Best annual events in the Boise area: Things to do every month of the year
Boise is a city full of energy during all seasons of the year. And part of what makes this such a lively city are the annual events and festivals that bring communities together.
Entertainment reporter and columnist Michael Deeds, service journalism reporter Shaun Goodwin and calendar editor Michelle Jenkins put their heads together to highlight some of the best as well as their own favorite annual events and festivals.
Here is a month-by-month rundown:
January: Field-to-Fork Festival
Get an inside look into where your food comes from. The annual Field-to-Fork Festival gathers farmers, rangers, food and drink producers and purveyors, restaurants, bars and retailers from across the state of Idaho to showcase their work and exchange ideas within the industry. Visitors get a chance to sample unique products while also learning about the local food supply chain.
Location: JUMP Boise: Jack’s Urban Meeting Place 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise
Website: www.fareidaho.org/field-to-fork
February: McCall Winter Carnival
North of Boise, the resort town of McCall hosts one of the most popular winter festivals in Idaho. The Carnival, which started in the 1960s, brings in more than 60,000 visitors for live music, food, snow sculptures, the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge, snow bike races, fireworks and more.
Location: McCall, ID
Website: visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival
March: Treefort Music Fest
Boise music lovers wait all year for the Treefort Music Fest, a five-day music festival featuring hundreds of local, regional, national and international bands. In addition to music playing at the main stages in Julia Davis Park and at venues throughout downtown Boise, the festival has other activities for adults and children. There is a series of “forts” for yoga, film, food, beer, skateboarding and more.
Location: Downtown Boise, ID
Website: treefortmusicfest.com
April: Race to Robie Creek
If you’re a runner looking for a challenge, the Race to Robie Creek is for you. The 13.1-mile race that consists of steep inclines on paved and dirt roads is not for the faint of heart, but “the more gnarly, the better,” said Samantha Lewis, a Race to Robie Creek runner from Moscow, Idaho.
Location: Fort Boise Park (600 Garrison Road, Boise), near Reserve Street and Scout Lane
Website: www.facebook.com/racetorobiecreek
May: Idaho Shakespeare Festival
From May through September, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival produces five plays in an outdoor amphitheater nestled between the Boise Foothills and the Boise River. Skilled actors take the stage to put on plays not just from Shakespeare’s repertoire but also other classic plays and even musicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring food and a picnic while enjoying the show.
Location: 5657 E. Warm Springs Ave., Boise
Website: idahoshakespeare.org
June: Alive After 5
On Wednesday evenings from June through August, The Grove Plaza in downtown Boise puts on live musical performances for a free summer concert series that’s open for visitors to enjoy.
Location: The Grove Plaza - 827 W. Main St., Boise
Website: theduckclub.com/alive-after-5
July: Boise Twilight Criterium
Part of the USA Cycling race calendar, the Boise Twilight cycling event brings pro cyclist teams and local and national amateur riders together in a high-speed, high-stakes race through the streets of downtown Boise. Even if you’re just a spectator, the energy of the race is exhilarating.
Location: Cecil D. Andrus Park - 601 W. Jefferson St.
Website: boisetwilightcriterium.com
August: Western Idaho Fair & Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
August brings two events that you can’t miss.
First up is the Western Idaho Fair, which has been celebrating Idaho’s agriculture since 1897. In addition to showcasing crops and livestock, the state fair has plenty of family-friendly entertainment including a carnival with rides, live music and shows, and of course, fair foods.
Later in the month and into September, the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is the center of attention. During the five-day event, hot air balloons take to the skies, soaring over Boise landmarks like Broadway Avenue and the Capitol building. On CapEd Kid’s Day, children get free tethered balloon rides.
Western Idaho Fair
Location: 5610 Glenwood St., Garden City
Website: idahofair.com
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Location: Ann Morrison Park - 1000 S. Americana Blvd., Boise
Website: spiritofboise.com
September: Art in the Park & Hyde Park Street Fair
The September weather is perfect for open-air art festivals. On the weekend after Labor Day, over 200 artists display their arts and crafts during Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park in Julia Davis Park. You’ll also find entertainment, food and activities for kids.
The following weekend, the North End neighborhood puts on the Hyde Park Street Fair. There you’ll find two stages where you can catch live music, as well as arts and crafts vendors, beer gardens and a food court.
Art in the Park
Location: Julia Davis Park - 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
Website: www.boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park
Hyde Park Street Festival
Location: Camel’s Back Park - 1200 Heron St., Boise
Website: www.northendboise.org/hyde-park-street-fair
October: Hoptober Freshtival
Since 2014, Boise Brewing has been putting on the Hoptober Freshtival, a beer festival that has become the largest of its kind in Idaho. This event brings hop farmers, brewers and beer lovers together in one of the top three hop-producing states in the country. Get to know your local hop farmers and brewers while sampling from over 70 fresh hop and seasonal beers.
Location: Boise Brewing - 521 W. Broad St., Boise
Website: www.boisebrewing.com/hoptober-freshtival
November: Craft & Chocolate Affaire
Every year, about 4,000 chocolate lovers descend on the Nampa Civic Center to shop for chocolate goodies as well as handmade artisan crafts. It’s also a great time to start your holiday shopping. Best of all, the event is free.
Location: Nampa Civic Center - 311 Third St. S., Nampa
Website: nampaciviccenter.com/vendors_info/craft-chocolate-affaire
December: Winter Garden aGlow
Every year for the holiday season, the Idaho Botanical Garden “glows” with over 600,000 festive holiday lights. The display gives visitors a chance to enjoy the botanical garden during the winter season and see the gardens in a different light (literally).
Location: Idaho Botanical Garden
Website: www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/wintergardenaglow
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