💌 Things to do in Boise May 1-7

Buckle up, friends, it's only the first of the month and Boise is already doing the most!

The weekend kicks off with downtown slide vibes and burgers on rooftops, then it's full-on fiesta mode for Cinco de Mayo (hello prickly pear margs!). Plus, yoga bar-hopping, a petting zoo, car shows, and a whole lotta fun.

Get out your SPF and RSVP... it's time to get the ball rolling ☀️

It’s going down…town

Thursday, May 1

  • First Thursday is going down in downtown Boise tonight, packed with music, art, food, and fun. This week, the slides are officially opening at JUMP! There's also happy hour on The Deck and storytelling in The INSPIRE Studio. WaFd Bank is hosting a night of food, music by Spencer Batt, and a student art show. Ink Spa is celebrating May Day with $60 piercings, walk-in tattoos, and a free flower bouquet bar. Rediscovered Books is supporting Wild Hearts Idaho with an outdoor book fundraiser and High Note Cafe is hosting an open mic for writers. It's free and all are welcome.
  • There’s a Rooftop Cookout + Dance Party happening tonight at Hap Hap Lounge from 7:30pm-1am. The party will start outside on the rooftop fueled by burgers, fries, and vibes, moving inside around 10pm. There will be live music from Starya + Minibear (femme house) + Feral King and The White Claws + Emlo. OWW Snap will be serving The Snappy Meal with GF and plant-based options available. It’s free, but be sure to RSVP beforehand. $10 cover after 10pm. 21+

SPONSORED BY HOTEL RENEGADE

Spring views + rooftop cocktails = the perfect plan

The sun is out and Hotel Renegade is the place to be. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail at The Highlander rooftop bar, brunching at Baraboo Supper Club, or going on a mini staycation in the hotel – you’re in for a treat.

Located at 11th & Grove in downtown Boise, the boutique Hotel Renegade is a whole experience – gorgeous rooms, delicious food and drinks, and those foothill views? Unreal.

Also… heads up: their one-year anniversary is coming up in May and we hear there will be special menus, celebratory packages, and more. Stay tuned!

Let’s fiesta!

Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4

  • Payette Brewing is having a Cinco de Mayo celebration with refreshing cervezas and margs all weekend long! They’ll have Pacifico and their limited release Prickly Pear Margarita, which you can also try blended. Plus, Queens and Tacos Y Tortas El Paco will be serving up delicious tacos for the occasion. Open on Friday from 4:30pm-10pm, Saturday from 11am-10pm, and Sunday from 11am-10pm.

Saturday, May 3

  • Tupelo de Mayo is happening at Tupelo Honey from 11am-3pm. There will be Dj’s and an exclusive tequila menu. Don’t miss out on delicious food and sunshine on the rooftop!!
  • High Desert Harley-Davidson is having a Cinco de Mayo Party from 11am-3pm with $1 tacos, margs, and beer. There will also be photo ops and a raffle. Don’t miss out on the fun!
  • Big Al’s is having a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Big Al’s with live music from El Tejano from 6-8pm.

Monday, May 5

  • Indian Creek Plaza is having a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 5-10pm. There will be tacos to find Calwell’s best taco, along with live music from Nueva Generacion 2000 + Tejano Outlaw, folk dancing from Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo, tons of local vendors, cotton candy, popcorn, cold drinks, and more. You’ll be able to visit one, a few, or ALL 8 taco taste-off contestants!
  • The Cinco de Mayo Street Festival is happening in Nampa from 6-9pm. Experience low riders, live street performances, mechanical bull, food vendors, and live music. Time to party!!

SPONSORED BY THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an icon.

Jim Messina is a rock and country legend whose career spans five decades, from Buffalo Springfield and Poco to his chart-topping duo with Kenny Loggins. With hits like Your Mama Don’t Dance and Danny’s Song, he helped define an era.

Now he’s back on the road, playing with his band The Road Runners – and they’re making a stop in Boise at The Egyptian Theatre!

Catch Jim Messina live at The Egyptian Theatre on Sunday, May 11. It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift (or excuse to treat yourself).

Things to do

Thursday, May 1

  • Bridging Time is happening at the State Historic Preservation Office (210 Main St) from 4-6pm. There will be artwork from over 100 Idaho artists depicting the historic Rainbow Bridge spanning the Payette River. Food truck options will also be available and attendees will receive a copy of the poster. It’s FREE and open to the public!
  • Teen Karaoke is happening in the Green Room every first Thursday, starting this Thursday at 7pm. It’s free!

Thursday, May 1 - Sunday, May 4

  • Branching Out is happening at six different yoga studios across Boise, hosted by the LITL Studio. This is a great way to find the right studio for you and experience a few new ones along the way. Tix are $85 and give you the chance to take a class at each through this Sunday. Register here.
  • Servant of Two Masters, presented by Boise Bard Players, is playing at Trailhead Boise at 7pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday. Tix are $20-$50. What happens when one mischievous servant tries to juggle two masters without either of them finding out? Absolute mayhem.

Thursday, May 1 - Wednesday, May 7

  • Ordinary Days is playing at Stagecoach Theatre at 7:30pm on Thursday and Friday, and 2pm & 7:30pm on Saturday.
  • The Life You Gave Me is playing at Boise Contemporary Theater at 7pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday. There’s also a post-show talkback happening at 2pm on Saturday. Tix are $15-$55.

Friday, May 2

  • Rhythm & Roots is happening at the Erma Hayman House from 5:30-7:30pm on Friday. Set to the soulful sounds of live jazz by Thomas Hutchings & The Anomaly Quartet, this evening blends meaningful networking with rich storytelling, art, and rhythm all under the open spring sky. Tix are $44-$64.
  • There’s a Dog Adoption Meet & Greet happening at Payette Brewing from 5-7pm. Go meet Juno, Bear, Sparkle, Grizzy, Casian, and Gin!

Friday, May 2 - Saturday, May 3

  • The Spring Petting Zoo is happening at Pony Express Ranch from 12-6pm. Both days this weekend. You can meet and interact with a variety of adorable farm animals, including baby animals. Tix are $10, $5 for kids ages 5-9, and 5 & under are free.

Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4

  • Sleeping Beauty, presented by Ballet Idaho, is playing at the Morrison Center on Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, and Saturday & Sunday at 2pm. Tix are $17-$77.
  • The Kuna Hometown Fair is happening at Bernie Fisher Park in Kuna from 3-10pm on Friday and 11am-10pm on Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sunday for Family Day! There will be food trucks, a beer garden, and carnival rides :)

Saturday, May 3

  • The Boise River Marathon is happening this Saturday with options for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. There’s still spots available so register now, or just come cheer me on :) Tix are $85-$140 depending on how far you wanna run.
  • Blossom Together is happening at the Idaho State Museum from 10am-5pm. There will be cultural performances, hands-on crafts for all ages, as well as a vendor fair, food trucks, and a pop-up exhibit. It’s free and all are welcome. Celebrate the many cultures that make up the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Idaho.
  • The Girls Day Out Expo and the Experience Idaho Expo are happening at Expo Idaho from 10am-4pm. Text your mom, text your grandma, text your besties, it’s time for some shopping!
  • Glitz and Glamour is happening at the Morrison Center at 7pm in partnership with the Theater Makers Association. Tix are $8.25 for adults and $3.25 for students.
  • Bricks & Minifigs is happening at the Idaho Botanical Garden at 10am. Up for a fun, family challenge? Make it a morning in the Garden and explore the fairy houses and gnome homes on display afterwards. Tix are $40 for one family (up to 6 participants 3 years and up).
  • The Eagle Saturday Market is starting on Saturday from 9am-1pm next to Eagle City Hall. It’s free and all are welcome.

Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4

  • [Title of Show] is playing at Boise Little Theatre at 7:30pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. Tix are $25 for adults, and $20 for students, seniors, and kids 17 & under.

Sunday, May 4

  • The Boise Classic Car Show is happening at the Hawk’s Stadium from 9am-12pm. There will also be food trucks, music, and giveaways!
  • Boise Business Babes is having their Mothers Day Market from 11am-5pm on Saturday at the Riverside Hotel.
  • Sharon’s Ride.Run.Walk is happening at The Riverside Hotel at 9am. Tix are $40+ and make a difference for the people who live with epilepsy. Be sure to register beforehand.
  • Rhiannon Antiques is having a Vintage Market from 10am-6pm 1526 S Vista Ave. Need to check this place out ASAP!!

Wednesday, May 7

  • Out There: A National Parks Story is playing at the Egyptian Theatre at 6:30pm. Tix are $20 for adults and $10 for kids and students.
  • Spring into Sauvignon Blanc at House of Wine from 6:30-7:30pm for International Sauvignon Blanc Day! Tix are $45.
  • Fika Food + Funk is happening at Proletariat Wine Co from 5:30-8:30pm in partnership with Free Spirits Bev Co. There will be vendors to shop from and live music to enjoy. Tix are $35.

Comedy & storytelling

Thursday, May 1

  • Steve Hofstetter will be at the Knitting Factory at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tix are $32-$160.

Friday, May 2

  • Felipe Esparza will be doing a stand-up comedy show at the Egyptian Theatre at 7pm. Tix are $40-$100.
  • Erik Escobar will be doing a stand-up comedy show at Mad Swede Brew Hall from 7-9:30pm. Tix are $20.
  • Three Riff Circus is happening in The Green Room at 7:30pm. Three performers will be riffing off each other for a comedy show! Tix are $20.

Saturday, May 3

  • Welcome to the Family is happening at Watson’s Mystery Cafe from 7-9pm. Doors open at 6pm. This is an interactive night of chaos, romance, and murder paired with a 4-course dinner and dessert. Tix are $30-$75.
  • Stand Up Comedy is happening in the Cowboy Room at Western Collective from 7-9pm. Tix are $5-$25.
  • Michael Blaustein will be at the Egyptian Theatre at 4:30pm. Tix are $37-$59.
  • Steve Goodie will be at The Comedy Lounge at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tix are $25.

Wednesday, May 7

  • An Evening with Karen Russell, presented by The Cabin, is happening in the Linen Building at 7pm. Tix are $45 and include a hardcover copy of her new book, The Antidote!
  • Roz Hernandez is doing a comedy show at The Balcony from 8-10pm on Wednesday. Tix are $10-$160.

Tunes & shows

Thursday, May 1

Friday, May 2

Saturday, May 3

Sunday, May 4

Monday, May 5

Tuesday, May 6

Wednesday, May 7

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Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Carly

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