First Thursday Celebrates 8th Street Block Reopening

September 28, 2026

BOISE — Join the City of Boise, the Downtown Boise Association (DBA) and local businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 1 to celebrate First Thursday on the newly improved 8th Street block between Main and Idaho. The event is free and open to the public.

“8th Street has long been a place where Boise comes together. The community-led improvements on the block build on what makes it so special, creating a more welcoming street where people of all ages and abilities can stroll, roll and gather,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “This First Thursday event is a great opportunity to bring friends and family together in the new plaza and support the businesses that bring 8th Street to life.”

Enjoy live music, carnival-inspired pop-ups, face painting, a roaming magician, caricature artist, games and local vendors while exploring the newly completed space and supporting your favorite downtown businesses.

“Downtown Boise Association has been holding First Thursday events for more than 30 years, encouraging Boiseans and visitors to explore downtown and find a new favorite spot among our retailers and restaurants,” said Downtown Business Association Executive Director Lauren Hamilton. “This October we encourage you to add a stop on the newly completed 8th Street block to your First Thursday itinerary. We can’t wait to see you

BOISE — Join the City of Boise, the Downtown Boise Association (DBA) and local businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 1 to celebrate First Thursday on the newly improved 8th Street block between Main and Idaho. The event is free and open to the public.

“8th Street has long been a place where Boise comes together. The community-led improvements on the block build on what makes it so special, creating a more welcoming street where people of all ages and abilities can stroll, roll and gather,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “This First Thursday event is a great opportunity to bring friends and family together in the new plaza and support the businesses that bring 8th Street to life.”

Enjoy live music, carnival-inspired pop-ups, face painting, a roaming magician, caricature artist, games and local vendors while exploring the newly completed space and supporting your favorite downtown businesses.

“Downtown Boise Association has been holding First Thursday events for more than 30 years, encouraging Boiseans and visitors to explore downtown and find a new favorite spot among our retailers and restaurants,” said Downtown Business Association Executive Director Lauren Hamilton. “This October we encourage you to add a stop on the newly completed 8th Street block to your First Thursday itinerary. We can’t wait to see you downtown!”

A full list of businesses participating in First Thursday in Downtown Boise can be found here.

The Oct. 1 First Thursday celebrates the completion of a major construction milestone on the 8th Street Improvement plan with the reopening of the south block. Come and experience the newly improved pedestrian space, including:

  • Improved accessibility: We created a street that is more welcoming for people of all abilities.
  • People-friendly spaces: We improved space for strolling, gathering and enjoying 8th Street.
  • A space designed for activity: We created a flexible space that can host events and community activities.

In addition to the event, local businesses along the two pedestrian blocks on 8th Street have launched the Boise on 8th Field Guide — part local directory, part walking companion and part invitation to explore. Field guide holders can collect 15 stamps from participating businesses to win prizes.

“8th Street has a rich history, and we hope folks enjoy learning a little of it and meeting the businesses that call it home today,” said Dave Krick, partner at Just Eat Local. “The best part has been how it brought the partners together, the business owners and all the key people building 8th into a living street for everyone.”

A group of people cross at 8th and Idaho street.

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