The smoke has cleared and all I want to do is be outside! This weekend is looking like fair food, rodeo, music on the mountain and lots more fun things to do.
From Boise Things
Over 600 people have joined Dinner Club! Want to make friends in Boise? Come to dinner is next month!
🗓️ Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 PM → Book your seat now.
Bogus Basin Mountain Report
Only 3 weeks remain to enjoy summer activities on the mountain! ☀️
It’s a beautiful time to be at Bogus Basin, from the cool, shade-covered hiking and biking trails to the countless free, family-friendly activities happening every week! 🤸♀️The mountain coaster, Bogus Creek lodge, Explorer Base Camp activities, scenic chairlift rides, and more, are open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm, through Labor Day.
Your weekend plans 👉 Don’t miss free yoga on Friday evenings, as well as Saturday & Sunday mornings 🧘♀️ Get out of the valley this Saturday to enjoy free Music on the Mountain with Mondo Rondo, RUDY, and headliner Scott Pemberton 🎸
🌲 Get excited for the mountain’s early National Public Lands Day celebration on Saturday, August 29th – all ages welcome!
🗓️ Staying in town for Labor Day Weekend? Make the most of the holiday weekend with the season’s final Music on the Mountain summer concert featuring headliner Jeff Crosby!
Summer Soup by LED
Thursday, August 20 – Saturday, August 22
A perfect excuse to escape the heat and dive into something delicious. LED closes out their first home season with Summer Soup, an evening of high-octane dance featuring bold, expressive movement across four works: Lauren Edson’s striking family quartet Milk, excerpts from Franco Nieto’s acclaimed Do You See Me?, and a tender duet by Natalie Border and Sadi Mosko. The night ends with the world premiere of Oh, Echo, LED’s new work inspired by the myth of Narcissus and Echo. A beautiful way to wrap up summer.
Things to do
Thursday, August 20
- Third Thursday Street Festival is happening at Downtown Nampa from 6–9pm. It’s a community street festival themed “Happy Happens Here,” bringing movement, wellness, and local flavor to the neighborhood. It’s free!
- C of I Marching Band Community Showcase is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 6–8pm. It’s a family-friendly evening of drum lines, pep tunes, and marching band performances, plus photos with the band, an instrument petting zoo, and their coyote mascot. It’s free!
- Dreamweaver Film Collective Showcase is happening at The Flicks from 7–9pm. It’s a screening of the best short films from local filmmakers in JUMP’s Dreamweaver Film Collective, spanning laughs, scares, and thrills. Tix are $5.
Friday, August 21 – Saturday, August 22
- The 102nd Caldwell Night Rodeo is one of the top PRCA rodeos in the country, drawing roughly 700 competitors and over 50,000 fans to the Caldwell Night Rodeo Grounds each year. Tuesday’s show starts at 6pm then Wednesday through Saturday start at 7:45pm. Free daytime “slack” doesn’t require a ticket. Evening tickets start around $34.
- Radio Boise is celebrating 15 years of people-powered radio in the Treasure Valley! Friday kicks off with a community potluck at Cassia Park with music from DJ Winkle and yard games. Saturday is an anniversary concert at Shrine Social Club with local acts AKA BELLE, Plum Vision, Charlie & The Changelings, Sove The Second, Earthlings Crew, and Ragged Coyote Ultra. Doors at 5:30pm. It’s free!
Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 30
- The Western Idaho Fair is the Treasure Valley’s signature end-of-summer tradition. It’s at Expo Idaho. There’s 4-H livestock, fair food, a petting zoo, and Grandstand concerts that are free with admission. Advance admission runs about $8–$10 depending on age and kids 5 and under free. Carnival wristbands are $35.
Saturday, August 22
- The sixth annual Wild River Dash, hosted by Fleet Feet Meridian and Wild Hearts Idaho, is back at Quinn’s Pond starting at 9am. This fun, family-friendly duathlon starts with a paddle across the pond followed by a 2-mile run along the Boise River Greenbelt. You can go solo or team up for a relay. The event supports Wild Hearts Idaho’s mission to get girls outside.
- Pound for a Purpose: The Animal Retreat is happening at Green Acres Food Truck Park from 9:30–10:30am. It’s an outdoor drumming cardio workout, no experience needed, with proceeds this month benefiting The Animal Retreat, a nonprofit supporting at-risk dogs and rabbits. Tix are $10, includes a drink or ice cream after class.
- Indonesian Culture & Heritage Day 2026 is happening at JUMP from 5–8pm. It’s a free, family-friendly celebration of Indonesian culture featuring traditional dance performances, live Angklung bamboo orchestra, authentic food vendors, and hands-on cultural activities. It’s free!
- Pajama Party Cinema is happening at Idaho Film Society from 7–11pm. It’s a PJ-clad triple feature of 10 Things I Hate About You, Get Over It, and Miss Congeniality, with specialty cocktails, a popcorn bar, and a prize for best pajamas. Tix are $20.
Saturday, August 22 – Sunday, August 23
- It’s Brunch B*tch! – A Baddie Burlesque Brunch is happening at Liquid Laughs Underground from 12pm. It’s a baddie-themed burlesque brunch featuring Burlesque Hall of Fame performers Jessabelle Thunder, Peekaboo Pointe, and Mizon Garde, hosted by Kate E Gaga. Tix are $20 GA, $30 VIP. 21+.
Sunday, August 23
- Castle in the Sky: 40th Anniversary is happening at The Egyptian Theatre from 4pm. It’s a big screen showing of the classic Studio Ghibli film for its 40th anniversary. There is another screening on Wednesday evening. Tix are $10.
Tuesday, August 25 – Wednesday, August 26
- American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story is happening at The Egyptian Theatre, Tuesday at 7pm and Wednesday at 4pm. It’s a documentary narrated by Martin Sheen about an American priest murdered for refusing to abandon his community in Guatemala. Tix are $10.
Wednesday, August 26
- Trivia with Geeks Who Drink is happening at Boise Brewing from 7–9pm. It’s their weekly trivia night with prizes of free beer each round. It’s free!
- Two Mustard Seeds One Year Birthday Celebration is happening at Two Mustard Seeds Boutique in Meridian, 10am-4pm. It’s a one-year anniversary sale with all items 50% off, including clothes, shoes, accessories, and handmade goods from their Kenya Shop, all supporting teen education in Kenya. It’s free!
Food finds & things to drink
Thursday, August 20
- Tempranillo Release + Paella Night With Ansots is happening at Rolling Hills Vineyard from 6–8pm. Two of my favorite local spots! It’s a paella dinner with salad and artisan bread, paired with a complimentary glass of Rolling Hills’ newly released 2023 Tempranillo. Tix are $65.
Saturday, August 22
- Under the Tuscan Sun! Date Night: Taste of Tuscany is happening at Season + Taste Cooking School from 6–8:30pm. It’s a hands-on Italian cooking class covering tricolore salad, roasted garlic bread, truffle parmesan polenta, butter-basted steak, and a prosecco zabaglione for dessert. Tix are $99.
Tuesday, August 25
- Soil To Soul Pop-Up Dinner at 34th St Market is happening at 34th Street Market from 5–9pm. It’s a pop-up dinner with apps, mains, and desserts available a la carte, mocktails from ERTH Bev, a curated vendor market, and live music from Brian and Rook Crouse.
- Wine Down with Kat is happening at House of Wine from 5–7:30pm. It’s an informal tasting of three wines hand-picked by founder Kat, with the option to stick around after and order more from the menu. It’s free!
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, August 20
- Psychic Sheila’s Suga Shack: Live Psychic Comedy Show is happening at Liquid Laughs from 7:30–9pm. It’s an interactive psychic comedy show with on-stage readings, party favors, and a shot at winning a free private reading. 21+.
Thursday, August 20 – Saturday, August 22
- TJ Live at The Comedy Lounge is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. It’s a stand-up set from New York-based comedian TJ, known for his laid-back style and sharp humor on race, culture, and identity, with credits on Gotham Comedy Live and Good Day New York. Tix are $25.
Thursday, August 20 – Wednesday, August 26
- The Winter’s Tale is happening at Idaho Shakespeare Festival at 8pm nightly (7:30pm on Sunday the 23rd), no show Monday the 24th. It’s a modern verse adaptation of Shakespeare’s tale of jealousy, loss, and redemption, following a king’s unfounded suspicions that tear his family apart until a lost daughter’s return brings a chance at healing. Tix start at $29.68. All ages.
Friday, August 21
- Captivating Conversations: The Story of the Shirt Factory is happening at Old Idaho Penitentiary from 6–8pm. It’s a lecture with site researcher Tate Sawyer exploring the history of the Shirt Factory building and its role in the evolving philosophy of prison labor and rehabilitation. It’s free!
Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23
- Dear Evan Hansen is happening at Stage Coach Theatre, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm (show continues through September 6, additional dates outside this window). It’s the Tony-winning musical drama about a teen with social anxiety who becomes entangled in a fabricated friendship after a classmate’s death, exploring grief, connection, and the cost of a lie that spirals out of control. Tix start at $25. 13+.
Saturday, August 22
- Happily Ever Laughter is happening at The Book Lounge in Meridian from 8–9:30pm. It’s a storytelling comedy show where comedians share true, theme-based personal stories. 21+.
- Stranded Improv Comedy Show is happening at The Creative Space from 8pm. It’s a fully improvised story built from audience suggestions, following a group of shipwreck survivors uncovering the secrets of a mysterious island. Tix are $15.99 adults, $5.99 kids (5-12).
- David Tveite LIVE! at Liquid Laughs Underground is happening at Liquid Lounge from 8–10pm. It’s a one-night stand-up set from Portland comedian David Tveite, a Last Comic Standing alum and festival veteran. 21+.
- Comedy Benefit for Sound & Stage Academy is happening at The Green Room from 7:30–9:30pm. It’s a fast-paced, interactive ComedySportz competition, with up to 65% of ticket proceeds benefiting Sound & Stage Academy.
- Revision Without Tears: A Writing Workshop with Don Zancanella is happening at Library! at Cole & Ustick from 10:30am-12:30pm. It’s a hands-on writing workshop with Boise City Writer-in-Residence Don Zancanella, exploring practical revision strategies for writers of all levels. No registration required, space limited. It’s free!
Tuesday, August 25
- Flamenco Idaho Live is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. It’s an evening of live flamenco music and dance. Tix are $20.
- Max Knudson Presents: The Pretty Good Open Mic is happening at Ochos from 8pm (sign-ups at 7:30pm). It’s a weekly stand-up open mic, capped at 15 comics.
Wednesday, August 26
- Marc Yaffee Live in Boise is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. It’s a stand-up set from Indigenous comedian Marc Yaffee, a Showtime and Dry Bar Comedy alum known for his storytelling. Tix are $25 GA, VIP front row available.
- Story Story Porch Night: United We Celebrate is happening at Idaho State Museum from 7–9pm. It’s an immersive storytelling evening with six local storytellers sharing traditions that unite Idahoans, presented alongside the museum’s America 250 exhibit. Tix are $25.
Tunes & shows
Thursday, August 20
- Nonpoint + (Hed) P.E. + Spineshank at Shrine Social Club (nu metal)
- Eunoian + RUDY at Shrine Social Club (funk/psych-blues rock)
- Pedro the Lion at a private Undertow Shows house venue (indie rock)
Friday, August 21
- Famous Friend + The Citie + Floats + Taking Hormones at Shrine Social Club (dream pop)
- bad tuner + Pace Jackson + Izze Azalea at Hap Hap Lounge (house/electronic)
- Ian Asher at Treefort Music Hall (dubstep/bass)
- Geno Lopez Benefit Concert: Buzz Bomb 7/11 + Fugue State Ravens + The Vinnie Barbarino Trio at The Olympic (indie punk)
- Avery Cochrane at Knitting Factory (pop)
- Coal Breed + Leader-1 + Decipher + Hand Me The Knife at Realms Arcade (metal/hardcore)
- Mungo at Bluebird Social (Afro-soul/R&B)
- Sugarboo at Bluebird Social (funk/soul covers)
Saturday, August 22
- Mondo Pondo + RUDY + Scott Pemberton at Bogus Basin (funk/psychedelic)
- SATISFACTION (2010-2017 EDM night) at Treefort Music Hall (EDM)
- emlo at Hap Hap Lounge (techno/trance)
- Monica Palmer + BNDBYLUV + Rhizome + Darqness + ten.17 + Matt Partyka at Hap Hap Lounge (alternative pop)
- Radio Boise 15th Anniversary Concert: Aka Belle + Plum Vision + Sove The Second + Charlie & The Changelings at Shrine Social Club (psych-folk)
- 3rd Annual Scooters & Ska Festival: Bet on Red + Atypical Heroes + Warsaw Poland Bros. at The Olympic (ska)
- honestav + Untitled at Knitting Factory (alternative/indie-folk)
- Final Resting Place + Ingrown at The Shredder (death metal/hardcore)
- TOAST: The Best of Bread at The Egyptian Theatre (soft rock/tribute)
- Dozey Dubs at Bluebird Social (reggae/funk)
- Dusty Shrimps at Bluebird Social (alt-country rock)
Sunday, August 23
- Diggy Graves + Ryan Oakes + Resentvul at Treefort Music Hall (horrorcore/rap)
- Alex Snydman Trio at Hap Hap Lounge (jazz)
- Fink at The Riverside Hotel (folk/electronic)
- The Main Event at Bluebird Social (classic rock covers)
- Epic Union at Bluebird Social (multi-genre covers)
Monday, August 24
- Bill Callahan + Frances Chang at Shrine Social Club (indie folk)
- Scoochie Boochie + Groovebox at The Shredder (rap)
- Hong Kong F*ck You + Hummingbird of Death + World Asylum + Parole Violation at Realms Arcade (grindcore/powerviolence)
Tuesday, August 25
- Good Terms + Stateside + winterforever + Amoeba Arena at The Shredder (emo/pop punk)
- Payette + Rolling Eyes at Shrine Social Club (pop/rock/psychedelia)
- Hatebreed + Terror + Incantation + Gates To Hell + Torture + Creeping Death at Treefort Music Hall (metalcore/hardcore)
- The Sword + Red Fang + Spoon Benders at Knitting Factory (stoner metal)
- VKTM at The Shredder (bass/dubstep)
- Broom + St. Terrible + Wend + Matt Bunk at Realms Arcade (post-punk/freak folk)
Wednesday, August 26
- The Traveler + The Barefoot Soldiers + The Apprentices at Shrine Social Club (ethereal/folk)
- Gigi Perez + Camille Blackman at Knitting Factory (indie folk)
- Tree City Travelers at Bluebird Social (bluegrass/newgrass)
Just trust me…
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
