There’s lots to do around town this weekend from the Canyon County Fair (hiiii, fair food 😋) to an Ironman, plus tons of great music in venues and on the mountain!
From Boise Things
Want to meet people and make new friends? Join the next From Boise Dinner Club on Monday, August 10! We’ll be taking on downtown Boise. It’s going to be a fun one! See you there??
Bogus Basin Mountain Report
Looking for ways to cool off? 🥵 Head up to Bogus Basin, where temperatures are 15º – 20º cooler! 🌲 From wildflower blooms to creek crossings and shade-covered trails, enjoy your weekend at the Treasure Valley’s mountain playground!
The free Music on the Mountain concert series with Dozey Dubs, Moon Owl’s Mages, and headliner Kota Dosa happens on Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm 🥁 Plus, free outdoor Yoga on the Mountain on Friday evening, and Saturday & Sunday mornings 🧘♀️☀️
Canyon County Fair
Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26
A classic summer fair out in Caldwell with carnival rides, livestock shows, a petting zoo, fair food, and a beer garden. Plus free-with-admission nightly concerts headlined by Jo Dee Messina (Thursday), Kansas (Friday), and Clay Walker & Sawyer Brown (Saturday).
11am–11pm daily at the Canyon County Fairgrounds (111 S. 22nd Ave., Caldwell). Tix start at $4.52.
Things to do
Thursday, July 23
- Journalism Under Fire: The Insider is happening at the Idaho Film Society from 5–9pm. There’s a happy hour from 5–6:30pm, followed by a screening of Michael Mann’s whistleblower drama and a Q&A with Boise State Public Radio journalists on the state of the press. Tix are $11.32.
Friday, July 24
- Date Night x Wheel Throwing is happening at Clay Collective’s Main Street studio from 5–7pm. It’s a beginner-friendly pottery wheel class for couples, complete with a disco ball, good tunes, BYOB, and plenty of encouraged “Ghost” moments. Tix are $120 per couple. There’s another class on Saturday!
- Bike Night with Moto Mavens is happening at High Desert Harley-Davidson from 6–8pm. It’s an evening of bikes, good people, and summer fun hosted by 208 Moto Mavens. It’s free!
- Sparklight Movie Night: The Bad Guys 2 is happening at Settlers Park starting at 7pm, with the movie rolling at dusk. It’s a free outdoor screening on a giant inflatable screen, so bring low-back chairs, blankets, and snacks. It’s free!
- Summer of Shania: Let’s Go Girls! Variety Show is happening at The Balcony Club at 8pm. It’s a boot-stompin’ variety show set to Shania Twain’s music, featuring pole dance, drag artistry, and line dancing, plus a country western outfit contest. Tix start at $13.26. 21+.
Saturday, July 25
- Ironman 70.3 Boise is happening with a 1.2-mile swim at Lucky Peak Reservoir, a 56-mile bike through the foothills, and a 13.1-mile run along the Greenbelt, finishing at Julia Davis Park downtown. The Greenbelt makes for great spectating. It’s free to watch!
- Bogus Basin: Granite, Gold & Wildflowers is happening at Bogus Basin from 10am–3pm. It’s a geologic field trip exploring how granite veins reveal where gold is (or isn’t) in the area, with wildflowers along the way. Registration required. Tix are $20, members & kids are free.
- Museum Tour and Discussion is happening at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology from 11am–12pm. It’s a 45-minute guided tour led by board president Steve Cox, with time to explore on your own after. Registration required. Tix are $5.
- The Bishops’ House Semiquincentennial Celebration is happening at The Bishops’ House from 12–5pm. There’s lawn games, house tours, historical reenactors (including Revolutionary War soldiers performing a musket drill), and Kona Ice for purchase. It’s free!
- 3rd Annual Idaho Island Festival is happening at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park from 10:30am–9pm. It’s a full day of Polynesian entertainment, food vendors, live music, dancing, and a fire knife show. It’s free!
- Kuna Greenbelt Groove Fest is happening at the Kuna Greenbelt behind City Hall from 6–11pm. It’s a family-friendly outdoor music festival with local live acts, food trucks, and a beer garden. It’s free!
- Good Hang Social Scramble is happening at Indian Lakes Golf Club at 5:30pm. It’s a massive golf scramble where the whole group plays as one giant 50+ person team, and the goal is to get 100 people walking the course together. Tix are $35.
- Grease Sing Along is happening at Visual Arts Collective at 8pm. It’s a high-energy sing-along screening of Grease from VAC and Alley Rep, so dress the part and belt out every word to “Summer Nights” and “You’re the One That I Want.” Tix are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
- Welcome Space Brothers is happening at The Flicks at 7pm. It’s a SpectreVision documentary about the Unarius Academy of Science, the extraterrestrial-channeling spiritual school turned 1980s public access TV phenomenon, with an intro from a real Unarian and a Q&A after the film. Tix are $10.
Sunday, July 26
- Western Snake River Plain: Lecture is happening at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology from 1–2:30pm. It’s a talk from Dr. Terry Maley on how tectonic and volcanic events (including the Yellowstone hotspot) shaped the Snake River Plain. Registration required. Tix are $5, members are free.
- July Spelling Bee: Botanical Extravaganza is happening at Boise Brewing from 5–6pm. It’s a plant-themed spelling bee, so come test your botanical vocabulary over a beer. It’s free!
- Boise Speed Dating is happening at The Warehouse Food Hall from 3–6:30pm. It’s an afternoon of face-to-face speed dating with two brackets, ages 21–44 and 45–65. Tix are $40. 21+.
- Kitten Yoga is happening at Zen Riot at 3pm and 4pm. It’s a stretch-and-breathe session alongside adoptable kittens from Simply Cats, with proceeds supporting Upward Inertia’s wellness mission. Tix are a $35–50 donation per person.
Tuesday, July 28
- Boise Hawks vs. Glacier is happening at Memorial Stadium at 7:05pm. It’s a home matchup against the Glacier Range Riders. Tix start at $9.
- Trivia! is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 6–8pm. It’s the bar’s weekly Tuesday trivia night. It’s free! 21+.
Wednesday, July 29
- Boise Hawks vs. Glacier is happening at Memorial Stadium at 7:05pm. It’s night two against the Glacier Range Riders. Tix start at $14.
- Truth & Treason is happening at The Egyptian Theatre at 5pm. It’s a WWII drama about a German teenager who launches a resistance against the Nazi regime after his Jewish friend is taken away. Tix are $11.10.
- Trivia with Geeks Who Drink is happening at Boise Brewing at 7pm. It’s the taproom’s weekly pub quiz, and you can win free beer every round. It’s free!
- Cones with Cops is happening at the Meridian Police Department from 3–5pm. It’s a National Ice Cream Month meet-and-greet where you can grab a cone and chat with local officers. It’s free!
- Figure Drawing Club is happening at Clay Collective’s Main Street studio from 6–8pm. It’s Boise Figure Drawing’s open session for all levels and mediums, with easels provided (bring your own materials). Tix are $25. 18+.
Food finds & things to drink
Saturday, July 25
- 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.
- Vintages and Vines is happening at Huston Vineyards in Caldwell from 12–5pm. It’s an afternoon car show among the vines featuring vintage, classic, and exotic rides, plus wine, vineyard views, and a People’s Choice vote. Tix are $15 and include your first drink.
Tuesday, July 28
- Caldwell Farm to Fork Farmers Market is at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell from 5–8pm.
Wednesday, July 29
- Summer Potluck Networking Event is happening at the Regus Downtown Boise Business Lounge from 2–4pm. It’s a potluck-style mixer for local professionals and entrepreneurs, complete with a Best Dish Competition — bring something to share. It’s free!
The Boise Bagel Roundup
Whether you’re team chewy or team toasted, the Treasure Valley’s bagel game is strong right now. Here’s where to get your fix this week:
- Good Times Bagels hand-rolls, honey-boils, and bakes every bagel in a wood-fired oven on West Main, with dough that ferments up to 72 hours. The lox gets rave reviews & the Rizo (folded egg + chorizo) is a sleeper hit. (this roundup was inspired by writing this week’s newsletter on the Good Times patio having a Lady Bird for lunch)
- Goldstein’s Bagels & Bialys is your downtown stop near Julia Davis Park, and one of the only places in town doing bialys. Try the black lava salt bagel with honey pistachio cream cheese. They’ve got gluten free & vegan options too!
- Blue Sky Bagels is the longtime local favorite with four locations across Boise, Garden City & Meridian. Free cream cheese, free extra veggies, and a free bagel with every soup or salad. The value is unmatched.
- Sarah’s Bagel Cafe has spots in downtown Boise, Meridian & Nampa, pairing fresh-baked bagels with smoothies, boba, and breakfast sandwiches that regulars swear by.
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, July 23 – Saturday, July 25
- Auggie Smith is happening at The Comedy Lounge at 7pm each night. He’s a 30-year comedy veteran seen on Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing, and a winner of both the Seattle and San Francisco International Comedy Competitions. Tix start at $25.
- Aladdin JR. is happening at Boise Little Theater at 7:30pm Thursday and Friday, with a 2pm Saturday matinee. It’s the beloved Disney story with expanded characters and new songs, performed by young local actors as their final shows of the run. Tix are $15.
Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26
- The Magician’s Table is happening at the Morrison Center with 8pm shows Thursday–Saturday, plus 4pm Saturday and 1pm Sunday matinees. It’s an immersive, London-born magic experience where world-class magicians perform close-up sleight of hand right at your table, wrapped in live music, cocktails, and storytelling. Tix start at $110. 18+.
Thursday, July 23 – Wednesday, July 29
- Sweeney Todd is happening at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival at 8pm most nights (7:30pm Sunday, dark Monday). It’s Sondheim’s chilling musical thriller about the demon barber of Fleet Street, mixing breathtaking music with dark humor and culinary crime. Tix start at $29.68.
Friday, July 24
- The Secret Show is happening at Liquid Laughs from 8–10pm. It’s Krystal Moore’s monthly comedy variety show mixing stand-up, drag, burlesque, clown, and improv, where the audience anonymously shares secrets and hears everyone else’s. Tix are $22.94.
Saturday, July 25
- “It’s A Conspiracy!” Comedy Show is happening at The Creative Space in Garden City at 8pm. It’s an improvised journey through conspiracy theories from Recycled Minds, running five years strong and seen on DryBar Unscripted. Tix are $15.99 for adults, $5.99 for kids.
- Flash Fiction with Don Zancanella is happening at the Erma Hayman House from 10:30am–12:30pm. It’s a free community writing workshop with the Boise City Writer-in-Residence where you’ll draft one or two very short pieces that are ready (or nearly ready) to share by the time you leave. It’s free!
- Off-Season Stories is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 5–7pm. It’s a Storyfort-presented evening of live storytelling. It’s free! 21+.
Monday, July 27
- Idaho Shakespeare Festival Gala: Midsummer Magic is happening at the ISF Amphitheater at 5pm. It’s the 34th annual fundraiser celebrating 50 seasons of Shakespeare, with a catered dinner under the stars, beer and wine, and silent and live auctions supporting ISF’s productions and statewide education programs. Tix are $200.
Tunes & shows
Thursday, July 23
- Killer Queen at The Egyptian Theatre (rock/tribute)
- Andy Porter at Boise Brewing (singer-songwriter/folk)
- Snõõper + Happy Death Men + Zap Pack at Shrine Social Club (art-punk)
- The Mainliners + NIIS + Lobo Lara at Shrine Social Club (punk)
- Pirates of the Promised Land + Karate Riot + So Down! at The Olympic (punk/pop punk)
Thursday, July 23 – Saturday, July 25
- Camden Morris at Bluebird Social (acoustic)
- Where’s West? at Bluebird Social
Friday, July 24
- Shepherd Bridge + Quiver and Bow + Brother Fantastic at Shrine Social Club
- Karin Comes Killing + Hand Me The Knife at Neurolux
- Starcrawler + Sluttony at The Shredder (glam punk/hard rock)
- Slander at Treefort Music Hall (dubstep/melodic bass)
- Jampoke at The Olympic (americana/jam rock)
- Harlis Sweetwater at The Sapphire Room (rock/blues/soul)
- Bring Your Vibes to Vibez at Hap Hap Lounge (open decks/DJ)
Saturday, July 25
- Futurebirds + Deloyd Elze + Don Hurt Band at Shrine Social Club (cosmic country/rock)
- Kota Dosa at Shrine Social Club (blues/funk/psych rock)
- Dozey Dubs + Moon Owl’s Mages + Kota Dosa at Bogus Basin (funk/psych rock/reggae)
- Boise Rock School + High Pine Whiskey Yell + Queen Legacy at Memorial Stadium (rock/country rock/tribute)
- Grave Witch + Old Year + The Raven Index at The Olympic (extreme metal)
- Benise at Knitting Factory (spanish guitar/flamenco)
- X Fest 2026 Battle of the Bands at Revolution Concert House
- Kill-A-Brew at The Sapphire Room (classic rock covers)
- Just a Phase: A DJ Moon Unit Proper Bopper at Neurolux (DJ/dance)
- 48 Doris + Daniel Leone + Living 4 at Realms
- Patio Party with kg.lin at Hap Hap Lounge (DJ/dance)
- Hori Bai at Hap Hap Lounge
- emleo & friends at Hap Hap Lounge (DJ/dance)
Sunday, July 26
- Cathedral Bells at Shrine Social Club (darkwave/dream pop)
- of Montreal + Sloppy Jane at Treefort Music Hall (psychedelic pop/indie rock)
- J. Carmichael + Seth Beamer + Aaron Acapella + J. Killen at The Olympic (singer-songwriter/indie rock)
- Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band + Kelsey Waldon at Knitting Factory (americana/country folk)
- Worms in Dirt + Cryshadow + The Summerlands + Othervoice at Realms
Monday, July 27
- Goo Goo Dolls + Neon Trees at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater (alternative rock/pop rock)
- Boise Punk Flea at Shrine Social Club
Tuesday, July 28
- Alabama Shakes + Billy Allen & The Pollies at Outlaw Field at Idaho Botanical Garden (southern rock/soul)
- Josaleigh Pollett + Strog + Toby the Tiger at Shrine Social Club (indie rock)
- Matte Blvck at Neurolux (darkwave/industrial dance)
- Maryanne Mugila + Linzey Autumn at Realms
- Ryan Curtis Band at Bluebird Social (alt-country/folk)
Wednesday, July 29
- Old 97’s + River Shook at Knitting Factory (alt-country/rock)
- Eslabon Armado at Revolution Concert House (sierreño/música mexicana)
- Walk Off The Earth at Treefort Music Hall (pop rock)
- Deltaphonic + Rudy at Shrine Social Club (funk/soul/rock)
- When We Met + The Mall Goth Moths + Rediviva at The Olympic (ethereal grunge/indie rock)
- Tommy Newport at The Shredder (indie pop/funk)
- Lowdown Brass Band + WINS at The Grove Plaza for Alive After 5 (brass/funk/hip-hop)
- DJ Simulator: A Vinyl Open Decks Session at Hap Hap Lounge (vinyl/open decks)
Just trust me…
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
