hot skillet.
“As a wildlife biologist, ecologist, and artist, the concept of Wu Li resonates deeply with me, Shipman says. “In this show, and much of my work, I interpret the gesture of Wu Li from my understanding of and experiences with my environment. But Wu Li is more than photographs and my artistic expression, it is also your understanding and experience viewing the photographs.”
Mike Shipman lives in Nampa, ID and is a photographer, visual artist, educator, author, bookbinder, former wildlife biologist, world traveler, and curious about everything. His photographs have appeared in national and international publications and are in private and corporate collections around the world and can be viewed at the Art Source Gallery, in Boise.
Join the artists at the First Thursday Opening Reception, Thursday May 2, 2024 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Enjoy live music, wine and snacks. The exhibition will be on display at the gallery, 1516 W Grove St. (Linen District) Boise, ID 83843. More information is available at the gallery website: www.artsourcegallery.com.
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
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
Tom Graineys
109 S 6th St • (208) 345-2505
Music
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!
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.
Discovery Center of Idaho
131 W Myrtle St • (208) 343-9895
Kid-Friendly Activity
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.