Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to get our latest content by email.

    Plan Ahead: Things to do in Boise in July

    Filed under:

    Happenings

    Hi, I'm Marissa Lovell, a writer and lover of all things local. So glad you're here.

    It’s almost July! Prime time summer, baby. Here’s a bunch of fun things to do in Boise in July to fill your calendar:

    July 1-11: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson — Apt. 2B at Idaho Shakespeare Festival

    ​Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson — Apt. 2B​ is running at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater through July 11. It’s a clever, witty reimagining of the Sherlock Holmes stories with two women at the center. The perfect summer night out at one of Boise’s most beloved outdoor venues. Tix vary depending on seating.

    Credit Idaho Shakespeare Festival

    July 1: God & Country Family Festival

    ​God & Country Family Festival​ is happening at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater in Nampa on Wednesday, July 1. Gates open at 5:30pm, with the festival running 6:30–10:30pm and fireworks at 10:15pm. It’s a free outdoor celebration featuring Christian bands, military appreciation, civic awards, and one of the valley’s biggest fireworks shows — and it’s in its 60th year. It’s free! (Parking is $5.)

    July 4: Boise Fourth of July Parade

    ​The Idaho America250 4th of July Parade​ is happening along Capitol Blvd starting at 10am. It’s Boise’s signature Independence Day parade, featuring a Patriotic Pet Parade at 9am and live broadcast on CBS2/Fox9 and Idaho Public TV. It’s free!

    July 4: Idaho A250 Capitol Celebration​

    ​The Idaho A250 Capitol Celebration​ is happening at Cecil D. Andrus Park and the Capitol steps from 11:30am–3pm. It’s a free outdoor concert and community celebration featuring Josh Ritter, the Afrosonics, Jeff Crosby, Chad Marvin and EllieMae, and the 25th Army Band. It’s free!

    July 4: Boise Fourth of July Fireworks

    ​The City of Boise Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration ​is happening at Ann Morrison Park from 6–11pm. There’s a Boise Philharmonic concert at 9pm, a patriotic drone light show at 10:15pm, and a fireworks finale at 10:30pm synced to 107.1 Hank FM. It’s free!

    July 4: ​Meridian Independence Day Festival​

    ​Meridian Independence Day Festival​ is happening at Storey Park from 4pm–10:30pm. Food trucks, live music, and a fireworks display launched from Meridian Speedway at around 10:20pm. It’s free!

    July 4: ​Caldwell Independence Day Celebration

    ​Caldwell Independence Day Celebration​ is happening at Memorial Park and Brothers Athletic Park throughout the day. There’s a 9am downtown parade, a classic car show, an armed medieval combat showcase, and fireworks at dusk at Brothers Athletic Park. It’s free!

    July 4: Kuna Fourth of July Celebration

    ​Kuna 4th of July America250 Celebration​ is happening at Bernie Fisher Park from 6–11pm. There are 17 food trucks, a DJ, a 21+ drinking area, and fireworks launching near the 2nd Street baseball fields at 10:15pm. It’s free!

    July 4: ​Star Hometown Celebration​

    ​Star Hometown Celebration​ is happening at Hunters Creek Park throughout the day. There’s a 10am parade on W State Street, a live concert by Kill-A-Brew starting around 7:30pm, and a fireworks show at around 10:15pm. It’s free!

    July 4: ​Middleton 4th of July Celebration

    ​Middleton 4th of July Celebration​ is happening at Middleton Place Park and along Main Street throughout the day. There’s a Show & Shine car show starting at 9am, a parade at 11am, live music, and fireworks at dusk at Foote Park. It’s free!

    July 4: ​Melba Olde Tyme 4th of July​

    ​Melba Olde Tyme 4th of July​ is happening throughout Melba starting at 7am. There’s a fun run, parade at 10:30am, antique tractor pull, car show, and fireworks at dusk synced to 101.9FM The Bull. It’s free!

    July 11: Boise Twilight Criterium

    ​Boise Twilight Criterium​ is happening in downtown Boise on Saturday, July 11. It’s a professional cycling race series and community event. There’s a Kids Ride with three-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong at 11am, a Fan EXPO opening at 1pm, and multiple professional cycling races throughout the day and into the evening. It’s the 39th year of this iconic race and the fourth stop on the national American Criterium Cup series, where elite women’s and men’s cyclists compete for a share of a $500,000 prize purse on Boise’s tight downtown circuit. It’s free to watch! My favorite viewing place is the corners – so intense!

    July 11: Rosé Fest

    ​Rosé Fest at Parcero Wine Bar​ is happening on Saturday, July 11 from 2–8pm at Parcero Wine Bar. It’s an open-house style tasting featuring 27+ rosés from around the world. There’s a curated food menu and a food truck on-site. Every guest gets a commemorative Parcero glass to take home. Tix are $49 GA or $85 VIP (only 25 available). This event tends to sell out, so grab your ticket early. 21+

    July 11: Running of the Bars

    ​Running of the Bars​ is happening on the Basque Block in downtown Boise on Saturday, July 11 from 5–10pm. It’s a San Fermin-inspired pub crawl through bars like the Basque Center, Leku Ona, Tom Grainey’s, Cactus, Pengilly’s, and Silly Birch. Wear your whites with red belts and scarves, tackle a fun activity at each stop, and finish the night back on the Block dancing with Kalimotxo Cowboys. It’s a fundraiser for the Basque Museum & Cultural Center. Tix are $30 at the door. 21+

    July 11: Paranormal Investigation at the Old Idaho Penitentiary

    ​Paranormal Investigation​ is happening at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on Saturday, July 11 from 9:15pm–2am. Join Big River Paranormal as they use specialized equipment to attempt to connect with the prisoners and guards of the past. Tix are $45. 13+

    July 11: DarknessCon Boise

    ​DarknessCon Boise​ is happening at Expo Idaho. It’s the 6th annual celebration of all things horror, haunts, and pop culture. Expect a full day of vendors, artists, immersive workshops, panels, a film festival, and hands-on make & takes. There’s also a Zombie Prom from 9pm–midnight with DJ Andrew Pearson spinning darkwave and industrial all night. Tix are $15 (Adult Day Pass) or $25 (All-Day Pass including Zombie Prom). Kids 5 and under are free; ages 6–11 are $5. Zombie Prom is 18+.

    July 13: Story Story Night: Road Trip

    ​Story Story Night​ is happening at the Old Idaho Penitentiary on Monday, July 13; doors at 7pm and show at 8pm. It’s Boise’s beloved live storytelling series, and this edition’s theme is Road Trip. Three storytellers sharing real, personal tales of heartbreak, lost keys, and lessons learned on the Camino. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. Tix are $23. 18+.

    credit story Story Night

    July 13 & July 27: Hummingbird Banding at Bogus Basin

    ​Hummingbird Banding at Bogus Basin​ is happening at the Frontier Point Lodge at Bogus Basin on July 13 and July 27 from 7–11am. Join the Intermountain Bird Observatory as their trained biologists band, measure, and release wild hummingbirds. If you’re lucky, you might get to hold one for release! Drop in any time, but arrive before 9am for the most action. It’s free!

    July 14: Sometime This Century: A Time Travellers Ball

    ​Sometime This Century: A Time Travellers Ball​ is happening at Oldspeak in Garden City at 7pm. It’s a festive evening celebrating the release of local author Samantha Silva’s new Regency-era time travel novel with dancing, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a reading by the author, and costumes from any era strongly encouraged. This one sold out last time, so don’t wait. Tix are $33.85.

    July 16: From Boise Dinner Club

    ​From Boise Dinner Club​​ is back on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30pm somewhere in downtown Boise. 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.​​

    July 17: Museum After Dark: RevolutionALE

    ​Museum After Dark: RevolutionALE​ is happening at the Idaho State Museum from 6:30–9pm. It’s an America 250-themed evening celebrating the role beer played in early American life, with live brewing and printing press demonstrations, live music, food, and hands-on activities throughout the museum. Tix are $30 (ISHS members $27). 21+

    July 17-31: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Idaho Shakespeare Festival

    ​Sweeney Todd​ opens at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater on July 17 and goes through the 31st. Sondheim’s dark, thrilling musical about a vengeful barber and his very questionable meat pies. Tix vary depending on seating.

    July 23–26: Canyon County Fair

    The ​Canyon County Fair​ is happening at the Canyon County Fairgrounds (111 S. 22nd Ave.) in Caldwell, Thursday through Sunday, July 23–26. It’s a classic fair with carnival rides, livestock shows, a petting zoo, a beer garden, and free concerts with fair admission featuring Jo Dee Messina (July 23), Kansas (July 24), and Clay Walker & Sawyer Brown (July 25). Fair admission required; concerts are free with entry.

    credit Canyon County Fair

    July 25: IRONMAN 70.3 Boise

    ​IRONMAN 70.3 Boise​ is happening on Saturday, July 25, starting with a 1.2-mile swim at Lucky Peak Reservoir, followed by a 56-mile bike into the city and a 13.1-mile run finishing on the Boise River Greenbelt downtown. It’s one of the most scenic IRONMAN courses in the country, and the finish line energy downtown is worth showing up for even if you’re just spectating. Free to watch!

    July 25: Idaho Island Festival

    The 3rd annual ​Idaho Island Festival​ is happening at Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian on Saturday, July 25 from 10:30am–9pm. It’s a full day of Polynesian culture featuring live music, dancing, a fire knife show, hands-on cultural experiences, vendors, and lots of food. It’s free to attend!

    July 25: Sockeye Brewing 30th Anniversary Concert

    ​Sockeye Brewing 30th Anniversary Concert​ is happening at Memorial Stadium in Garden City at 4:30pm. It’s a three-band celebration featuring School of Rock, High Pine Whiskey Yell, and Queen Legacy tribute band – all with Sockeye beer on tap all night long. Tix are $45 GA or $65 VIP.

    July 31–August 2: San Inazio

    ​San Inazio Festival​ is happening on the Basque Block on Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2. It’s Boise’s annual celebration of Basque culture featuring street dances, pala games, live music, kalimotxos, and Basque food. It’s free and super fun!

    credit City of Boise

    Summer Markets

    Saturdays

    • ​Boise Farmers Market​ is at 1500 Shoreline Dr in Boise. A beloved weekly market featuring local produce and fresh foods from Idaho farmers. No dogs allowed at this one.
    • Capital City Public Market is on The Grove Plaza from 9:30am–1:30pm. Local farms, artisans, baked goods, and specialty food and drink. Dogs allowed!
    • Meridian Farmers Market is at 33 E. Broadway Ave in Meridian from 9am-1:30pm. Shop fresh produce and art and enjoy live music and local food trucks.
    • Nampa Farmers Market is at Lloyd Square Park from 9am-1:30pm. Shop local produce from local farmers!
    • Eagle Saturday Market is at Heritage Park in downtown Eagle from 9am–1pm. A community market with local produce, crafts, and goods in the heart of Eagle.
    • ​Caldwell Latino Night Market​ is in downtown Caldwell from 7-11pm. Delicious food, local vendors, nonprofits, and cultural showcases.

    Sundays

    • The Boise Flea is happening once this month, on July 12 from 10am–4pm at Boise State’s East Stadium Lot (1188 W University Dr). Free admission and $5 parking.

    Mondays

    • Meridian Monday Night Market is every Monday starting June 1 from 4-9pm at Storey Park in Meridian. Enjoy a family friendly atmosphere with farm goods, handcrafted artisan wares, baked treats, refreshing beverages, food trucks, live entertainment, and more.

    Tuesdays

    Thursdays

    • West Bench Farmers Market is every Thursday from 5–8pm at Spaulding Ranch (3805 N Cole Rd). A regenerative, community-focused market with farm fresh produce, food, and live music.

    Fridays

    • ​208 Night Market​ at ID-45 & Scism Rd in Nampa. Global street food, live entertainment, handcrafted goods, and interactive activities for all ages.
    • ​Greenbelt Night Market​ is at The Boardwalk in Garden City from 5-9pm. Local vendors and food trucks.
    credit 208 Night Market

    Summer Live Music Series

    Bogus Basin Music on the Mountain

    ​Bogus Basin’s Music on the Mountain​ is kicking off in July with two shows on July 11 and 25. These are totally free, very family-friendly, and super fun! Bring a blanket, low chairs, snacks, and a canopy if you want some shade. It’s usually about 10 degrees cooler up on the mountain compared to the valley. It’s lovely. There’s food and drink available for purchase, plus hiking/biking trails, and kid’s activities.

    • July 11: JDHIX + Ashley Rose Band + Orquesta Akokán
    • July 25: Dozey Dubs + Moon Owl’s Mages + Kota Dosa

    Big Al’s Live on the Patio

    Live on the Patio happens Fridays & Saturdays from 7–10pm at Big Al’s Meridian. There’s also free line dancing lessons every Friday 6–7pm.

    • July 3: American Tradition
    • July 10: Andrew Chappell & Dave Nudo Duo
    • July 11: Off the Record
    • July 17: The Noteables
    • July 18: The Fundamentals
    • July 24: Three Day Weekend
    • July 25: Poverty Flats
    • July 31: Sweet Briar

    Connections Credit Union Kleiner Park Live

    Kleiner Park Live happens Fridays from 7–9pm at Kleiner Park Bandshell in Meridian. Free! Here’s the July shows:

    • July 3: EpicUnion
    • July 17: Poverty Flats
    • July 31: Kill-A-Brew

    Alive After 5

    Alive After 5 has shows on Wednesdays from 5–8pm on the The Grove Plaza in downtown Boise. It’s free!

    • July 1: High Fade + Mondo Pondo
    • July 8: Stephen Day + Arcade Sarcasm
    • July 15: Afrosonics + Bad Quitters
    • July 22: Banshee Tree + Degler
    • July 29: Lowdown Brass Band + Wins

    Neighborhood Concert Series

    Neighborhood Concert Series are free shows hosted in different neighborhood parks throughout the summer. Here’s the July shows:

    • July 15: Florence Park (West Boise Neighborhood Association)
    • July 22: Cypress Park (Southeast Neighborhood Association)

    Star Summer Concert Series

    Star Summer Concert Series happens at Star Riverhouse (960 S Main Street) in Star from 7–9pm. Here’s the July shows:

    • July 10: Blue Sky Band
    • July 24: Casio Dreams

    Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden

    Outlaw Field shows happens throughout the summer at the Idaho Botanical Garden on random dates. See the full schedule ​here​. Here’s the July shows:

    • July 10: Kaleo + Vincent Lima
    • July 14: Rainbow Kitten Surprise + Spacey Jane
    • July 16: Max McNown + The Jack Wharff Band
    • July 28: Alabama Shakes + Billy Allen & The Pollies
    • July 30: Slightly Stoopid + The Elovaters & DENM
    • July 31: Australian Pink Floyd
    credit Idaho Botanical Garden

    Summer Movie Series

    July 10:

    July 24:

    Summer Sports

    Boise Hawks Baseball

    Here’s the home games + specials for Boise Hawks baseball. Get tix ​here​.

    • July 4: Boise Hawks vs Ogden Raptors (Post-Game Fireworks)
    • July 5: Boise Hawks vs Ogden Raptors (Post-Game Fireworks)
    • July 7: Boise Hawks vs Missoula PaddleHeads ($5 Tuesday)
    • July 8: Boise Hawks vs Missoula PaddleHeads (Bark in the Park / Hometown Heroes
    • July 14: Boise Hawks vs RedPocket Mobiles ($5 Tuesday)
    • July 15: Boise Hawks vs RedPocket Mobiles
    • July 16: Boise Hawks vs RedPocket Mobiles (Thirsty Thursday)
    • July 17: Boise Hawks vs RedPocket Mobiles (Idaho Beef Night / Post-Game Fireworks)
    • July 18: Boise Hawks vs RedPocket Mobiles (Blitz the Bat Dog Retirement Celebration and Bobblehead Giveaway)
    • July 19: Boise Hawks vs RedPocket Mobiles (Kids Club Sunday / Dollar Dog Day)
    • July 28: Boise Hawks vs Glacier Range Riders ($5 Tuesday)
    • July 29: Boise Hawks vs Glacier Range Riders (Bark in the Park / Hometown Heroes)
    • July 30: Boise Hawks vs Glacier Range Riders (Thirsty Thursday)
    • July 31: Boise Hawks vs Glacier Range Riders (Firework Friday)

    AC Boise Soccer

    Here’s the home matches for Athletic Club Boise. Get tix ​here​.

    • July 2: AC Boise vs One Knox SC
    • July 11: AC Boise vs Sacramento Republic FC
    • July 17: AC Boise vs Portland Hearts of Pine
    credit AC Boise

    Have fun out there! Thanks for reading!

    With love from Boise,

    Marissa

    If you’re interested in getting your product, service, or event in front of 25k Boise locals book a call

    Welcome to the From Boise Blog, brought to you by Marissa Lovell. From historical Boise to local businesses and upcoming events, we cover it all in one place!

    Search

    FAVORITE pOSTS & RESOURCES

    Plan Ahead: Things to do in Boise in July

    Plan Ahead: Things to do in Boise in July

    Plan Ahead: Things to do in Boise in July