This Friday is May is 1 and there’s lots of fun things to look forward to. Mom’s Day, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, baseball season begins, outdoor movies start up, splash pads turn on, and we get to celebrate Boise’s favorite cat.
Here’s some things to plan ahead for in May 2026:
May 1–10: Boise Music Week
Boise Music Week is back and bringing a full week of free, family-friendly musical performances all over the city. There’s jazz nights, organ recitals, children’s music carnivals, and more. The highlight this year is Music in the Park on Saturday, May 2 at the Gene Harris Bandshell in Julia Davis Park from 3:30–8pm. Everything is free thanks to community donations. This event has been happening since 1919! Check the full schedule here.
May 2: Boise Vegan Market
The Boise Vegan Market is back for its sixth market at Common Ground Coffee & Market (6419 W Ustick Rd) from 12–3pm. There’s 20+ local bakers, artists, vintage clothing sellers, and more.
May 2: Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
The Bishop’s House is hosting a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party from 2-6pm. Dust off your statement hats, polish your silver cups, and get ready for a day of high-stakes thrills and Southern hospitality. They will be serving up ice-cold Mint Juleps, gourmet race-day bites, and will have every heart-pounding second of the action on the big screens. Tix are $50 and it’s 21+.
May 4–7: Idaho Gives
Idaho Gives is the statewide giving event designed to raise money and awareness for Idaho nonprofits. If you’ve got a favorite local nonprofit, this is a great time to show them some love. It’s also a great time to explore new nonprofits doing great work in the community. Find your cause and donate here.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo at Indian Creek Plaza
Downtown Caldwell is celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday, May 5 (obvi) from 5–9pm at Indian Creek Plaza. There will be live performances from Tejano Outlaw, Nueva Generacion 2000, and Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo, plus a Taco Truck Taste Off. You can also shop handcrafted goods, art, and clothing from local vendors. It’s free and all ages.
May 5: Dinner Club in Downtown Boise
From Boise Dinner Club is back in downtown Boise on May 5. Meet new people, enjoy local food, drink a margarita. Book your seat here.
May 6: Rediscovered Books Grown-Up Book Fair at Payette Brewing
Rediscovered Books Grown-Up Book Fair is back at Payette Brewing (733 S Pioneer St) on Wednesday, May 6 from 4–7pm. It’s a nostalgic spin on the classic school book fair, but with drinks. Grab a beer and browse a curated mix of reads and unique goodies. It’s free to attend.
May 7, 14 & 21: Flower Power Happy Hour at Idaho Botanical Garden
Every Thursday in May, the Idaho Botanical Garden is hosting Flower Power Happy Hour from 4–7pm. Enjoy evening garden access, drinks, picnics, and pop-ups with local businesses. It just might be the most relaxed and beautiful happy hour in town. Free admission!
May 8–10: Kuna Hometown Fair
The Kuna Hometown Fair is back at Bernie Fisher Park in Kuna with carnival rides, games, food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone, and DJs. Friday hours are 3–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, and Sunday 11am–4pm. No fair entry fee but carnival ride passes are $40 on Friday/Sunday and $45 on Saturday, or grab individual tickets for $0.50 each. Sunday is Family Day.
May 9: Flock Cancer Street Stroll
The 6th Annual Flock Cancer Street Stroll is happening Saturday, May 9 from 10am–12pm along Harrison Boulevard. It’s a community stroll to celebrate, honor, and raise awareness and money for local breast cancer fighters and families. Walk the 1-mile loop clockwise around the boulevard anytime between 10am-12pm. There’s no start or finish line. Stick around for the Flock Party on Hazel Street for food trucks and group photos. Register here.
May 9–10: Mother’s Day Events
Here are a few fun options for mom’s day. I’ll post more in Thursday newsletters!
Saturday, May 9
- Mother’s Day Market at Indian Creek Plaza
- Mothers Day Garden Market at Victory Gardens Nursery
- Mother’s Market Celebration at Salt Light Coffee Lounge
- Mommy and Me Craft at Cafe + Play
- Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Hotel Renegade
- Mother’s Day Potting Party at Edward’s Greenhouse
- Mother’s Day Tea at The Bishop’s House
- Motherhood Comedy Show at Recycled Minds Comedy
Sunday, May 10
- Mother’s Day Brunch at Zoo Boise
- Momosa Sing-Along Brunch at Wild Frontier Beer Project
- Mimosas with Mom at Bernie Fisher Park
- Endless Mom-osas at Sawtooth Winery and Tasting Room
- Babby Farms Mother’s Day Celebration
- Mother’s Day at Barbarian Brewing
May 14: Stars and Stripes Trivia Night
The City of Boise, Idaho State Museum, and Idaho Public Television are hosting a fun trivia night at the Dick Eardley Senior Center on Thursday, May 14 from 5–7pm (trivia starts at 5:30). Test your Idaho history and American Revolution knowledge in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. Register solo or in teams of up to 4. It’s free to participate!
May 15–17: Gem State Comic Con
Gem State Comic Con is taking over Expo Idaho from May 15–17 with vendors, panels, cosplay, exhibits, and celebrity appearances. Friday hours are 3–9pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, and Sunday 10am–5pm. Weekend passes are $35 online/$50 at the door or there’s daily tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.
May 16: Explore Outdoors Bicycle Bonanza
Discovery Park in Meridian is hosting the Explore Outdoors Bicycle Bonanza on Saturday, May 16 from 10am–2pm. There’s a BMX stunt show at 11:30am, an open BMX skills session at 12:30pm, free skills training, and free refurbished bikes while supplies last. All ages and abilities welcome. It’s free!
May 17: International Museum Day
International Museum Day is happening at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights with all your favorite local museums and organizations! There will be activities and games hosted by World Center for Birds of Prey, Idaho Fish and Game MK Nature Center, Boise Art Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, Idaho State Museum, The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Erma Hayman House, The WaterShed, James Castle House, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Zoo Boise, and the Basque Museum & Cultural Center. It’s all free and fam-friendly.
May 19: Boise Hawks Home Opener
Baseball is back! The Boise Hawks open their home season against the Ogden Raptors on Tuesday, May 19 at Memorial Stadium with first pitch at 7:05pm. Single-game tickets start at $10. A classic Boise summer night.
May 22: Caldwell Movies in the Park Opener
Caldwell’s Movies in the Park series kicks off in Caldwell at Memorial Park on Friday, May 22 at dusk. Bring a blanket and snacks. It’s free!
May 23: Dennis the Cat Day
One of my fave Boise events! Dennis the Cat Day is happening Saturday, May 23 from 12–5pm at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Dennis was a beloved tuxedo cat who lived among staff and residents of the Idaho State Penitentiary from 1952 to 1968. Now every year, the Old Pen throws him a party. Expect Prison Pets history presentations, a Prison Paws scavenger hunt, Pin the Tail on Dennis, food trucks, beer, local pet supply vendors, and the release of a new picture book about Dennis. Tickets are $12. Idaho State Historical Society members get in free (bring a pet food donation for presentations). Read my story about Dennis here – it’s one of my favorites.
May 25: Warhawk Air Museum Memorial Day Flyover
Head out to the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa on Sunday, May 25 from 9am–5pm for their Memorial Day Flyover & $5 General Admission day. In addition to the flyover there will be food trucks, all the museum exhibits, and a meaningful way to mark the holiday. General admission is $5, kids under 6 are free. Read my story about the museum here — it’s sooo awesome, definitely worth visiting.
May 25: Splash pads & fountains turned on for the season
The City of Boise turns on the splash pads and fountains in City Parks on Memorial Day (May 25) and keeps them on through Labor Day (Sept 7). Here’s a list of all the splash pads.
May 28: Dinner Club in Eagle
Join From Boise Dinner Club for dinner in Eagle! It’s the first time we are leaving Boise city limits and I think it’s going to be really fun. If you’ve been wanting to try some the restaurants out in Eagle, this is your sign! Book your seat here.
May 29: Meridian Movies in the Park Opener
Meridian kicks off its Sparklight Movie Night series at Settlers Park on Friday, May 29. Screen setup starts at 7pm and the movie begins at dusk. Opening night film is Zootopia 2. Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It’s free!
May 30: Snake River Raptor Fest
The 9th Annual Snake River Raptor Fest is happening at Indian Creek Winery in Kuna on Saturday, May 30 from 12–5pm. It’s a free, family-friendly celebration of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA with live birds of prey, local food and drinks, conservation partners, arts and crafts vendors, kids activities, and live music. No dogs allowed because they scare the birds, ya know? It’s free to attend! Read my story about the World Center for Birds of Prey – it’s super cool out there.
May 31: Boise Corgi Fest
The 7th Annual Boise Corgi Fest is happening Sunday, May 31 from 10am–2pm at Expo Idaho. There’s costume contest, games, vendors, and sooo many corgis. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome to attend but some activities may be restricted to corgis and corgi mixes only for the sake of fair competition. Also all dogs need to be on leash. Admission is $10 online or $12 at the door.
Oook that’s all I got for ya! Have a fun May 🌸
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
