Boise really ramps in up in September so there’s lotssss to do this weekend from a Party at the Pen to World Village Festival to Art in the Park!

From Boise Things

Tuesday, September 15

From Boise Dinner Club is back on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm throughout in downtown Boise. This one is shaping up to be our biggest dinner club yet, so sign up if you want to meet some new friends! Fill out a lil quiz, get matched with six strangers for dinner at a local restaurant and then enjoy an after party with the whole group. Tix are $16. Book your seat here.

Friday, September 18

I’m speaking at Creative Mornings Boise on Friday, September 18 at 8:30am! Eeep! I’d love to see you there. There’s free coffee & breakfast plus networking with other cool Boise people. Grab a free ticket on Monday Sept 14. See you there?

Party at the Pen

Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13

The Northwest’s largest vintage motorcycle show takes over the Old Idaho Penitentiary for a wild weekend. Expect a vintage bike show, tattoos on death row, an art show in Maximum Security, a Globe of Death stunt show, a vintage drag car cackle fest, and tintype photos. It’s a party!

Saturday 10:30am–5:30pm, Sunday 10:30am–3:30pm at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Tix start at $30.

🎟️ Get tickets here

Things to do

Friday, September 11

• Bike Night with Hot Bike Tour is happening at High Desert Harley-Davidson. Hot Bike Tour rolls in with some of the best-known builders in the game and their custom choppers. It’s free!
• Elevate Academy’s 25th Annual 9/11 Memorial Event is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 9am–10am.
• Treefort Music Fest Locals Only Sale is happening at Record Exchange (10am–6pm) and PreFunk Beer Bar in Nampa (12pm–8pm). Treasure Valley locals can buy their Treefort 2027 5-day GA pass in person, without ticketing fees, for one day only. It’s free to attend; pass prices vary.
• Athletic Club Boise vs. New York Cosmos is happening at Athletic Club Boise Soccer Stadium from 7pm. Tix start at $50.

Friday, September 11 — Saturday, September 12

• World Village Festival is happening at JUMP from 4pm–11pm Friday and 10am–11pm Saturday. This celebration is presented by Global Lounge and features multinational performing groups showcasing dance, music, storytelling, poetry, art, film, and food from cultures across Idaho. It’s free!

Friday, September 11 — Sunday, September 13

• Art in the Park is happening at Julia Davis Park from 10am–8pm Friday and Saturday, 10am–5pm Sunday. A classic Boise event! Boise Art Museum’s premier outdoor arts festival brings together 240 artists, live music and entertainment, food, and hands-on activities for kids. It’s free!

Saturday, September 12

• Northwest Submission Challenge 9 is happening at The Egyptian Theatre from 6pm. It’s Idaho’s only Submission Grappling Superfight Series returns with high-flying matchups between top regional grapplers. Tix start at $30. All ages.
• Idaho Genealogical Society: Using Land Records to Fill the Gaps is happening at Idaho State Archives from 12pm–2pm. Professional genealogist Susan Kim explains how land records can break through genealogical brick walls, covering State vs. Federal land records and how to navigate the BLM GLO website. It’s free!
• Space Day is happening at Nampa Civic Center from 10am–2pm. Meet real NASA professionals and scientists, catch immersive planetarium shows, and try hands-on STEM activities like robotics demos, space trivia, and making nitrogen ice cream. Admission by donation.
• Kids Discovery Expo is happening at Expo Idaho (South Expo Building) from 10am–4pm. A day of family fun with a rock climbing wall, archery, a nerf zone, animal petting area, craft stations, and appearances by favorite characters and superheroes. Tix are $5.
• IWGKS 32nd Annual Koi Show is happening at Edwards Greenhouse from 10am–4pm. The Idaho Water Garden and Koi Society’s annual show features koi display tanks, a bonsai exhibit, food trucks, and a Sangha Taiko Drummers performance at noon. It’s free!
• The Bookstore’s 20th Birthday Party is happening at Rediscovered Books all day, starting at 10am. Rediscovered Books celebrates 20 years with an early-2000s-themed bash: a prize wheel, Kids Club Story Time, face painting, and flash tattoos from a local artist. It’s free!
• Boise Fall Festival is also happening at Expo Idaho (Center Expo Building) from 10am–4pm. Enjoy artisan markets, live music, food trucks, and seasonal family activities like pony rides, inflatables, face painting, and a petting zoo, plus a cider tasting garden for adults. It’s free!
• 2nd Annual Beard Battle is happening at Boise Brewing from 5pm–10pm. Watch or enter Boise Brewing’s beard competition, raising money for men’s cancer nonprofit Idaho2Fly, with live music from Boulder Hill Band after. It’s free!
• Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Awareness and Fundraising Walk is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 10am–1pm. TVDSA’s annual “Step Up for Down Syndrome” community walk, this year themed “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”
• Boise State football home opener vs. Memphis Football is happening at Albertsons Stadium from 4pm. Tix start at $51.
• Harvest Classic is happening at Liberty Park in Nampa from 8am–11:30am, with races starting at 9am. Choose from an 8K run, 2-mile run, 2-mile walk, or 1-mile non-competitive race, then stick around for food, vendor booths, kids activities, and prizes; proceeds support local school PE departments and the Nampa Parks & Recreation Scholarship Program. Tix are $15 (ages 12 and under) or $30 (ages 13+).
• Don’s Supreme 7th Annual Show & Shine is happening at Westside Drive-In from 5pm–9pm. This community car show brings together hot rods, local vendors, and live music, with all proceeds benefiting My Places Community Events. It’s free to attend; car registration is $10.
• Bingo Loco is happening at Treefort Music Hall from 10pm–12:30am. A high-energy bingo party with comedian hosts, DJs spinning 80s/90s/00s hits, boozy bingo, confetti showers, dance-offs, and prizes ranging from vacations to lawnmowers and giant teddy bears. Tix start at $35. 21+.

Sunday, September 13

• The Boise Flea: September Flea is happening at Boise State’s East Stadium Lot from 10am–4pm. Browse tons of vendors at this monthly flea market pop-up; parking is $5 per car. It’s free!
• Boise Vegan Market: End of Summer Bash is happening at 36th Street Event Center from 1pm–5pm. Boise Vegan Market takes over a brand new indoor space with vegan food and drink vendors, handmade goods, art, and vintage sellers.

Sunday, September 13 — Wednesday, September 16

• Meridian Art Week & Art Drop is happening throughout Downtown Meridian. Create a small piece of art (painted, carved, drawn, anything goes) and hide it around downtown for others to find as part of this citywide peer-to-peer art exchange, open to artists of all ages and abilities. It’s free and so fun!

Monday, September 14

• Science on Tap is happening at Boise Brewing from 5:30pm–6:30pm. A monthly lecture series covering a different science topic each month. It’s free, you just buy your drink!
• Meridian Monday Night Market is happening from 4-9pm at at Storey Park in Meridian. Shop fresh local produce, handcrafted artisan goods, baked treats, and enjoy refreshing beverages, food trucks, and live entertainment. There’s a playground nearby too!

Tuesday, September 15

• Tabletop Tuesday is happening at Boise Brewing from 6pm–9pm. Chits & Chats game cafe brings board games (plus a teach-along option) for a night of tabletop gaming. Feel free to bring your own games too. It’s free!
• Juan Gabriel: Mi Primer Bellas Artes is happening at The Egyptian Theatre from 7pm. A newly restored screening of Juan Gabriel’s legendary 1990 concert at Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes, marking Mexican Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of his passing. Tix are $10. All ages.

Wednesday, September 16

• September Hops ‘N Homes is happening at Barbarian Brewing Downtown Beer Bar from 6pm. It’s a free class for first-time home buyers covering the ins and outs of the home-buying process, plus two free beers. It’s free!
• Athletic Club Boise vs. Charlotte Independence is happening at Athletic Club Boise Soccer Stadium from 7pm. Tix start at $35.
• Trivia with Geeks Who Drink is happening at Boise Brewing from 7pm–9pm. Weekly trivia night with Geeks Who Drink, with beer prizes each round. It’s free!

Food finds & things to drink

Thursday, September 10

• Williamson After Hours: Paint and Sip is happening at Williamson Vineyards from 5:30pm. Sip wine while a local artist walks you step by step through painting a seasonal, country-inspired scene, no experience needed. Tix are $25.

Friday, September 11 — Saturday, September 12

• Autumn Uncorked Fall Release Party is happening at Huston Vineyards Production Facility from 6pm–9pm Friday and 12pm–5pm Saturday. Taste Huston’s new releases, including a Grüner Veltliner, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Merlot/Malbec blend, with live trivia Friday and live music from Lindzey Autumn Saturday afternoon, plus food trucks both days. It’s free!

Saturday, September 12

• 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.
• Albertsons Best of the Northwest is happening at Albertsons Atrium Headquarters from 1pm–5pm. Taste 100+ wines from 25+ wineries across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, plus charcuterie, seafood, dessert, and a Double R Ranch/Snake River Farms beef tasting. Tix are $50. 21+.

Tuesday, September 15

• Kat’s Fall Cellar Raid Wine Social is happening at House of Wine from 6pm–7:30pm. Taste five or more wines from the founder’s personal cellar in this social, unwind-together tasting. Tix are $45 (free for Flight Club members).
• Taste of Idaho is happening at Ford Idaho Center Plaza in Nampa from 5pm–8pm. This annual harvest celebration features a locally inspired dinner (tri-tip, grilled peach salad, roasted potatoes, huckleberry peach cobbler), live music, networking, and a beer and wine garden. Tix are $50 for Nampa Chamber members or $60 for non-members.

Wednesday, September 16

• Wine and Bites: Wings is happening at House of Wine from 6:30pm–7:30pm. Kick off football season as Jose pairs high-flavor wings with a hand-selected flight of wines built to tame the heat and lift the flavors. Tix are $55.

Boise’s Best Old-School Diners

Nothing beats a classic diner morning, and Boise’s got some serious contenders for that vinyl-booth, bottomless-coffee experience.

• Capri Restaurant has been slinging biscuits and gravy since 1953, and locals swear by the Cowboy Potatoes: a potato pancake stuffed with bacon, chives, and cheese. Come hungry, the portions here are no joke.
• Eddie’s Restaurant is a full-on 50s time capsule, wall-to-wall memorabilia and all. Grab a booth for the chicken fried steak or their famous bottomless hot chocolate.
• The Griddle has been perfecting “diner fare with a gourmet twist” since 1948, and the pancakes (buttermilk, red velvet, s’mores, take your pick) are the move.
• Westside Drive In has been a Boise institution since 1957, made famous for its scratch-made finger steaks and prime rib. Don’t skip the Ice Cream Potato for dessert.

Comedy & storytelling

Wednesday, September 10 — Wednesday, September 16

• The Heart of Robin Hood is happening at Idaho Shakespeare Festival at 7:30pm Wednesday through Saturday and Tuesday, and 7pm Sunday (no show on Monday). This gallant reimagining of the legendary tale follows Robin Hood and his outlaws navigating rebellion and responsibility in Sherwood Forest, with Marion stepping up to challenge Robin’s choices and inspire unity. Tix start at $29.68.

Thursday, September 10 — Saturday, September 12

• Caitlin Peluffo is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. NYC comedian Caitlin Peluffo, seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, After Midnight, and Just For Laughs, brings her bold, no-subject-off-limits storytelling to Boise. Note: 2 drink minimum. Tix start at $25.
• Rock of Ages is happening at Boise Little Theater at 7:30pm Thursday and Friday, and 2pm and 7:30pm Saturday. It’s the tail end of the wild 1980s on the Sunset Strip, where aspiring rock star Drew and small-town girl Sherri fall for each other just as developers threaten to bulldoze the legendary rock club for a strip mall, in this glam-rock musical comedy. Tix start at $25. 14+.

Friday, September 11

• Mike Hammock Live at Liquid Laughs Underground is happening at Liquid Laughs Underground from 7:30pm. Denver comic Mike Hammock, a Comedy Works regular who’s opened for Ari Shaffir, Dave Smith, and Duncan Trussell, brings his headlining set to Boise. Tix are $24.57. 21+.

Saturday, September 12

• Rewind Improv Comedy Show is happening at The Creative Space from 8pm. This storytelling and improv show turns real memories, first cars, school dances, cassette tapes, and all, into completely improvised scenes, exploring how differently we remember our own pasts. Tix are $15.99.
• Toga Garden Party Fundraiser is happening at a private residence at 1010 S. Owyhee St from 6pm. The Boise Bard Players and The Luminary host an ancient-Greek-themed night with build-your-own gyros, a sneak peek performance from The Medea Project, Greek trivia, a toga costume contest, and Greek-aoke, all supporting the upcoming Medea Project production. Tix are $20.

Sunday, September 13

• Campfire Stories: BULLSH*T is happening at Modern Hotel and Bar from 6pm–9pm. This intimate storytelling series returns to the courtyard, hosted by Tomás Baiza with readers Susan Lasater, Matt Edwards, Ariel Vazquez, and JR Rivero Kinsey. It’s free!

Wednesday, September 16

• Andy Gold @ The Comedy Lounge is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm. Viral roast comedian Andy Gold (After Midnight, Dry Bar) brings his sharp, likable stand-up to Boise. Note: 2 drink minimum. Tix are $26.50.
• Laugh Your Tits Off is happening at Liquid Lounge from 8pm. Boise’s first queer/femme-focused comedy open mic, hosted by Moore Productions, with four comics from the mic booked for a monthly showcase. It’s free!

Tunes & shows

Thursday, September 10

• Chillers in the Jungle + LYFTY + Make Believe + GK Adamson at Hap Hap Lounge
• Jambalaya + Turner Keyes + WyFy + Noemi + Funktion + Thermo + Dom Farrow at Space Banana (riddim/bass)
• 3BallMTY at Treefort Music Hall (tribal guarachero/EDM)
• Bonnie Raitt + Jon Cleary at Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden (blues/roots rock)
• Tyler Daniel at Boise Brewing
• Lala’s Jazz Double Bill: The Double Bass Trio & Naama at The Hemingway Center (jazz)

Thursday, September 10 — Saturday, September 12

• Sixtiesmania at The Riverside Hotel (60s rock/pop covers)

Friday, September 11

• Mad Caddies + Diesel Boy + The Jerkwadz at Neurolux (ska punk)
• Grateful at Shrine Social Club (jam/psychedelic rock)
• The Obsessed + Hippie Death Cult + Voidstrider at The Shredder (doom metal/stoner rock)
• FOMO at Shrine Social Club (R&B/hip-hop/funk/pop)
• Big Gigantic + Steller at Treefort Music Hall (electronic/hip hop/funk)
• Spin Haus vol. 4 + DJ Phake at Hap Hap Lounge (house)
• Darqness + Ivy Rose + JESAFARI + Lifty at Space Banana (house/bass)
• It’s A 2000s Party: Boise + Slacker University at Knitting Factory (pop/hip-hop/rock)
• RAID + Hummingbird of Death + Far From Giants + Los Malos at Realms Arcade (powerviolence/thrashcore/post-hardcore)
• Rock Dee House Dueling Pianos at Green Acres Food Truck Park (rock/pop covers)
• Dusty Shrimps at Bluebird Social (alt-country rock)
• Jordan Shaw at Koenig Distillery (country)

Saturday, September 12

• Mustard Service + Pity Party (Girls Club) + Manwolves + Chicano Mosh at The Shredder (indie rock/surf)
• Sean Rowe + Lee Penn Sky at Neurolux (alternative folk)
• Party At The Pen Afterparty at Shrine Social Club
• Intoxicait Presents: Double Pour + Jerm + Horchatta + Intoxicait + jilly.FM + Leo Summers at Hap Hap Lounge (house)
• Club 90s Presents: MJ Night at Knitting Factory (pop)
• Better Off Alone at The Olympic Venue (90s/00s dance)

Sunday, September 13

• Eilen Jewell + Sean Tracey at Shrine Social Club (americana/country)
• Goth Night at Shrine Social Club (gothic rock/industrial/darkwave)
• House of Sound After Hours Boise + Lotus + Cuddi + LD-50 + SVG b2b Vibez + Jesafari at Hap Hap Lounge (house)
• Evelyn’s Casket + Life Rips + The Exit Plan + The Apprentices at 9th St. Parallel at Knitting Factory (horror punk)
• blowupdoll + plagued by nightmayors at Realms Arcade (punk)
• Erik Hansen + The DILFS at The Olympic Venue (punk rock)

Tuesday, September 15

• Pallbearer + Ordh + Ghorot + Beachmaster at Shrine Social Club (doom metal)
• Fervence + Karin Comes Killing + KVRMA at 9th St. Parallel at Knitting Factory (heavy metal)
• Spencer List + Taking Hormones + Sir Vessel + the Anti Knights at Chaz’s Corner

Wednesday, September 16

• Spafford at Shrine Social Club (jam/rock/funk)
• Public Image Ltd + Plague Vendor at Treefort Music Hall (post-punk/experimental rock)
• Joshua Ray Walker + Fabrizio at Neurolux (country)

Just trust me…

just out here surviving – you know the dad driving the boat was having the time of his life

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Marissa