First Thursday things, soul food fest, and some bakery reccos? It’s gonna be a great weekend 😎
From Boise Things
Monday, August 10: From Boise Dinner Club in Downtown Boise. Only 10 seats left!
Bogus Basin Mountain Report
Phew! Valley temperatures are back in the triple digits this weekend 🥵 Sounds like it’s the perfect time to enjoy cooler temperatures, shady trails, and Idaho’s only mountain coaster at Bogus Basin!
Plus, free music! Don’t miss a free Music on the Mountain summer concert featuring Mattravers Bell, Degler, and Monophonics on Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm! 🎶 Bring a blanket and some chairs, grab a beverage at the Double R Ranch, and get groovy with the bands!
Also this week: the final downhill mountain bike Community Race Series of the season, free yoga on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Music on the Patio on Sunday!
Boise Soul Food Festival
Saturday, August 8
One of Boise’s best summer festivals returns to Julia Davis Park for a full day celebrating African-American soul food, music, dancing, culture, and Black-owned local businesses.
11am–8pm at Julia Davis Park. It’s free!
Things to do
Thursday, August 6
- Deadly Prey Gallery is happening at Idaho Film Society from 6-10pm. It’s a pop-up gallery of hand-painted Ghanaian movie posters, one of the most vibrant and unique forms of film art. It’s free! 21+.
- Boise Design Week: PROCESS is happening at JUMP’s Pioneer Room from 5-10:30pm. It’s a lecture series featuring James Beard Award winning chef Kris Komori, stop motion pro Lars C. Larsen, and music supervisor Rob Dennler, plus a speaker panel and after party. It’s free!
- August First Thursday is happening at JUMP from 5-8pm. It’s a building wide social with studio open houses, live music and dance, a StoryCorps recording booth, and community storytelling. It’s free!
- First Thursday – Live Band Karaoke is happening at Green Acres Food Truck Park from 6-9pm. Take the stage with a live rock band backing you up through a lineup of 200+ songs, hosted by Boise Rockeoke. Sign-ups happen the night of. It’s free!
Friday, August 7
- Sparklight Movie Night: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is happening at Settlers Park from 7pm (movie starts at dusk). Meridian Parks and Rec’s summer movie series, sponsored by Sparklight, features an inflatable screen, concessions, and pre-movie activities in the park. It’s free!
- First Friday Art & Studio Stroll is happening at the Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District from 5:30-8:30pm. Explore Garden City’s art scene with exhibitions, readings, and performances at various studios and venues throughout the district. It’s free!
Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9
- Nightfire Nationals is happening at Firebird Raceway in Eagle Friday through Sunday. The 55th annual edition of Idaho’s largest motorsports event brings three nights of nitro drag racing with Top Fuel, Funny Cars, Fuel Altereds, Pro Mods, and jet cars. Tix are $25-35.
Saturday, August 8
- Battle of the Bands is happening at JUMP’s Amphitheater from 7-9pm. Local adult bands face off for cash prizes and studio time while a panel of judges crowns a champion. It’s free!
- Western Snake River Plain Field Trip is happening from 8-11am, meeting at the Old Pen gravel lot. Geologist Dr. Terry S. Maley leads a guided look at 4 sites near Table Rock showing off the western Snake River Plain’s geology, with minimal walking involved. Tix are $20, free for museum members. Pre-registration required.
- Family Second Saturday: Tame the Flame is happening at the Idaho State Museum from 12-3pm, drop in anytime. Explore the history of fire safety and firefighting while making a fire emblem necklace craft to take home. It’s free with museum admission.
- AC Boise vs. Forward Madison FC is happening at Athletic Club Boise Soccer Stadium from 7:30pm. AC Boise takes on Forward Madison FC in a home match presented by Hayden Beverage Company. Tix start at $35.
- Petals on Paper is happening at Modern Apothecary from 12:30-2pm. Learn basic watercolor techniques and paint a still life bouquet, no art experience necessary. Tix are $30. Best suited for ages 9+.
Sunday, August 9
- Big Cat Day is happening at Zoo Boise from 10am-2pm. Celebrate lions and tigers with keeper chats, enrichment activities, and arts and crafts, timed between International Tiger Day and World Lion Day.
Tuesday, August 11
- Boise Hawks vs. RP Mobiles is happening at Memorial Stadium from 7:05pm. Catch the Hawks take on RP Mobiles. Tix start at $9.
- Wild After 5:00 is happening at Zoo Boise from 5:30-8:30pm. Explore all public areas of the zoo after hours with butterfly viewing, a zoo farm, face painting, a conservation cruise, and a Starbelly School of Dance performance at 6:30pm. Tix are $12 for ages 3-11, $15 for ages 12-61, $12 for ages 62+, free for kids 2 and under. Tickets available at the gate only.
- DT Plays is happening at Oppenheimer Green Space from 10am-1pm. Downtown Boise’s free yard game pop-up with cornhole, giant Jenga, hula hoops, and a Storytime with Rediscovered Books at 11am. It’s free!
- Trivia! is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 6-8pm. Weekly trivia night at the lounge, free to play. It’s free! 21+.
Wednesday, August 12
- Trivia with Geeks Who Drink is happening at Boise Brewing from 7-9pm. It’s their weekly trivia night with Geeks Who Drink, win free beer every round.
- AC Boise vs. Sporting FC is happening at Athletic Club Boise Soccer Stadium from 7:30pm. AC Boise faces Sporting FC in an international friendly at home. Tix start at $35.
- Boise Hawks vs. RP Mobiles is happening at Memorial Stadium from 7:05pm. Catch the Hawks take on RP Mobiles again in game two of the series. Tix start at $14.
- Movies Under the Stars: The LEGO Batman Movie is happening at Fort Boise Park at dusk. Boise Parks & Rec’s free outdoor movie series wraps up the week with a family-friendly screening on the big inflatable screen. It’s free!
Food finds & things to drink
Thursday, August 6
- August First Thursday with Indian Creek Winery is happening at House of Wine from 5-8pm. Skip the usual wine by the glass menu for free tastes of 3 wines from local favorite Indian Creek Winery, no registration required. It’s free!
Saturday, August 8
- 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.
- August Nights at Kindred is happening at Kindred Vineyards from 7-10pm. Kindred is extending their hours every Saturday in August for wine and smash burgers hot off the grill, so bring some friends and grab a table.
Wednesday, August 12
- Battle of the Grapes: Team USA vs. Team World is happening at House of Wine from 6:30-7:30pm. A blind-tasting tournament with three rounds pitting American wines against international rivals, plus light cheese and charcuterie to pair. Tix are $50.
Boise Bakeries to Bookmark
From flaky croissants to Afghan-inspired pastries, Boise’s bakery scene has range. Here’s where to get your fix this week:
- Janjou Pâtisserie has been a Boise favorite since 2008, known for buttery croissants, quiche, and pastries made with no artificial ingredients. Owner Moshit is a two-time James Beard semifinalist, so you’re in good hands.
- Gaston’s Bakery is a neighborhood staple on the Bench, milling its own flour daily from Idaho grain and baking naturally leavened sourdough, baguettes, and croissants with zero additives. Grab a loaf, stay for the Kouign-Amann.
- Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe is Boise’s first Afghan eatery, started by the Shams sisters in 2019, bringing baklava, Turkish bagels, and saffron-infused treats to two locations, downtown and on Fairview.
- Guru Donuts is tucked into the historic Idanha Building downtown, serving artisan donuts and solid coffee in a lively space that’s grown from a garage operation into a Boise institution.
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, August 6 – Saturday, August 8
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is happening at Idaho Shakespeare Festival from 8pm, with pre-show music each night. Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller follows an exiled barber’s bloody revenge in 19th century London, blending suspense with Hugh Wheeler’s dark humor. Saturday, August 8 is closing night. 12+.
Friday, August 7 – Saturday, August 8
- Lisa Curry Live is happening at The Comedy Lounge from 7pm (doors 6pm). The nationally touring comedian and former Jim Jefferies Show writer brings her sharp, fearless standup to Boise for two nights. Tix start at $25, VIP front-row seating also available.
Saturday, August 8
- Detour! Comedy Show is happening at The Creative Space from 8pm. Recycled Minds Comedy presents a fully improvised show inspired by unexpected life twists, exploring how our best stories often come from taking the wrong turn.
- Femme Fatale: These Ladies Kill is happening at Liquid Laughs Underground from 8pm (doors 7:30). An openly feminist monthly comedy show hosted by Krystal Moore, featuring a fresh lineup of the valley’s funniest fems and thems. Tix are around $24.
- ComedySportz VS Payette FORWARDS is happening at The Green Room from 7:30-9:30pm. A fast-paced, unscripted comedy match where two teams battle for laughs based entirely on audience suggestions, Boise Benchwarmers vs. Payette Forwards.
Sunday, August 9
- Campfire Stories: GRAVITY is happening at the Modern Hotel courtyard from 7-9pm. Christian Winn hosts this intimate storytelling series in its 12th season, featuring writers Mitch Wieland, Jennifer Sanders Peterson, and Josh Booton reading original work under the ginkgo trees. It’s free!
- Comedyfort Presents Open Mic Night is happening at Hap Hap Lounge from 7pm. Comedyfort vets, hungry up-and-comers, and a few wild cards take the mic for a monthly night that could go anywhere. It’s free! 21+.
Monday, August 10
- CAMPFiRE CHRONiCLES: Stories in the Dark is happening at the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site from 8-10pm, doors at 7pm. Story Story Night hosts an evening of true stories by the fire, featuring al’ikens Plancher, Gigi Huntley, and Matt Howard, with music by Ashley Rose. Bring a blanket or low chair, beer and wine available for purchase. Tix are $23. 21+
Tunes & shows
Thursday, August 6
- The River Ramblers + Fiddle Express at Shrine Social Club (bluegrass)
- Ani DiFranco + Valerie June at Treefort Music Hall (folk/singer-songwriter)
- Pepper + The Movement + Joe Samba at Knitting Factory (reggae rock)
- Hogslop String Band + Hannah Marie Kelley at Neurolux (bluegrass/alt-country)
- Tree City Travelers at Boise Brewing (bluegrass)
Friday, August 7
- Pablo Cruise at Egyptian Theatre (yacht rock/soft rock)
- John-Robert + Mykey at Shrine Social Club (folk/pop)
- Legend Zeppelin + MÔS at Shrine Social Club (Led Zeppelin tribute)
- Monophonics + aka Belle at Neurolux (psychedelic soul)
- Midsummer Masquerave with Carmen + mAc N’ tEa + paxxwaves + Sergio Leon at Hap Hap Lounge (house/dance)
- 6 Cents at The Olympic Venue
- DynaDuo Presents: Cardiac Drift + Half The World + Lord Owl + A War In Me at 9th St. Parallel (alt rock/post-grunge)
- Boognish Rising at Realms Arcade (Ween tribute)
- Jeff Bordes ft. Jackie Gage at Sapphire Room, The Riverside Hotel (New Orleans jazz)
Saturday, August 8
- Mattravers•Bell + Degler + Monophonics at Bogus Basin (indie folk/psych soul)
- Will Swinton at Shrine Social Club (folk/rock)
- Gelli HaHa + Mr Grant Olsen + Izze Azalea at Visual Arts Collective (synth-pop/experimental pop)
- EAZYBAKED + Distinct Motive at Treefort Music Hall (bass music/dubstep)
- Patio Party with jilly.FM at Hap Hap Lounge (soul/house)
- I Ask You To Dance Vol. 4 with kg.lin and friends at Hap Hap Lounge (house/dance)
- Keller & The Keels at Knitting Factory (Appalachian psych-bluegrass)
- deepHeaven + Look At Fiona + Half Joy + Blanket Ghost (DJ set) at Neurolux (dream pop)
- Cyanate + Jezus Rides A Riksha + Face The Fall + Spitfire at The Shredder (progressive metalcore)
Sunday, August 9
- Paris Jackson + The Hill Country Devil at Shrine Social Club (indie folk/grunge rock)
Monday, August 10
- La Luz + Spacemoth at Shrine Social Club (surf rock/psychedelic)
- Liam St. John + Davis Corley at 9th St. Parallel (blues rock/Americana)
- Shinedown at ExtraMile Arena (post-grunge/rock)
Tuesday, August 11
- Little Moon + Bly Wallentine at Neurolux (freak-folk/art-pop)
- Die Spitz + Cashier at Shrine Social Club (garage punk/grunge)
- The Galentines + Bad Press at The Olympic Venue (indie/punk/rock)
- Shadowgrass at Sapphire Room, The Riverside Hotel (progressive bluegrass)
- 311 + Dirty Heads + Ocean Alley + ROME at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater (reggae rock)
Wednesday, August 12
- Garrett T Capps & NASA Country + Bad Quitters at Shrine Social Club (Tex-Mex rock n’ roll)
- Boot Bunny + Woodnymph + Amoeba Arena + cryShadow at Realms Arcade (midwest emo/math rock)
- Clownvis Presley + IV and The Strange Band at Neurolux (comedy/Americana)
- The Black Crowes + Whiskey Myers + Southall at Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater (Southern rock)
- Rio Da Yung Og at a Garden City venue (hip hop/rap)
Just trust me…
Thanks for reading!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
