What do tap dancing, a pug party, soul food, and the Goonies have in common? They’re all things you can do this weekend in Boise!
Plus, there’s a bunch of markets, wine tastings, comedy shows, and concerts happening, too.
Whether you're staying out late or waking up early, there's something going on. Here’s all the fun stuff to do in and around Boise this week:
12-hour tap dance
Friday, August 8 - Saturday, August 9
Dark Night is happening at TRICA. Local artist Andrew Nemr is doing a 12-hour solo improvised tap dance performance, with immersive projections and interactive installations. Dark Night invites visitors to encounter, contemplate, and honor the enduring spirit within us all. You can reserve a time entry for free, there’s reservations available every half hour beginning August 8th at 7pm thru August 9th at 6:30am.
Boise Soul Food Festival
Saturday, August 9
Boise Soul Food Festival is happening in Julia Davis Park all day. The annual festival showcases African-American inspired soul food, music, dancing, culture, and Black-owned businesses. There’s lots and lots of great food and it’s very family friendly. Free to attend, just have to buy your food and drinks.
Fried catfish sammy at the Boise Soul Food Festival
Caldwell Night Rodeo is happening next week. There’s tons of events going on, you can see the schedule here. Tix prices vary based on age and day, see prices here.
credit Caldwell Night Rodeo
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West Bench Farmers Market is happening from 5-8pm in the Idaho Asian Plaza near the library at Cole & Ustick in Boise. Lots of locally-sourced and globally-inspired agricultural products to shop.
Flamenco Idaho is performing at the Lounge at the End of the Universe at 7pm. This will be one unforgettable night filled with soul-stirring music, powerful dance, and the vibrant energy of Spain’s most iconic art form. Tix are $15.
Saturday, August 9
Victory Gardens 2nd Annual Car Show is happening at Victory Gardens Nursery in Meridian. Check out classic cars and local vendors. Goes 9am-12pm.
GemState 208 Market is happening from 9am-4pm at Farm Estate Park (corner of Linder Ave & Deer Flat). Over 50 vendors to shop.
Deer Flat Ranch is having U-Pick Flowers & a Mini Market from 9am-3pm. Pick your own flowers, explore unique craft vendors, and enjoy local food trucks. U-Pick is $20 and admission is free.
Bookstore Romance Day "Meet Cute" is happening at Rediscovered Books. Meet other book lovers, discover new authors, and maybe even find your own "meet cute" moment. Tix are $6.
Pugs in the Club, a pug meetup, is happening at Clubhound from 11am-2pm. They are also doing pug/dog trivia at 12pm and will have adoptable pugs there to meet (& maybe take home). It’s free for humans & $15 for your dog to join.
Saturday, August 9 - Sunday, August 10
Nampa Festival of the Arts is happening on Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm. There will be over 200 artists with a wide variety of art for sale. There will also be live entertainment, including performances by local Native dancers and Danza Azteca Tlecoatl, food and free activities for kids. Please leave dogs at home.
Monday, August 11
Meridian Monday Night Market is happening at Storey Park in Meridian from 4-9pm. It's a family-friendly atmosphere with farm goods, handcrafted artisan wares, baked treats, refreshing beverages, food trucks, live entertainment, free balloon animals, and more!
Wednesday, August 13
SO|ME Market at Pinnacle is happening at 1375 E. Phenomenal St. in Meridian. There’s lots of healthy foods and handcrafted items. Goes 5-8pm.
Gift of Adoption Idaho - Annual Trivia Night Charity Event is happening at Louie's Pizza in Meridian. It’s a launch event for the Treasure Valley Chapter of Gift of Adoption, a nonprofit that raises money for grants to help Idaho families complete adoptions. The trivia event starts at 5pm.
Goonies 40th Anniversary Trivia is happening at Barbarian Brewing in Garden City. Goonies never say die and they never miss trivia night. It’s free to play & open to all ages. Goes 6-8pm.
Boise Weekly Language Exchange is happening at Trailhead Coworking Space from 6:30-8:30pm. Whether you're looking to practice a new language or help others with theirs, you'll find welcoming conversation tables for Spanish, French, German, and more. Just show up, pick a table, and start chatting. All levels welcome.
Food finds & things to drink
Thursday, August 7
Happy Healthy Hour at Vervain is happening from 4-5:30pm at The Vervain Collective (310 N 17th Street). There’s alcohol-free cocktails mixed by a rotation of local bartenders, herbal beverages, snacks, and lots of cool things to shop.
Bingo + new beers at Barbarian Brewing in downtown Boise. Bingo starts at 7pm and it's free for customers. Prizes for winners including Jurassic Park Idaho Lottery scratchers. New beers include a traditional German style Schwarzbier dark lager and a West Coast pale ale made with experimental hops. 21+
Valdemar Estates Tasting Event is happening at Parcero Wine Bar from 5-7pm. Meet the winemaker and sip through a curated flight of four wines including Walla Walla and Spanish wines. Exclusive bottle discounts available during the event. No tickets required just come thirsty. 21+
Modern Sounds Vinyl pop up at Brewers Haven from 5-9pm. Bring your records or enjoy some selected by Modern Sounds and enjoy beers from over 1200 selections. 21+
Tuesday, August 12
High Altitude, High Quality: Exploring Mountain Wines is happening at House of Wine. You’ll sample wines from iconic high-altitude regions including Argentina’s Mendoza region, Austria’s steep Wachau terraces where Gruner Veltliner clings to ancient stone, Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley where thousand-year-old winemaking traditions meet modern mountain techniques, Chile’s dramatic Elqui Valley, and even the Snake River Valley in Idaho, an emerging high-elevation wine region. Goes 6:30-7:30pm. 21+
credit House of Wine
Comedy & storytelling
Friday, August 8
Comedian John Michael Bond is doing a set at Mad Swede Brew Hall. He was raised to be a minister but found himself as a touring comedian after several deacons complained. Tix are $25 and it starts at 7pm.
Saturday, August 9
Off Script! Improv Comedy Show is happening at Recycled Minds in Garden City. It's an unscripted, unpredictable, and wildly entertaining improv comedy show. Tix are $16 online, $20 at the door, or $5 kids age 5-12.
Femme Fatale Comedy Show is happening at Liquid Laughs from 8-11pm. It’s a monthly openly feminist comedy show featuring local comedians. Tix are $25.
Saturday, August 8 - Sunday, August 10
Comedian Liz Blanc is doing two nights at the Lounge at the End of the Universe. The Los Angeles-based comedian known for relatable takes on her awkward experiences teaching high school, dating, and beyond. Tix are $16.
Wednesday, August 13
Colum Tyrrell is doing a set at Shrine Social Club. He’s a regular at top NYC clubs and a staple on comedy podcasts like Legion of Skanks and Are You Garbage? He recently launched The Colum Tyrrell Podcast and made his TV debut on The Tonight Show. Tix are $20. 18+
