Guide: Free events and deals offered for First Thursday in Boise
The 2024 season is organized by Downtown Boise Association, running from May to September.
The 32nd year of First Thursday in Downtown Boise is back.
The event is held during the warmer seasons on the first Thursday of each month from May to September.
Various musicians, artists and food vendors will be showing off their wares at locations around the downtown area.
Thursday also falls on the last day of the annual Idaho Gives fundraiser, which raises money for local nonprofits.
Many of the vendors will be also be raising money for a local cause.
The events are organized by categories of what Third Thursday offers:
Music
Dawson Taylor Downtown Coffee House
219 North 8th Street
Dawson Taylor will have live music on their patio from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A local Boise Band, Fastest Fox Alive will be performing.
Local Artist Mungo Wona throughout Boise
Mungo Wona will be performing throughout Downtown Boise.
West Grove Street
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Basque Block
370 S 8th Street
6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - BoDo Warehouse (outside)
1020 W Main St
7:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Alaska Building
Green Acres Food Truck Park
1401 Shoreline Drive
Green Acres Food Truck offers live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a variety of artists.
The park is located at the intersection of 14th Street and Shoreline Drive, off the Boise Greenbelt.
Their daily schedule can always be found on their website.
The Warehouse Food Hall
370 S 8th St.
Bodo Food Hall will be offering a live performance by local country artist Wade Graves.
Live music will start at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
Radio Boise
1020 West Main St.
Radio Boise will be offering an "Open Station" in the basement of the Alaska Center on Main St. Located between 10th and 11th streets . They will be offering guided tours, live DJs, and snacks. Starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.
The Record Exchange
1105 West Idaho St.
The Record Exchange is hosting the album release party for local band Sugar Pox's debut album "Bite" at 5:30pm. The event will double as a fundraiser for Boise Hive for Idaho Gives.
They are also offering a buy one get one ticket for any Duck Club show.
Suite 104
280 North 8th St.
Suite 104 is starting a new weekly open mic music series from local artists. It starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Boise
1511 West Main St.
The dance studio will be offering dance demos and a Free Newcomer Group Variety Class from 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. and an open social dancing session from 8 p.m. 8:45 p.m.
Mixed Greens
213 North 9th St.
The shop will have live music from Eric Henderson. It is also donating to Idaho Gives and hosting a live art auction with proceeds going to Boys & Club of Ada County. Bidding goes until 7:45 p.m.
Food Deals happening in Downtown
House of Wine
1008 West Main St.
House of Wine will be offering tastings of 3 of their wines with the option to purchase a full glass or bottle.
Green's Deli
1100 West Idaho St.
The deli is offering 15% off all bottles of wine all day long.
Pine Coffee Supply
175 North 14th St.
The coffee shop will be offering a free drink card you can use that night or another time if you donate to Nations United at the if you donate soccer gear or cash.
JD's Bodega
161 North Capitol Blvd.
The bodega will be offering free popcorn and pinball.
Richard's Restaurant & Bar
500 South Capitol Blvd.
The bar at the restaurant will be offering age 21+ deals this First Thursday, with happy hour 2-9 p.m. in the bar and the hotel lobby.
More food and beverage deals will be on Downtown Boise's website.
Art Where to enjoy local arts and crafts
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Dr.
Admission is for the museum is “pay what you can". The museum is open until 7 p.m., encouraging access for all.
From 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. the museum is offering a free studio art exploration program in BAM’s education studios. You are able to create a collaged collagraph, inspired by artworks in “Silver Linings.”
Basque Museum & Cultural Center
611 W Grove St.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with free admission. There are also offering sales in the museum store.
Foothills School of Arts & Sciences
601 S 9th St.
Foothills School is hosting non-profit Backyard Artists for a First Thursday Art Show and Sale from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Artists will be showing their art at Foothills School and offering free parking.
Art in The Alaska Center
1020 Main St.
The Alaska Center is offering an exploration of Zen Buddhists, Sutras and Practices.
New paintings involving copper & aluminum materials will also be showcased.
Delia Dante Gallery & Fire Fusion Studio
1322 West Main St.
The art studio is offering a free art exhibition of various artists. It starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
Art Source Gallery at the Linen District
1516 West Grove St.
The art gallery is offering exhibitions from various local artists from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They will be offering live music, wine and snacks.
Freak Alley Gallery
Alley: Between 8th & 9th and Bannock & Idaho streets
Freak Alley offers an open space displaying local artists.
Shopping Local deals
Bandanna Running and Walking
504 W Main St.
Registration to the Justice Fund Run From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. . Those who sign up Thursday evening will be entered into a raffle for a free pair of shoes. Representatives from Idaho Legal Aid will be there to share information about the important work they do.
Vandal Store
821 West Idaho St.
Vandal Store Boise is offering 20% off for Bachelor's, Master's, and Law diploma frames. They are also offering 20% off alumni gear, and certain alumni tumblers.
They are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Find more information on all the events happening this First Thursday on the Downtown Boise Association website.
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