Ohhhh it’s a long weekend and the balloons are OUT. What’re you getting up to this cooled down weekend? I rounded up some good in-town options if you’re sticking around.
September 15: Downtown Boise Dinner Club
From Boise Dinner Club is back on September 15 and it’s filling up quick! Take the quiz and book your seat to get matched with 5 new friends for dinner then stick around for the after party. Book your seat here.
Bogus Basic Mountain Report
In partnership with Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin is the place to be this Labor Day weekend! Head to the lawn for a free yoga class on Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday (includes a sound bath!), and Monday mornings at 10 am. 🧘♂️ Jeff Crosby headlines Music on the Mountain on Saturday, 1 pm to 5 pm. 🎶
Family-friendly activities, Bogus Creek Lodge, and the Basin Gravity Park, are open from 11 am to 7 pm all weekend long!
From summer activities like the Glade Runner Mountain coaster, free events, and beautiful trails, there’s something for everyone to love at the Treasure Valley’s non-profit mountain.❤️ Bogus Basin closes for the summer season on Monday (Labor Day) – don’t miss your final chance to take it all in! 🎢
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Wednesday, September 2 — Sunday, September 6
One of Boise’s most beloved annual traditions turns 35 this year. Colorful hot air balloons launch from Ann Morrison Park around 7:20am every morning, and the skies over Boise don’t get much better than this. Wednesday is Kids Day, with balloons up close before launch. Friday adds an evening Nite Glow Spectacular with balloons, food, vendors, and live music starting at 5pm. Worth setting an early alarm for.
It’s free!
Things to do
Thursday, September 3
- Out of Print is happening at Idaho Film Society from 7-9pm. It’s a documentary love letter to watching movies on film in independent cinemas, featuring interviews with Kevin Smith, Edgar Wright, and more on why the places we watch movies still matter. Tix are $10.
- First Thursday is happening throughout Downtown Boise. Local shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants host their own events all evening including gallery openings, live music, happy hour specials, and a live mural painting show on the Grove Plaza from 3-7pm. It’s free!
Thursday, September 3 — Saturday, September 5
- Kuna Stampede Rodeo is happening all weekend at Crooked 8 Event Center in Kuna. Gates open at 5pm and the rodeo starts at 7pm each night, with mutton bustin’, vendors, food trucks, music and three nights of rodeo action. Thursday is Family Night, Friday is Patriot Night and Saturday is Home Town Night. Tix start around $17, depending on seating area, and kids 5 and under are free.
Friday, September 4 — Sunday, September 6
- Convergence 2026 is happening at Visual Arts Collective in Garden City. Now in its second year, this three-day festival spans all-Idaho, multi-genre music, burlesque, swordplay, and food; Friday’s “Raw & Bare” night headlines burlesque and industrial acts. Tix are $30 (single day) or $31.94 (weekend pass). 21+.
Saturday, September 5 — Sunday, September 6
- Boise Comic Arts Festival (BCAF XIV) is happening at Boise Centre from 10am-6pm Saturday and 12-5pm Sunday. The 14th annual festival returns with a two-day Artist’s Alley, cosplay, panels, performances, and workshops. It’s free!
Saturday, September 5 — Monday, September 7
- Final Summer Weekend at Bogus Basin is happening at Bogus Basin from 11am-7pm. Bogus Basin closes out summer with one last big weekend before winter prep, with hiking, biking, yoga, live music, and summer attractions like The Gravity Park, Mineshaft Challenge Course, Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, and Explorer Base Camp. It’s free!
Saturday, September 5
- Champagne & Propane is happening at JUMP from 7-10am. Watch hot air balloons soar over Boise during the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic from JUMP’s Deck, with bubbly, OJ, balloon trivia, and a craft activity. It’s free!
- First Saturday Open House is happening at Catalyst from 10am-3pm. Support Boise’s local art scene with raku firing of ceramic pieces and a chance to meet the featured artist of the month; since September is an odd month, this one also features an art market with local artists and makers. It’s free!
- Matrix Marathon is happening at The Egyptian Theatre, back to back all day: The Matrix at 11am, The Matrix Reloaded at 2:15pm, The Matrix Revolutions at 5pm, and The Matrix Resurrections at 7:45pm. Watch the whole saga in one day on the big screen. Tix are $5 per film, or $15 for a Day Pass covering all four. 17+.
- Latino Fest 2026 is happening at Cecil D. Andrus Park from 4-10pm. Idaho’s largest Latino cultural festival marks its 10th anniversary with live entertainment, authentic Latin American cuisine, cultural performances, artisan vendors, a Family Fun Zone, and a beer garden; the parade kicks off at 3:45pm from Boise City Hall. It’s free!
Sunday, September 6
- Mineral Identification is happening at Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology from 1-2pm. Bring in your rocks, minerals, fossils, or artifacts and Professional Geologist Coyote Short will help identify them, plus teach the basics of ID’ing specimens yourself. Tix are $5, free for IMMG members and kids. Pre-registration required.
- Sunday Market is happening at Storey Park from 10am-3pm. Support the local community with local bakers, handmade crafts, kids’ activity booths, and jewelry vendors. It’s free!
Wednesday, September 9
- Filmmaker Spotlight: The Pain and The Power is happening at Idaho Film Society from 7-10pm. It’s a documentary portrait of Queer musician and survivor Logan Lynn, followed by an in-person Q&A with Lynn. Tix are $10.
- Now & Then, Idaho: A Living Exhibition by John Killmaster is happening at Idaho Art Gallery Meridian from 4-8pm. The full-gallery solo exhibition celebrates the remarkable five-decade career of one of Idaho’s most influential artists. It’s free!
- Treasure Valley Roller Derby Bingo Fundraiser is happening at Shrine Social Club from 6-8pm. Bingo night fundraiser for Treasure Valley Roller Derby, hosted by drag host Buck D’Licious. It’s free!
Food finds & things to drink
- Taste of Downtown Boise submissions are open now for downtown restaurants and bars. This year’s event runs October 16-25 and is Boise’s version of Restaurant Week, expanded to include all food and drink establishments and experiences in the downtown core.
Thursday, September 3
- 1st Thursday: Masquerade Masks and Cider House Birthday is happening at Meriwether Cider House from 4-9pm. Celebrate the ciderhouse’s 8th birthday with supplies to make your own masquerade mask and a special sweet treat on the patio. It’s free! 21+.
Friday, September 4
- ¡Hasta Luego, Summer! Flamenco First Friday is happening at Veer Wine Project (Garden City) from 4-8pm. Send off summer with live flamenco dancing, Veer wine, and Frozen Kalimotxo. It’s free!
- The Cub Tavern Grand Opening is happening at The Cub Tavern from 7-8pm. Celebrate the opening of downtown Boise’s newest bar in the historic, recently renovated Smith Building, with a drink, a look at the new space, and some surprise signs inside; the bar stays open until 2am for those who want to stick around. It’s free!
Saturday, September 5
- 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.
- Huston Vineyards: Farm to Table Dinner Gold Edition is happening at Huston Vineyards Production Facility from 6-9pm. Executive Chef Pedro Martinez of Idaho Provisions crafts a six-course dinner showcasing Idaho’s finest proteins, fruits, and vegetables, each course paired with a Gold, Double Gold, or Best of Show Huston wine, with live acoustic music by Natalie Soma as the sun sets over the vineyard. Seating is extremely limited. Tix are $205 (or $195 for club members).
- Meat and Tater BBQ Fest & Car Show is happening at Julius M. Kleiner Park from 10am-4pm. The 2nd annual fest features a KCBS BBQ competition, car show, food and beverage vendors, live music and a DJ, and a beer garden, hosted by the Meridian Lions Club. It’s free!
Sunday, September 6
- Sunnyslope Wine Festival is happening at Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell from 12–5pm. It’s a celebration of Idaho wine country with pours from 20 Sunnyslope Wine Trail wineries, live music, food trucks, and local artisan vendors. This is one of the best ways to experience Idaho wine! Tix are $55 for a tasting pass or $25 for designated driver. 21+.
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, September 3 — Saturday, September 5
- Xazmin Garza is happening at The Comedy Lounge at 7pm. HBO “Comedy Chingonas” comedian and Second Chance Stage finalist Xazmin Garza brings her sharp, honest stand-up to Boise, fresh off performances at festivals like Limestone, Laughing Skull, and Big Pine. There’s a 2 drink minimum. Tix are $26.50.
Thursday, September 3 — Sunday, September 6
- Dear Evan Hansen is happening at Stage Coach Theatre, at 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, with 2pm matinees Saturday and Sunday. Winner of 6 Tony Awards, this musical drama follows a young man with social anxiety who fabricates a friendship with a deceased classmate, spiraling into a viral lie about loneliness and connection as he’s forced to choose between the fantasy and the truth. Tix are $25. 13+.
- Rock of Ages is happening at Boise Little Theater, at 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 2pm Sunday. This musical comedy throws you into the tail end of 1980s Hollywood, where aspiring rocker Drew and small-town girl Sherri chase their dreams amid rock star excess, as the gang fights to save the legendary Sunset Strip from developers. Tix are $25. 14+.
Friday, September 4
- Burlesque in the Basement is happening at Liquid Laughs Underground from 8-9pm. A comical, dazzling night of burlesque, singing, and cheeky variety entertainment, hosted by stand-up comedian Krystal Moore. Tix are $20. 21+.
Friday, September 4 — Sunday, September 6
- The Heart of Robin Hood is happening at Idaho Shakespeare Festival, at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday and 7pm Sunday. This gallant reimagining of the legendary tale follows Robin Hood and his outlaws navigating rebellion and responsibility as Marion steps forward to inspire unity against Prince John’s tightening grip. Friday is a preview performance, Saturday is opening night with pre-show music, and Sunday is Family Night. Tix start at $27.56. 10+.
Saturday, September 5
- Not To B!tch is happening at Liquid Laughs Underground from 8-10pm. Comedians Rasheed Jello, Landon Blass, Alissia Harris, Single Serving Steve, and Dustin Chalifoux take the stage to vent, rant, and hilariously dissect the absurdities of everyday life in this comedy rant show. Tix are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Tunes & shows
3rd Annual Namptons Music Festival
Thursday, September 4
A free, family-friendly evening of local music in Downtown Nampa with performances by Red Light Challenge, Sophia Pearle, and Ryan Curtis Band, plus DJ Juan Bautista spinning between sets. New this year: a mini craft beer garden. Bring a lawn chair and settle in.
5–10pm at Lloyd Square Park. It’s free!
Thursday, September 3
- Shadow Work + Moon Owl’s Mages + Fleeting Confidence at Shrine Social Club (indie/psych-rock)
- Bring Your USB at Space Banana (talent acquisition on site)
- Armed for Apocalypse + Throes + Ashes of Abaddon at The Shredder (sludge/death metal)
- Tree City Travelers at Boise Brewing (bluegrass)
Friday, September 4
- Willy Braun + Jay William Miller at Shrine Social Club (country rock/Americana)
- Duane Betts at Treefort Music Hall (southern rock)
- Y2K Party Dress at The Olympic Venue
- Yung Buck b2b Soot + Hanscholo + Vibez at Hap Hap Lounge
- Hex Goth Night at The Shredder
- Tell Me Lies – The Fleetwood Mac Experience + Almost Famous at Knitting Factory Boise (classic rock/tribute)
- Dark Desert Highway at The Riverside Hotel (classic rock/tribute)
Saturday, September 5
- Don Hurt Band + High Pine Whiskey Yell + Jeff Crosby at Bogus Basin
- Cytrus + Rudy at Shrine Social Club (psychedelic/powerfunk)
- Fusión Latina + DJ Zola + DJ Fresh at Treefort Music Hall (reggaetón/salsa/cumbia)
- DJ Sumaq + Perreo Boys + MAJ3O at Hap Hap Lounge (reggaetón)
- Casino Royale w/ DJ L!tino at Shrine Social Club
- Dumpster Fire + Los Malos + Dingus at Neurolux (pop/alternative/rock)
- Ethan Campa (Improv Jazz) + TBD at Chaz’s Corner (improv jazz)
- Casio Dreams at The Riverside Hotel (synth-pop/new wave)
Sunday, September 6
- Psychedelic Porn Crumpets + Spoon Benders at Shrine Social Club (psychedelic rock)
- Mini Trees at Shrine Social Club (indie pop/rock)
- MAJ3O + DJ Kroma + DJ Sumaq at Hap Hap Lounge (latin/reggaetón/dance)
- Street Tombs at The Shredder (death/thrash metal/punk)
- Zastava + Shutter + Dead Dumb & Blind at Realms Arcade
- The Last Call at The Riverside Hotel (classic rock)
Monday, September 7
- Molchat Doma + DITZ at Treefort Music Hall (post-punk/darkwave/synthpop)
Tuesday, September 8
- Black Flag at Shrine Social Club (hardcore punk)
- Ingrid Andress at Knitting Factory Boise (country pop)
Wednesday, September 9
- DJ Simulator: A Vinyl Open Decks Session hosted by Ann Tique + Jett Setter at Hap Hap Lounge
Just trust me…
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
