This week is peak summer: pro bike racing downtown, Christmas in July parties, new foodie spots, a dog park bar, and so many good shows I had to double check the calendar. Plus, a miniature horse named Rebel makes an appearance. Intrigued?
The Boise Twilight Criterium is back for its 38th year on Saturday, bringing pro bike racing to downtown Boise. It’s part of the American Criterium Cup, a national race series featuring the fastest cyclists in the US and beyond. The course loops through downtown, and you can catch all the action up close. It’s very fast and very fun to watch. Pro tip: get a spot on one of the corners!
Festivities kick off at 11am with the Kids’ Ride (registration required), followed by amateur races, a fan expo with food trucks and drinks, and the pro races in the evening (women race at 6:15pm, men at 7:45pm). It’s free to attend and easy to watch from anywhere in Cecil D. Andrus Park, in front of the capital building. Just get downtown and follow the sound of cowbells.
Dog park bar
Did you know we have a dog park bar in Meridian?? Idaho Pups & Ales (aka IPA - love it) is a place where dogs can run free, and their humans can kickback with local coffee, beer and wine. All the drinks are local too! Fun! They are doing a big dogs meetup on Saturday from 10am-12pm.
Credit IPA
Christmas in July
Friday, July 18
Christmas in July: A Comedy Show is happening at Mad Swede Brew Hall at 7pm. Comedians include Nate Ford + Tanya Cope + Leslie Bing + Eric Cole. Mad Swede will be serving up seasonally inappropriate food and beverage. Bring a gift for the gift exchange and get $1 off your first drink, dress in Christmas attire for $1 off your second drink! There’s free karaoke after (Christmas carols optional). Tix are $13.26.
Saturday, July 19
Christmas in July is happening at Split Rail Winery from 2-6pm. There’s a market, a DIY ornament bar, cake decorating class, and wine of course.
Christmas In July GIF by Sweets Kendamas
SPONSORED BY ROLLING HILLS VINEYARD
Your Wine Rack Will Thank You
Rolling Hills Vineyard’s wine club is the best way to keep your wine rack (and your dinner parties) prepped for patio season. Members get exclusive access to limited wines, special pricing, and early invites to events – plus your seasonal wine pickup is basically a party.
Choose your own adventure (red, white, or mix) and get ready to sip through the seasons in style.
July Third Thursday Street Festival is happening in downtown Nampa. This month’s theme is Celebrate Youth Entrepreneurs. There’s a Children’s Market with over 50 youth vendors along with food trucks, a live DJ and more. Goes 6-9pm.
Thursday, July 17 - Sunday, July 20
Boise Hawks are playing the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Games are at 7:05pm on Friday and Saturday, and 1:05pm on Sunday.
Friday, July 18 - Sunday, July 20
208 Tattoo Festival is happening at Expo Idaho all weekend. It’s Idaho’s largest tattoo festival! You can see attending artists here. Tix are $18/day or $50 for all three days. Open to all ages.
Saturday, July 19
Creekside Family Fun Day is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 10am-2pm. Explore children’s exhibits, support young entrepreneurs, have fun with bounce houses and a bike parade. It’s free!
Freedom Fiesta, a celebration of culture, is happening in Kuna. There’s live music, dancing, food trucks, a beer garden, and vendors. Goes 6-11pm. It’s free!
Pints & Poses Yoga Event at White Dog Brewing Company is happening from 10:30-11:30am. It’s a 60-minute all-levels yoga class in the taproom followed by a free drink & socializing. Tix are $35.
Caldwell Latino Night Market is happening at Indian Creek Plaza from 7-11pm. There will be delicious food, local vendors, nonprofits, and cultural showcases that reflect the heart of our community.
Raptor Night at the Cat is happening from 5-7pm. It’s your chance to draw a live falcon, owl, or other special, feathery friend with professional falconer, Lenn Eckman of the Idaho Raptor Institute. Bring your sketchbook or canvas and preferred medium (due to bird sensitivities, please no dusty materials, like chalk pastels!) or they have supplies on hand if you'd like to try something else. All ages and experience levels welcome; no formal guidance or training is provided in this session. It’s a Catalyst Arts Collaborative and tix are $10.
Zodiac is playing at Idaho Film Society at 8pm and 10pm. Tix are $8.
Sunday, July 20
Jesse & Friends Park Party is happening at Kristin Armstrong Park from 4-6pm. It’s a free community appreciation event hosted by my dear friend Jesse Larsen of Jesse & Friends Real Estate. There will be free food, drinks, music, games and a miniature horse named Rebel! It’s family and pet friendly (leashes required).
Meridian Monday Night Market is happening at Storey Park in Meridian from 4-9pm. Enjoy a family friendly atmosphere with farm goods, handcrafted artisan wares, baked treats, refreshing beverages, food trucks, live entertainment, free balloon animals, and more.
Tuesday, July 22
Rooftop Sip + Swap is happening at Proletariat Wine Co in Garden City. It’s a clothing swap and chance to meet new friends. Bring and/or take as many clothes as you want! Wine and NA drinks available for purchase. Tix are $13.26.
Food finds & things to drink
Thursday, July 17
Tropico FM is doing a takeover at West Bench Farmers Market! Iranian tunes plus lots of cool food to shop and try.
Community Dinner is happening at Peaceful Belly Foods. It’s an opportunity to connect with your neighbors and enjoy a delicious meal together. Family friendly. Goes from 6-9pm.
Friday, July 18
Boheme Bakery Pop-up is happening at Meriwether Cider House from 4-8pm. The special menu features both sweet and savory options made locally by Boheme Baking specially crafted to complement Meriwether ciders.
Saturday, July 19
The Foodport, a new pop-up food truck hub in Caldwell, is opening this weekend at 4510 Aviation Way. Check it out!
Yummy things I saw on Instagram
Birreria El Semaforo, a new Mexican restaurant in Nampa, looks delish! Pizza Birria?! Also Treasure Valley Treats & Eats is one of my fave local food pages.
The new Hyde Away Deli & Boise Boba shop in Hyde Park looks cute and the layers on that sammy are calling to me.
Check out a reading of BL!NK, book by Grace Ward and score by Elke Myers, is happening at Boise Contemporary Theater at 7pm.
Story Story Night is happening at the Old Pen at 8pm. This week’s theme is HOT MESS: Stories of Getting Sloppy. Tix are $17 advance or $20 at the door. 18+
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