Boise’s 2026 event calendar is already shaping up to be a really good one. And because I’m your friend who knows when all the things are happening, I pulled together a list of the can’t-miss festivals, traditions, community events, and sports stuff worth planning ahead for.
Here’s 40 Boise events to check out in 2026:
January 24: Robbie Burns Night
Robbie Burns Night is a celebration of Scottish heritage in Idaho hosted by the Boise Scottish Caledonian Society. It’s held at The Riverside Hotel and includes poetry, singing, piping and Scottish Highland dancing, and a traditional Scottish dinner (including haggis!).
→ Read more about Boise’s Scottish community.
January 24-25: Idaho Renaissance Faire
Idaho Renaissance Faire – SKÅL is happening January 24–25 at Gabiola Fields in Caldwell (2415 Blaine St, Caldwell) from 10am–6pm both days. It’s a winter Renaissance Faire celebrating all things Viking, with costumed performers, artisans, historical demos, music, food, and hands-on activities in a fun, family-friendly setting.
January 30-Feb 8: McCall Winter Carnival
McCall Winter Carnival 2026 is happening January 30–February 8 all around McCall, with events throughout downtown and around Payette Lake. It’s a beloved winter tradition featuring massive snow sculptures, live music, fireworks, vendors, food and drinks, the Monster Dog Pull, and the iconic Mardi Gras Parade. Many events are free, with some ticketed activities throughout the week.
February 6-7: SkiJor Boise
Skijor Boise is happening at the Ford Idaho Center from 10am–5pm both days. It’s the Boise debut of this high-adrenaline sport, which involves horses running really fast while towing skiers through a course! Qualifiers are on Friday and the championships are on Saturday, with multiple viewing options including GA, bleachers, VIP course-side access, and tailgate spots.
February 21: Destination:Beer
Destination:Beer is a (mostly) outdoor beer festival on the snowy shore of Payette Lake. It’s in Depot Park (formerly Ludwig Terrace), under large, heated tents complete with lights, linens, and festive decor. There’s 24 Idaho breweries serving 50+ beers. Dress up in your best winter gear and indulge in unlimited beer tastings and pub-style appetizers.
March 7-11: Big Sky Basketball Championships
Big Sky Basketball Championships (aka StartchMadness lol) is happening at Idaho Central Arena in downtown Boise, with games running daily over the week at various times. It’s the Big Sky Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, featuring all conference teams battling it out for an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The championship games broadcast on ESPN networks. Tix are on sale now.
March 13-15: Monster Jam
Monster Jam is happening at the Ford Idaho Center. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly motorsport event featuring massive monster trucks competing in racing, freestyle stunts, donuts, and skills challenges. Fans can also check out pre-show Pit Parties to see the trucks up close and meet the drivers. Kids under age 2 are free!
March 25-29: Treefort Music Fest
Started in 2012, Treefort Music Fest is an annual five-day celebration of music and art. The fest takes place in multiple venues throughout downtown Boise and brings 500+ artists from across the world to Boise. In addition to tons of live music, there’s comedy, curated food & drinks, drag shows, art installations, yoga, tech talks, storytelling, kid activities & more. There’s lots of different ticket options and kids under age 12 are free with an adult passholder!
March 27-29: Boise Flower & Garden Show
Boise Flower & Garden Show is happening at the Boise Centre from 10am–6pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am–4pm on Sunday. It’s the biggest flower and garden show in Idaho and a perfect kickoff to spring, featuring spectacular garden displays, bonsai exhibits, live music, educational seminars, and 100+ exhibitors selling everything from plants and tools to outdoor furniture and local foods. Tix are $10 per day or $15 for a 3-day Ultimate Pass.
April 4: Boise Farmers Market (season kickoff)
The Boise Farmers Market will start up its 2026 season on Saturday, April 4 and continue every Saturday from 9am-1pm through October. It’s located in the parking lot at 1500 Shoreline Drive, Boise. There’s dozens of local produce, fruit, and food vendors plus options for drive-thru shopping.
→ Read more about the Boise Farmers Market.
April 4: First Athletic Club Boise match
Athletic Club Boise plays its first-ever home match on Saturday, April 4, marking a huge milestone for Boise sports. After opening the season on the road, Boise’s first professional soccer team will take the field at home against Spokane Velocity, officially kicking off a new era of pro soccer in the Treasure Valley. Season tix are on sale now, single match tix are not on sale yet.
→ Read more about Athletic Club Boise.
April 18: Race to Robie Creek
The Race to Robie Creek is happening Saturday, April 18 at high noon, starting in the Boise foothills and finishing at Robie Creek near Lucky Peak. It’s a legendary 13.1-mile half marathon known as “The Toughest Race in the Northwest,” featuring a massive climb to Aldape Summit, a fast descent, and an epic post-race party. Registration opens February 16 at noon, and entries are limited. This one fills up super fast so put that date in your cal if you wanna try it!
→ Read more about the Race to Robie Creek.
Late April: Shade City Brewfest
Shade City Brewfest is a sustainability-focused, ‘70s-themed celebration of Idaho’s beer scene. It takes place at the Idaho Botanical Gardens around Earth Day – the 2026 date has not yet been announced. There’s dozens of breweries, local sustainability-focused vendors, food trucks, and live music spread throughout the park. The best way to do Shade City is to dress up in your best 70s costume, ride your bike to the park, and bring your own cup!
May 15-17: Gem State Comic Con
Gem State Comic Con is happening May 15–17 at Expo Idaho in Boise. It’s Idaho’s largest pop culture and comic convention, bringing together comics, movies, TV, anime, gaming, cosplay, sci-fi, and fantasy all under one roof. There’s celebrity guests, 300+ artists and vendors, panels, games, an epic cosplay contest, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
May-September: Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Idaho Shakespeare Festival is a summer-long theater series that takes place in an incredible outdoor amphitheater nestled on a nature preserve between the foothills and the Boise River. Each season features five different plays by William Shakespeare and other playwrights. There’s a variety of seating including tables, chairs, and hillside seating (byo blanket!). Bring your own picnic and drinks in, or grab your grub from the marketplace. Also hot tip: if you find yourself wanting to go to a sold out show, call the box office. They can usually find you a spot on the hillside!
→ Read more about Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
May 29-30: Boise Greek Food Festival
The Boise Greek Food Festival is one of the largest food festivals and longest running cultural celebrations in the Treasure Valley. It’s one of my favorites. Our local Greek community makes most of the food for the festival. The festival menu is all authentic and most of the dishes you enjoy are homemade. You can try everything from entrees to sweets to small bites. There’s Souvlaki served with Greek pilafi, gyros, falafel, pastitsio, greek salad, spanakopita, fasolia yahni, dolmathes, and six traditional pastries. In addition to amazing food, there’s live music, traditional greek dancing, and church tours.
→ Read more about the Boise Greek Food Festival
June 8: Savor Idaho
Savor Idaho is happening on Sunday, June 8 at the Idaho Botanical Garden. It’s Idaho’s premier wine and cider event, featuring pours from 30+ wineries and cideries, live music, food trucks, local vendors, and garden strolling during Idaho Wine & Cider Month. There’s general admission and VIP tix.
June 27: Boise Music Festival
Boise Music Festival is happening on Saturday, June 27 at Expo Idaho from 10am–10pm. It’s the Treasure Valley’s biggest one-day music festival, featuring a stacked mainstage lineup with Marshmello, Sean Paul, Everclear, Eve 6, and MKTO, plus dozens of local bands, a full carnival, food, and all-day entertainment. Multiple ticket options are available, including General Admission, Pit Pass, and the adults-only Cool Zone experience.
Late July/Early August: San Inazio Festival
San Inazio Festival is an annual festival to honor St. Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of the Basques. The weekend-long festival has live music, traditional Basque dancing, and Basque sporting events. Friday night is “friends and family night” on the Basque Block with a pintxo potluck and pala games, which is a Basque sport similar to racquetball. Saturday brings more music, dancing, pala games, and food on the Basque Block. Sunday is more relaxed with a picnic and games at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, with evening entertainment on the Basque Block. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced yet but it’s usually the late weekend in July.
July 11: Boise Twilight Criterium
Boise Twilight Criterium is set for Saturday, July 11 in downtown Boise. It’s one of the most iconic Boise events and criterium bike races in the country, bringing elite riders from across the U.S. (and beyond) to compete on the fast, four-corner course through the heart of downtown. It’s a high-speed race with lots of options for spectating, and it’s free to attend!
Early August: Boise Soul Food Festival
The Boise Soul Food Festival is one day festival in early August where Julia Davis Park transforms into a celebration of culture, community, and soul-filling cuisine. The Boise Soul Food Festival is indeed about enjoying some good ol’ fashioned soul food, but it’s also a day to celebrate, learn about, participate in, and nurture a relationship with Boise’s African-American community. There’s tons of food vendors serving up fried pork chops, ribs, catfish, chicken & waffles, brisket, sausage, collard greens, watermelon, mac n’ cheese, sweet potato pudding – there’s even vegan soul food. You can also browse arts vendors, shop for clothing and jewelry, learn more about local nonprofits, kids can get their faces painted, and join a gospel hour. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced yet but it’s usually the first weekend in August.
August 21-30: Western Idaho Fair
Western Idaho Fair is happening August 21–30 at Expo Idaho. It’s a classic end-of-summer fair packed with carnival rides, free grandstand concerts, agricultural and livestock exhibits, 4-H and FFA competitions, creative contests, and all the fair food you can think of – from corn dogs (specifically Pronto Pup, ifyky) to elephant ears. Expect family-friendly entertainment and plenty of hands-on exhibits celebrating Idaho’s agricultural roots.
Late August/Early September: Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival
One of Boise’s most magical events is the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival. Nothing beats seeing hot air balloons floating over Boise as the sun rises over the foothills. The festival takes place in Ann Morrison Park on Wednesday-Sunday, at the end of August/beginning of September – close to Labor Day Weekend. 2026 dates have not yet been announced. Each day has a different highlight, with kid’s day on Wednesday morning and a Nite Glow on Friday after dark.
September: Boise Pride
Boise Pride Festival takes place in September – dates for 2026 have not yet been announced. Last year’s fest was at Ann Morrison Park. The festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and community. Typically there’s two days of live music, drag shows, food and drink vendors, community booths, and a family-friendly zone. The weekend wraps with the annual Pride Parade through downtown. It’s free and welcoming to all.
September 12: First BSU Home Football Game
The boys are back on the Blue. Boise State Football kicks off the 2026 season with their first home game on Saturday, Sept 12 at Albertsons Stadium. If you’ve never been to a Bronco game, it’s a whole experience. Tailgating starts hours before kickoff, with the parking lots and streets around campus filling up with tents, beers, the smell of hot dogs, and lots of blue and orange, of course. Parking is available onsite for $20 or at St. Luke’s Plaza for $10. If you can, bike, walk, or Uber. Even if you’re not into football, going to at least one BSU game should be on your Boise bucket list.
September 11-13: Art in the Park
Art in the Park is an open-air art festival has been going for over 70 years! More than 200 artists have booths set up throughout Julia Davis Park. You’ll find all kinds of art from painting to ceramics to textiles to jewelry and everything in between. The booths are set up in long rows, so you can kinda meander through the entire festival. There’s also a children’s art tent, live music and dance performances at the Gene Harris Bandshell, and lots of food trucks to fuel up. It’s free to attend!
September 18–20: Hyde Park Street Fair
Hyde Park Street Fair is set for Sept 18-20 in Camel’s Back Park in Boise’s North End. Also known as the “Hyde Park Hippie Fair,” Hyde Park Street Fair is an arts & music festival that has been going on since 1979. It’s a funky, family-friendly mix of art, music, food, and community. There’s tons of vendor booths with everything from tie-dye and crystals to local art and jewelry, plus two stages and “the dome” where there is live music, dancing, and workshops going all weekend long. Food, beer, and wine are available for purchase. Hot tip: here’s usually some good garage sales in the neighborhood this weekend. Speaking of the neighborhood, parking is kinda tricky so walk, bike, or carpool if you can. It’s free to attend, and it’s as much about the people-watching as it is the music and shopping.
September 18-19: Eagle Jazz & Blues Fest
Eagle Jazz & Blues Fest happens at multiple locations in Eagle. The two-day event brings together local musicians for a variety of shows. It’s a fun way to explore the city of Eagle as well! There’s performances happening at different locations and different times throughout the two days. Tix are a la carte for each event, so you can plan your route accordingly.
September 26: St. Luke’s FitOne
St. Luke’s FitOne is Boise’s biggest annual run/walk, with thousands of participants doing 5K, 10K, and half marathon routes. It’s family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and a great way to get outside and moving. I did it last year with my baby and she slept the entire time lol. After the race, stick around for the Finish Festival with food, booths, and live music. Proceeds support St. Luke’s health initiatives in the community. It’s really fun!
Late September: Open Streets Boise
Open Streets Boise is so fun! The date for 2026 hasn’t been announced yet but the event is taking over the over the Collister Neighborhood. This year is the third annual! For one afternoon, the street will be closed to cars and turned into a big community space where people can bike, walk, skate, and play. You’ll find local food, art, live music, and family-friendly activities along the route, all designed to highlight neighborhood businesses and show what our streets can look like when they’re built for people, not just cars. Hosted by Boise Bicycle Project, it’s a fun, free way to explore a local neighborhood and reimagine how we move through our city.
October: Scarecrow Stroll & Harvest Festival
Every fall the Scarecrow Stroll happens at the Idaho Botanical Garden. It’s a whimsical fall tradition where handcrafted scarecrows created by local artists, schools, families, and organizations line the garden paths, turning a stroll through the Garden into a fun autumn experience. It’s included with Garden admission.
October 3: Idaho Cider Fest
Idaho Cider Fest is set for Saturday, October 3 on Bannock Street between 8th and 9th in downtown Boise. It’s a cider-forward fall block party celebrating Idaho’s growing cider scene, with pours from regional cideries across Idaho and the Northwest, plus food vendors and yard games. Cider pours are $3 per token, so you can stop by for one glass or make an afternoon of it. It’s open to all ages!
Late October: Taste of Downtown Boise
Taste of Downtown Boise is a week-long eating experience at multiple restaurants throughout downtown Boise. Different restaurants and bars create special menus that are available during that week only, including $12 specials, happy hour deals, and prix fixe dinners. It’s an amazing way to try different restaurants, get together with friends, and plan a fun date night.
Early November: Bruneau Cowboy Christmas
The Bruneau Cowboy Christmas market takes over the little town of Bruneau, Idaho – about an hour south of Boise. There’s 200+ vendors set up in five different buildings and in different shops and parking lots throughout the town. You’ll find artists, authors, makers, vintage/antique dealers, food trucks, wineries, mobile bars & boutiques offering unique handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Admission is by donation of a nonperishable food item or monetary gift to Bruneau’s community food drive. 2026 dates have not yet been announced but it’s usually the first weekend.
Mid November: Wintry Market
Wintry Market is Idaho’s premier curated winter maker’s market, recently named the best holiday bazaar in Idaho by Food & Wine and one of the best in the West by Sunset Magazine! 2026 will be its 15th year! You’ll find over 175 regional artists and crafters selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods, everything from art and jewelry to home décor, prints, and so much more. 2026 dates have not yet been announced but it’s the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Mid November: Cranksgiving 2025
Part bike ride, part food drive, part scavenger hunt – Cranksgiving is a unique Boise way to give back during the holiday season. Teams ride around town on bikes collecting items to fill Thanksgiving food boxes for St. Vincent de Paul, all while tackling trivia and goofy challenges along the way. It wraps up with food, beer, and live music at Clairvoyant Brewing. Also costumes/themed outfits are encouraged. Fun!
Early December: TRICA Snow Globe
TRICA’s Snow Globe is an indoor winter wonderland designed for kids and families. There’s immersive art installations, projection art, crafts, beer, wine, hot cocoa, and holiday music. They really improved the displays this past season, it was super cool!! There is specific timed entry at 4pm, 5pm or 6pm – it’s definitely worth buying your tix and reserving a spot as soon as they go on sale. Dates for 2026 haven’t been announced yet.
Early December: Boise Tuba Christmas
Boise Tuba Christmas is one of Boise’s best holiday traditions. It’s a community gathering of tuba and euphonium musicians that has been happening since 1992! My whole life! Members of this unique ensemble include student musicians from local high schools, middle schools, colleges/universities, and adult musicians from various professions. In the past they performed on the Capitol steps but this year it was on the Grove Plaza. Not sure the location or dates for 2026 yet. It’s free and fam-friendly.
December: Winter Garden aGlow & Caldwell’s Winter Wonderland
Ok these are two different locations but same type of event. Winter Garden aGlow transforms the Idaho Botanical Gardens into a sparkling winter wonderland. Hundreds of lights decorate the gardens, holiday installations are spread throughout, and Santa usually makes an appearance. Winter Garden aGlow is open from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve.
Caldwell’s Winter Wonderland takes place on Indian Creek Plaza. Over one million lights (!!) decorate the plaza, river, and downtown, creating a twinkling trail to walk through. There’s also an ice skating rink, holiday carolers, shopping, and dining. Caldwell’s Winter Wonderland is open from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Ok that’s my list. What event are you most excited to check out in 2026? Email me marissa@fromboise.com and let me know. It just might become a story 🙂
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
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