They're worth the trip

Visit-Worthy Events

Visit-Worthy Events

From snow-covered mountain towns to summer nights in small towns, Southwest Idaho knows how to throw a party.

Bundle up to watch a giant potato drop at midnight or have a jam session with professional fiddlers. These are the kind of events people plan trips around.

Event Season

Photo Credit: Idaho Potato Drop

Winter

Idaho Potato Drop | New Year’s Eve

Forget the disco ball. In Idaho, we ring in the new year by dropping a 1,500-pound, 17-foot-long potato in the heart of downtown Boise. Yes, really. The tater even made it as a question on Jeopardy.

The celebration runs all day, featuring food trucks, a beer garden, live music, and even a ski and snowboard competition on custom-built features underneath the waiting potato. The best viewing spots fill up early, so bundle up if you want to claim one. Or sneak in at 11:50 pm and still catch one of the most unforgettable countdowns in the country.

McCall Winter Carnival | February

Massive and creative snow sculptures dot this alpine village during the annual McCall Winter Carnival.

There is no shortage of action for the whole family: snowshoe golf, dog sled races (hilariously, with dogs of all breeds), a parade, live music, and about 100 more events during this 10-day festival. If you go just once, you’ll know exactly what we mean when we talk about Sharlie, the Payette Lake Monster. Lodging books quickly, so plan a few months in advance. Brundage Mountain is just 10 minutes away, so pairing carnival days with skiing or snowboarding is easy.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

Spring

Treefort Music Festival | March

For one week each spring, over 400 bands flood the city of Boise, taking over venues that stretch across downtown. Catch performances by both big-name artists and the up-and-comers.

But it’s not just about the music. There are 14 different “forts.” Feast at Foodfort. Drink deep at Alefort. Dive into StoryFort, Comedyfort, Yogafort, and more. Most venues are within walking distance of downtown, so getting around is easy on foot (or scooter or shuttle, depending on your energy level). Grab a festival pass or pick individual events to be part of the week when the whole city transforms. Insider tip: Say “Happy Treefort” to people as you walk by. They’ll think you’ve been coming for years.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival | May-September

A picnic and a show. Theater under the stars. A riverside amphitheater tucked into a nature preserve. That’s the Idaho Shakespeare Festival experience.

Bring your own snacks and drinks (yes, even wine and beer!) or grab local goodies at the on-site market. Gates open early, so you can settle in before curtain time. The season runs May through September, featuring plays, musicals, and traditional Shakespeare productions. As the sun sets over the amphitheater, it starts to get chilly, so bring layers and a couple of blankets to stay comfortable. If your tickets are on the hillside, come prepared with either a blanket or low-backed camp chair. If you forget, there are chairs for rent at the venue. All the world’s a stage, but we think this one is the best!

 

Photo Credit: John Webster ft. kayaker Jennifer Chrimes

Summer

North Fork Championship | June

The North Fork Championship is considered one of the most demanding whitewater kayak races in the world. Elite paddlers from across the globe come to take on the North Fork of the Payette River, a legendary stretch in the whitewater community.

The event feels part competition, part river festival. In the tiny town of Banks (about an hour north of Boise), spectators line up to watch kayakers race through rowdy rapids and slalom through technical Class V sections. Catch the races and camp out at the festival grounds. Maybe even take a day trip down the Cabarton while you’re there? This area is remote so plan ahead. Pack sunscreen, sturdy shoes for scrambling on riverbanks, and cash for food vendors. Cell service and wifi is not guaranteed.

The National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest & Festival | June

Fiddling came to Weiser, Idaho, dating back to 1863, when covered wagon emigrants stopped in for rest and recreation. For one full week in late June, Weiser is the national gathering place for musicians around the world (including Grammy winners) to compete in the fiddler’s contest for the title of Grand National Champion.

The festival is in City Park, located right downtown. It’s full of vendors, food trucks, and a stage with all sorts of entertainment. If you’re camping (there are plenty of options), the music continues just like the old days, with spontaneous jam sessions. Even if you’ve never played a fiddle, the talent and atmosphere are reason enough to come.

Ironman 70.3 Boise | July

This iconic triathlon highlights Boise’s perfect blend of urban and natural landscapes. Athletes dive into Lucky Peak Reservoir, bike through rolling hills, and run straight through the city.

Not racing? Spectating is half the fun. Some of the best places to watch are near the swim and the finish line. Post up at Lucky Peak (take a dip while you’re there) to watch the start of the swim portion, then head downtown to Julia Davis Park for a party at the finish line. In true Boise fashion, the race showcases the community as much as the athletes.

Twilight Criterium | July

Known for its late-night 4-corner course, the Boise Twilight Criterium brings world-class cycling to the streets of Idaho’s capital city.

For 39 years, the world’s fastest riders have been screaming through the streets of downtown Boise. The course has a short loop where cyclists whip around tight corners and fly past spectators every few minutes. Expect large crowds and a festive atmosphere, with nail-biting races and photo finishes. What started as a single-day race has turned into a multi-day event, complete with a kids race led by Boisean and three-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong. (Ahem, the most decorated female cyclist in U.S. history.) Watch a few races, grab a brew downtown, watch a few more races, grab a bite. It’s one of summer’s best nights out.

Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival | July

Population: 32. Fun level: off the charts!

The small mountain community of Yellow Pine comes alive for its harmonica festival. Hundreds of people block out this three-day weekend to watch live performances, join impromptu jam sessions, get hands-on music lessons, and participate in the legendary Great Harmonica Fun Run.

This town is Idaho’s backcountry, which means there’s no cell service, and camping is your room for the night. If that’s not totally your vibe, you can book a cabin in nearby McCall and take the scenic drive into Yellow Pine for the festivities.

San Inazio Basque Festival | August

Boise is home to the largest Basque population outside of the Basque Country, and the San Inazio Basque Festival brings that heritage to life.

The Basque Block fills with musical performances, traditional dancing, and authentic Basque food served from one end of the block to the other. Every five years, Jaialdi piggybacks on San Inazio, expanding it with more food, international performers, and traditional Basque sports. Sports Night tickets sell out almost immediately. Who wouldn’t want to watch Harrijasotzaileak (weightlifters) lift huge cylinders that weigh up to 400 lbs, Aizkolariak (woodchoppers) going head-to-head, and herri kirolak (traditional rural/farm sports) competitors throwing hay bales, lifting wagons, and hoisting anvils? The Basque Country’s heart beats in Boise all week long!

Fall

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic | Labor Day Weekend

Boise wakes up differently during the five-day Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. At sunrise, hot air balloons lift into the sky and drift over neighborhoods, parks, and foothills. You don’t have to chase them. Just look up. They’re everywhere.

The Classic begins with Kid’s Day at Ann Morrison Park, where the kids get an up-close look at the balloons and can take free tethered rides. As the week goes on, early-morning launches are reason enough to set an alarm, grab a coffee, and step outside. The experience builds toward Nite Glow, the crowd favorite. Massive balloons line the park and fire their burners in a synchronized pattern lighting up the night. Live music plays, and dinner is from a food truck. The best of all worlds.

Bruneau Roundup Rodeo | September

Looking for a classic, family-friendly, western activity? Bruneau Roundup Rodeo is all of those things. You’ll see all the classics like team roping and bull riding. But you’ll also get to see fan favorites like wild cow milking and saddle bronc riding! The weekend wraps with a BBQ dinner and a dance with a live band. Giddy up!

Make Plans. Explore More.

Whatever season you visit, there’s always more to do. What brought you here could be the starting point of a bigger adventure! Search our site by season and start making your list. We can’t wait to welcome you here!

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