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 happen all throughout the day, but each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing below for individual hours and details.
Hemlock
500 S Capitol Blvd •
Food & Beverage Activity
Join us at the bar from 3–6 PM.
Indulge in:
Boise’s Best Burger.
Steak skewers. Oyster shooters. Gaucho meatballs.
Duck-fat potatoes. Fries. Marinated olives.
$7 drafts.
$9 select wines.
$10 classic cocktails.
Two Hemlock Happy Hour rituals to get the most of First Thursdays:
Hemlock Happy Meal
Haute Girl Dinner
Idaho Art Gallery
702 W Idaho St • (208) 733-4134
Art Shop
ILLUMINATED TALES: Solo Exhibition by Art Werger
Opening Reception: Thursday, December 03 | 5-9PM
On View: December 01-January 02
Idaho Art Gallery | 702 W Idaho St #105 | Downtown Boise
Join us for the opening reception of Illuminated Tales, a solo exhibition by Art Werger exploring memory, light, and the stories that unfold within the intricate process of mezzotint. Beginning with fragments of memory, gestures, places, and moments of light, Werger allows each image to develop slowly and intuitively, transforming darkness into illumination through a meticulous process of discovery.
Composition is central to Werger’s work, carefully balancing form, light, and space to create images that feel both timeless and alive. His dynamic perspectives and distant viewpoints invite viewers to step into the role of an omniscient narrator, exploring each scene and searching for meaning within its layers of imagery and symbolism.
At its heart, Illuminated Tales is an invitation to slow down and look closely. With each sustained encounter, new details and interpretations emerge, allowing viewers to bring their own memories and experiences into the narrative. Meet the artist, experience these remarkable mezzotints in person, and discover the stories waiting to be illuminated.
Cactus Bar
517 W Main St • (208) 342-9732
Food & Beverage Activity
Karaoke baby!!! Anyone can come in and sing. Starting from 9 pm till close every 1st Thursday. (And actually we do Karaoke every Thursday not just 1st Thursday). Come in and sing your heart out...or just come in and watch and listen. Actual customer quote, "Some of the worst singing but the most fun they had every had!"
Chi E Shenam Westin Art
1020 Main St • 208-440-2107
Art
Paintings from the Eagle Plein Aire Festival: florals, landscape, water reflection, and nocturnes. Also, new Plein Aire oiling paintings of Kathryn Albertson Park. A large selection of oil paintings of Idaho and the Intermountain west. Paintings of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley Basin, the Tetons, Katheryn Albertson park, and the red rock country of Zion National Park.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 W Main Street • 208-514-0440
Music Food & Beverage Activity
Boise's ONLY guided social dancing party!
"Swing" in for First Thursday and find out how much fun date night or a night out on the town can be. This is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable on a social dance floor in a safe and fun environment!
Come for a few minutes just to check the place out, or stay to meet our dance community and practice to music from a variety of dance styles.
No partner required — or bring your friends. We love to see couples who want to dance together, too.
Everyone is welcome, no experience required!
7:00pm—7:45pm
Dance Demos & Free Newcomer Group Variety Class
7:45pm — 8:30pm
Social Dancing Party
Voodoo Cellar Boise
200 N Capitol Blvd • 2089180881
Food & Beverage
$5 Craft Beer Flights Every First Thursday!
The Art Room Inc.
508 South 5th Street •
Art Food & Beverage
The Art Room features a new local artist every month. That means new art on the walls of the coffee shop, classes available to the public taught by the featured artist, and a free artist showcase every First Thursday. Join us each month in encouraging local artists and building the Art Room.
Our vision is to see a generation consumed by consumption experience revival in creation. Our mission is to serve Boise with art, coffee, and community and shine the light of Jesus.
Graeber & Company Lifestyle Salon + Facial Bar
420 W Main St • (208) 343-4915
Shop Activity
Join Graeber & Company and Roast & Vine for a holiday market style First Thursday in downtown Boise.
Come shop, sip, and celebrate the season with us. We’re bringing together some of our favorite local makers and friends for an evening that makes holiday gifting feel a little more joyful.
What to expect:
- A Graeber holiday market filled with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list
- Music from DJ It Was Jack
- Permanent jewelry from The Ritzy Rose
- Bites from Tasty Touches Catering
- Sweet treats from Leesa's Chocolates
- Wine tasting from The Wine Merchants
And a few more surprises along the way
Bring a friend, check a few names off your list, and spend the evening with us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
📍 Graeber & Company, 420 W Main St. Ste. 101A, Downtown Boise
🗓 Thursday, December 3
🕔 5 to 8 PM
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd • 208-333-8002
Food & Beverage
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!
Suite 104
280 N 8th St •
Music Food & Beverage
Suite 104 is a lively and welcoming cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Boise, serving up thoughtfully crafted cocktails, beer, and wine in a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Happy Hour discounts are extended till the end of the night every First Thursday from 7–11pm! Hosted by local country music band leader Jace Kempke! Everyone 21+ is welcome, anyone can sign up to sing, and everyone is invited to come listen, drink, and enjoy!
Eureka!
800 W Idaho St • (208) 286-4410
Food & Beverage
WEEKLY SPECIALS
Come back throughout the week and enjoy one of our featured specials!
• EVERY DAY — Happy Hour: 3–6 PM & 9 PM–Close
• MONDAY — $10 Martinis
• TUESDAY — 1/2 Off Wine: 6 oz & 9 oz Pours
• WEDNESDAY — $9 Double Smash Burger with Fries
• THURSDAY — $10 Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned
• SATURDAY & SUNDAY — $8 Bloodys or Mimosas
COME SEE US
Stop by and enjoy Eureka! during our regular hours:
• SUNDAY–THURSDAY — 11 AM–11 PM
• FRIDAY & SATURDAY — 11 AM–Midnight
Ron Gaunt Studios
•
Art Activity
Join Ron Gaunt in his studio during First Thursday!
He will be showcasing his work including his children book illustrations!
Stop by from 5-7pm on October 1st.
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St • 986-999-4081
Music Food & Beverage
The Warehouse Food Hall is bringing live music to the heart of downtown Boise every First Thursday. Guests can enjoy performances from local artists while exploring 10+ food and drink vendors under one roof. With cold drinks, bold flavor, and no cover, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your evening and stay awhile.
Acero Boards & Bottles
801 West Main Street • 208-801-6896
Food & Beverage
All Day Happy Hour at Acero
For First Thursday, we’re extending our weekday $6 til 6 special all day long! Enjoy $6 glasses of wine and $6 beer pitchers from 11 AM–10 PM while you explore Downtown Boise.
Reserve wines excluded. First Thursday only.
Idaho State Museum
610 N Julia Davis Dr • (208) 334-2120
Shop Music Food & Beverage Kid-Friendly Activity
Holiday Fest: A Seasonal Celebration
Embark on a free holiday experience at the Idaho State Museum on the First Thursday of December 2026. Start with a variety of tastings from locally made wine to tea and take 15% off purchases from our curated gift shop collections. Enjoy sweets and savories while listening to live holiday caroling by Gemma Arts, and participate in a family friendly craft. Free hot cocoa and candy canes will be available, along with an appearance by a special holiday character.
The Funky Taco
801 W Bannock St • (208) 488-4593
Music Food & Beverage
Once a month on the first Thursday, the vibrant and eclectic space at The Funky Taco comes alive with an exciting evening of live music featuring the Dean Jennings Jazz Quartet. Pair their signature creative tacos and incredible plant-based fare with our unique form of jazz for a guaranteed unforgettable performance every time we take the stage.
Please check The Funky Taco's Facebook page for upcoming dates and specific event details!