Southwest Idaho Happenings
Summer Events 2023
Looking for details on the Western Idaho Fair, mountain music festivals, or events in Boise and beyond? Read on…
Summer in Southwest Idaho is magical. Long, sun-drenched days and warm evenings mean there’s always something happening. So pack up your friends and family, a lawn chair, and a sense of adventure — this summer is going to be unforgettable. Time to book that summer trip!
July
4th of July Celebrations: Cities and towns across Southwest Idaho know how to celebrate Independence Day. Join in the fun!
Cascade: Thunder Mountain Days brings a parade, duck races, fireworks over the lake, and more to this mountain town.
McCall: A swell of people visit over July 4th to enjoy the Lakeside Liberty Fest, capped by fireworks at dusk. Book with McCall Lake Cruises for an up close and personal view.
Caldwell: A big, fun-for-the-entire-family celebration in Indian Creek Plaza. Splash pads, foam pits, and plenty of food and drink.
Meridian: An afternoon of food trucks, music, and picnicking at Storey Park followed by fireworks at the nearby Meridian Speedway.
Boise: A festive parade in the morning followed by music-synced fireworks at Ann Morrison Park.
Bonus: Eagle Fun Days the weekend after the 4th… a three-day festival featuring a parade, car show, and live music.
Twilight Criterium: A fast, fun road bike race that weaves its way through downtown Boise. There are even events for amateurs and kids.
Local Fairs: There’s nothing like a summer day spent at the fair. In July, Elmore County, Canyon County, and Washington County Fair each have their own flavor.
Snake River Stampede: Idaho’s biggest rodeo and one of the largest in the Western US.
San Inazio Festival: Take in some of the Treasure Valley’s rich Basque culture. Enjoy Basque food, drink, dancing, and more on Boise’s Basque Block.
Find a Place to Stay
Find the "just right" place to stay and experience some of our most beautiful Southwest Idaho towns.
Book Trip
August
Nightfire Nationals: Hear (and feel) the roar of Treasure Valley drag racing at Firebird Raceway. For motorsports fans, this showcase of Nitro, Funny Cars, and Dragsters is the event of the year.
Kuna Days: A family-friendly festival celebrating the charming small town of Kuna.
More Fairs: Valley County Fair and Rodeo, Owyhee County Fair and Rodeo, and the Payette County Fair are all filled with warm days of fun in the sun.
Caldwell Night Rodeo: Get rowdy at this epic outdoor rodeo. Few rodeos have the personality and unbridled enthusiasm of the Caldwell Night Rodeo.
Western Idaho Fair: Here, at Idaho’s largest fair, everything is literally fun and games. Animals, agriculture, food, and more. Held in Garden City at Expo Idaho.
Boise Goathead Fest: A self-described pedal-powered, wonderfully weird celebration of Boise’s bicycle community. Bikes. Food. Music. Community. It’s all here.
Payette Lakes Art Fair: Get out and get some culture at this arts festival in McCall.
Gowen Thunder Air Show: Some of the world’s best aerobatic pilots make their way to the skies of Southwest Idaho to create an unforgettable day.
September
Art in the Park: Artists from across the West descend on Ann Morrison Park in Boise to share and sell arts and crafts.
Pride Boise: A celebration of inclusion. Most events are in Cecil D. Andrus Park, but additional festivities can be found throughout the community.
Boise State Football Kickoff: Take in a football game on the blue turf. This year’s home opener features the University of Central Florida — not to be missed!
Hops & Crops Festival: Learn the ins and outs of brewing beer. Tour a hop farm. Celebrate our vibrant agricultural heritage. It’s all at Indian Creek Plaza.
Hyde Park Street Fair: It’s a neighborhood party and you’re invited! Enjoy food, music, vendors, and activities in Boise’s Camel’s Back Park.
St. Luke’s FitOne: a 5k/10k/half marathon in and around Boise’s downtown area.
All Summer Long
Outlaw Field Concert Series: Set on the lawn of the beautiful Boise Botanical Gardens, this summer concert series attracts world-renowned musicians all summer long.
July – September.
The Boise Flea: A once-a-month flea market stretching several blocks between 27th and State and Whitewater Blvd. 2nd Sunday of the month.
Boise Hawks Baseball: What could be better than taking in a minor league baseball game in this riverfront stadium.
Bruneau Dunes Observatory: Open to the public June through mid-October on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. Stargaze with the help of knowledgeable professionals in the field.
Tuesdays on the Creek: Enjoy a night out in downtown Caldwell! Live music, farmers market, and lots of good eats. Located in Indian Creek Plaza.
Anything we missed?
If you have an event you think we should include here, please let us know!
