Anyone else thrown off that this weekend isn’t a long weekend? The fair is in full swing, balloons kick off on Wednesday and if you’re craving some za, I’ve got some recs for ya.
PLUS newsletter subscribers are getting the first look at the From Boise event calendar very soon đź‘€
From Boise Things
Next Dinner Club: September 15 at 6:30pm in Boise! See you there? Book here
Bogus Basin Mountain Report
Soak up the final days of summer at Bogus Basin 🩵 only two weeks remain before activities close for the season, and the team begins preparing for winter! ❄️
Don’t miss an (early) National Public Lands Day celebration this Saturday, featuring booths from over 15 participating agencies with engaging activities the whole family will enjoy! Also this weekend – free Yoga on the Mountain and Music on the Patio 🎼
Staying in town for the Labor Day Weekend? Head up the hill for cooler temperatures, thrilling summer activities, and Music on the Mountain with headliner Jeff Crosby! 🥳
Western Idaho Fair
Wednesday, August 26 — Sunday, August 30
The Treasure Valley’s classic end-of-summer send-off is back at Expo Idaho with carnival rides, livestock shows, fair food, and nightly Grandstand concerts. A full five days of everything a fair should be.
Hours vary: noon–11pm Wednesday through Friday, 11am–11pm Saturday, 11am–10pm Sunday. Tix are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for youth (6–11), and free for kids 5 and under.
🎟️ Get tickets here
Things to do
Thursday, August 27
- Trivia with Geeks Who Drink is happening at Boise Brewing from 7–9pm. It’s the weekly trivia night with Geeks Who Drink, with free beer up for grabs each round.
- Hackfort Happy Hour is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 5pm. It’s a mixer for Boise’s tech, startup, and creative communities ahead of Hackfort 2027. It’s free! 21+.
- Remember the Titans is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 6–8pm. It’s part of the plaza’s Summer Movie Nights series. It’s free!
Friday, August 28
- Terminator 2: Judgement Day 35th Anniversary is happening at the Egyptian Theatre from 8:30pm. Arnold Schwarzenegger is back on the big screen for the 35th anniversary of James Cameron’s sci-fi classic. Tix are $11.10.
- Trinket Trade is happening at JUMP from 5–8pm. It’s a monthly meetup to trade tiny treasures, customize trinkets at the craft station, and hunt for hidden trinkets around the lobby. It’s free!
- Zoobilee 2026 is happening at Zoo Boise from 5:30–9:30pm. It’s the zoo’s premier annual gala, with local food and drinks, live music, a live auction, and animal encounters, all under this year’s Feathers and Finery theme. Tix are $175. 21+.
Friday, August 28 — Saturday, August 29
- Movie Night: The Princess Bride (Friday tix / Saturday tix) is happening at Victory Gardens from 7:30–10:30pm. It’s an outdoor movie night under the stars featuring the beloved fantasy classic. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Tix are $10.38.
Saturday, August 29
- Bogus Basin: Granite, Gold & Wildflowers is happening at Bogus Basin from 10am–3pm. It’s a geologic field trip exploring how gold deposits show up in the area’s granite, led by Steve Schaps. Tix are $20 for nonmembers, free for members and kids.
- Health & Wellness Day is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 9am–12pm. It’s a morning fair connecting guests with local wellness resources, health-focused businesses, and practical tips for a healthier lifestyle. It’s free!
- Art Spark is happening at Kleiner Park from 11am–7pm. It’s Meridian’s full-day art celebration with live performances, hands-on art activities, a chalk art contest, and an expanded food court and beer garden. It’s free!
- Bluebird Riverfest is happening from 12-10pm on the Boise River and at Bluebird Social. It’s a community river float with music and DJs along the float route, followed by live music and vendors at Bluebird Social until 10pm. The float is free and tix to the fest part are only $10.
- Casablanca & Cocktails is happening at Visual Arts Collective at 7pm. It’s a themed screening night pairing the classic film with cocktails, in VAC’s gallery and lounge space. Tix are $19.27. 21+.
- Paranormal Investigation is happening at Old Idaho Penitentiary from 9:15pm–2am. Big River Paranormal leads guests through the historic site using investigative equipment to try to connect with the past. Tix are $45, limited to 50 participants. 18+.
Saturday, August 29 — Sunday, August 30
- Five Years, One Community: Celebrating 5 Years of True North Yoga is happening at True North Yoga from 9am–9pm. It’s a weekend celebration of the studio’s fifth anniversary with free classes, free workshops, tacos, margaritas, mocktails, and beer. It’s free!
- Sagebrush’s Inaugural Summer Market is happening at 3823 N Garden Center Way from 12–9pm Saturday and 10am–3pm Sunday. It’s Boise’s newest summer market with handmade vendors, live music, drinks, and food from 36th St Event Center. It’s free!
Sunday, August 30
- The Boise Flea – August Bonus Flea is happening at Boise State’s East Stadium Lot from 10am–4pm. It’s a back-to-school bonus flea market with tons of vendors, celebrating the Broncos’ return to campus. It’s free!
Tuesday, September 1 — Wednesday, September 2
- Boise Hawks vs. Idaho Falls is happening at Memorial Stadium from 7:05pm. Catch the Hawks take on Idaho Falls at home. Tix start at $9.
Tuesday, September 1
- Terminator 2: Judgement Day 35th Anniversary is happening at the Egyptian Theatre from 7pm. Arnold Schwarzenegger is back on the big screen for the 35th anniversary of James Cameron’s sci-fi classic. Tix are $11.10.
- Trivia! is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 6–8pm. It’s the weekly trivia night at Hap Hap Lounge. It’s free! 21+.
- Wild After 5:00 is happening at Zoo Boise from 5:30–8:30pm. It’s an after-hours evening at the zoo with live entertainment from Txantxangorriak and the Oinkari Basque Dancers, face painting, and a running carousel. Tix are $15 for ages 12–61, $12 for ages 3–11 and 62+, free for kids 2 and under.
Wednesday, September 2
- Ballet + Modern Fusion Dance is happening at JUMP from 6–7pm. It’s a dance class blending ballet technique with modern movement, open to all abilities. Tix are $5. 16+.
Wednesday, September 2 — Sunday, September 6
- Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is happening at Ann Morrison Park from 7:15–9am daily. The 35th annual hot air balloon rally fills the park with color each morning, plus a Friday Nite Glow spectacular and free tethered kids’ rides on Kid’s Day (Wednesday). It’s free!
Food finds & things to drink
Friday, August 28
- Pizza Night Pop-Up is happening at Good Times Bagels from 5–9:30pm. It’s a pop-up serving square pie by the slice or whole, alongside a curated wine selection.
Saturday, August 29
- Boise Farmers Market is at 1500 Shoreline Drive from 9am-1pm.
- Capital City Public Market is on the Grove Plaza from 9:30am-1pm.
- Meridian Main Street Market is at Meridian City Hall from 9am–1:30pm.
- Nampa Farmers Market is at Lloyd Square Park from 9am-1:30pm.
- Eagle Saturday Market is at Heritage Park in Downtown Eagle from 9am-1pm.
- Fujishin – Girls Day Out is happening at Fujishin from 12–6pm. It’s a day of shopping local vendors for all your girly needs. Tix: price to be confirmed.
- Rolling Hills – Pizza Night is happening at Rolling Hills from 1–6pm, or until sold out. Enjoy wood-fired pizza from Bentham’s Table at the winery. Tix: price to be confirmed.
- Earthly Delights Brunch is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 1–1:30pm. It’s a brunch presented by Wyrd Haus. Tix are $10 in advance, $15 day of. 21+.
- Winefest 2026 is happening on the Basque Block from 6-9pm. Enjoy your pick of nearly 100 wines & their knowledgeable pourers, pintxos/small bites from Bar Gernika, Bardenay, The Basque Market, Leku Ona and more, Basque dancers, and a good time. Tix are $75 and everything is included. 21+.
Tuesday, September 1
- An Evening with PlumpJack Winery is happening at House of Wine from 6:30–7:30pm. It’s a guided tasting through four PlumpJack wines with sommelier Karen Rosa, paired with cheese and charcuterie. Tix are $55.
Best Slices in Boise
Boise’s pizza scene runs from cozy neighborhood slice shops to wood-fired trailers. I rounded up a few local favorites worth the trip.
- The Wylder: Downtown’s go-to for sourdough crust pizza, made with a starter that’s been fermenting for decades. Try the Honey Badger: Italian sausage, ricotta, caramelized onion, and spicy honey. hot tip – they just started taking limited reservations.
- Casanova Pizzeria: Neapolitan-style pies with a thin, blistered crust, cooked at 700 degrees. A longtime local favorite, west of downtown on Fairview.
- Americana Pizza: A slice-shop favorite next to Rhodes Skate Park (with a new spot on the Bench), with New York-style pies made using Neapolitan flour and a cornmeal bottom. Known for creative daily specials and a strong lineup of vegan options.
- Flying Pie Pizzaria: A Boise staple since 1978, with multiple locations around town. Don’t miss Habanero Season every August.
- Off the Grid Pizza: A wood-fired pizza trailer slinging hand-crafted pies at pop-up locations around Boise. Check their socials for where they’ll be next.
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, August 27
- Sam Miller is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. Nationally touring comedian Sam Miller brings his sober-dad humor and Round Trip material to Boise. Tix are $18.92. Two-drink minimum.
- 2026 Writers in the Attic Celebration is happening at Gene Harris Bandshell in Julia Davis Park from 6–8pm. Local Idaho writers read from this year’s anthology, themed “Hodgepodge,” with the next year’s theme announced live. It’s free!
Friday, August 28
- Carlos Rodrigues is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. National headliner Carlos Rodrigues brings his high-energy stand-up, seen on Comedy Central and Hulu, to Boise. Tix are $18.92. Two-drink minimum.
- Steven Marcus Releford: Liquid Laughs is happening at Liquid Laughs from 10pm. The stand-up comedian, 16 years into his career, brings his DIY-style comedy back to Boise for a second visit. Tix are $15. 21+.
Friday, August 28 — Wednesday, September 2
- Rock of Ages is happening at Boise Little Theater. It’s an 80s hair-metal musical comedy following an aspiring rock star and small-town girl trying to save a legendary Sunset Strip venue from developers, set to hits from Styx, Whitesnake, and more. Tix are $20–$25. 14+.
Saturday, August 29
- The 90’s vs. 2026 Comedy Show is happening at Liquid Lounge from 8–9:30pm. It’s a comedy showdown hosted by Megan McCaleb pitting 90s nostalgia against 2026 trends. Tix are $15.18.
- Dark Jokes is happening at Voodoo Cellar from 7–9pm. It’s a twisted comedy show hosted by Krystal Moore, featuring Andrea Wilson, Myles Matthews, and Kendra Kae, leaning into dark and offbeat humor. Tix are $22.94.
Sunday, August 30
- Off-Season Stories is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 5–7pm. Storyfort presents an evening of storytelling. It’s free! 21+.
- Aaron Foster is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. The former HGTV host brings his darkly funny, deeply personal stand-up show Mostly Jokes to Boise. Tix are $25.
Monday, August 31
- Cliff Cash is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. The Dry Bar and SiriusXM-featured comedian brings sharp storytelling and fearless social commentary to the stage. Tix are $35.
Tuesday, September 1
- Stories at the Center is happening at the Wassmuth Center from 12–1pm. It’s a monthly story exchange where participants share personal stories, then retell their partner’s story in the first person to build empathy and connection. It’s free!
Tunes & shows
The Getaway Block Party
Saturday, August 29
BNDRY takes over the Idaho Film Society’s Old Greyhound Bus Station for a massive end-of-summer block party with three stages of live music, a vendor market with local vintage and handmade goods, food from Gallos Tacos, Capiche, Scotty’s Hot Dogs, and more. Doors at noon, vendor market runs until 7pm, and the music goes until 3am. A proper send-off for summer.
Presale tix are $16, $20 at the door. 21+.
🎟️ Get tickets here
Thursday, August 27
- Withstand the Sands + Mexican Slum Rats + Rehash at Shrine Social Club (shoegaze/indie rock)
- Pure Prairie League at Egyptian Theatre (country/rock)
- The Main Ingredient w/ The Mighty DeltaOne at Hap Hap Lounge (hip hop/funk/soul/house)
- Daft Punk Night at 9th St. Parallel (Daft Punk tribute)
- Sir Mix-A-Lot + DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell + Ice-T at Western Idaho Fair Grandstand (hip hop)
Friday, August 28
- Boyscott + Krooked Kings at Shrine Social Club (indie rock)
- Tilted Earth + Maci Mattravers + Bad Quitters + Surf Green Machine at Treefort Music Hall
- Town of Trees + Shepherd Bridge at The Olympic Venue (cinematic alt rock/indie folk)
- Mortus at Realms Arcade (death metal)
- Great Bait at Bluebird Social (americana/rock)
- Lee Brice at Western Idaho Fair Grandstand (country)
Saturday, August 29
- Synths in the Park at Julia Davis Bandshell (synths/synths/more synths)
- Her New Knife + The Garden at Treefort Music Hall (experimental punk/art rock)
- Obvious Pleasures + Braided Waves + Porcelain Tongue at Shrine Social Club (alternative/indie)
- Patio Party: Whole Team’s Here w/ jilly.FM, NOFO, SOOT, emlo, kg.lin at Hap Hap Lounge
- Red Loam Magazine Launch Party at Hap Hap Lounge
- Club Slayyy w/ DJ @noellefosterr at The Olympic Venue (hyperpop)
- House Party at Knitting Factory Boise (2010s/2020s dance party)
- Sophia Vandenberg at Boise Brewing (genre unverified)
- Hans Glader at Bluebird Social (electronic/DJ) — Bluebird Riverfest
Sunday, August 30
- Witness Chamber + Strife + Judge + Integrity at Shrine Social Club (hardcore punk)
- The Serfs + Jimmy Cicero + Black Marble at Shrine Social Club (coldwave/synth pop)
- Belles + Johnny Gates at Knitting Factory (country)
- Tejano Outlaws + Lobo Lara at Bluebird Social (tejano/latin)
Monday, August 31
- Tornsey + 76th Street at Neurolux (pop/electronic)
- Slow Exit + Grave Secrets + Heart to Gold + Death Lens at Shrine Social Club (punk)
- church bats + Talon Smartt + Kublaii at The Olympic Venue (indie rock/folk/electronic)
- PIG at Visual Arts Collective (industrial rock)
Tuesday, September 1
- Upon a Burning Body + Ov Sulfur + Cultus Black + DevilDriver at Treefort Music Hall (groove metal)
- Bet on Red + Metal Marty + The Yawpers at Neurolux (punk/blues rock)
- Ashley Rose + The Heeters at Shrine Social Club (soul/funk)
- Joe Kaplow at The Olympic Venue (folk)
Wednesday, September 2
- Mobius Trip + W.I.T.C.H. at Shrine Social Club (psychedelic rock/funk/afrobeat)
- Soot Presents: Hot Cues at Hap Hap Lounge (DJ night)
- MyVeronica at The Olympic Venue (shoegaze/emo/alt rock)
Just trust me…
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
