What’s up? How are y’all doin? If you’re excited for the holidays, you’re in luck because this week officially kicks off the start of holiday markets. Or maybe you’re more into cozy drinking activities (espresso martinis, anyone?) or just looking for something fun to do before the snow really sticks. Either way, I’ve got something good for ya.
Two quick things:
Get a friend to subscribe to From Boise this month and you'll be entered to win tix to Winter Garden aGlow! Here's your referral link: [RH_REFLINK_2 GOES HERE].
Starting this week, you’ll see a new addition in the Thursday newsletters: the Bogus Basin Mountain Report. We’re partnering with Bogus Basin all season long to bring you a quick weekly update on snow, weather, and what’s new up on the mountain.
Bogus Basin Mountain Report
Winter’s almost here, and Bogus Basin is gearing up to open for the 2025/26 season! The Mountain Ops crew is ready to fire up the snowmaking machines as soon as temps drop. They’ve also been busy with a full Pioneer Lodge exterior remodel and other off-season upgrades (details coming soon).
Heads up, pass holders: all 2025/26 Season Pass Holders need a new access card this year. Stop by the Downtown Sales Office (2600 N Bogus Basin Rd.) to grab yours before opening day. True Bogus, Winter, and Twilight passes have reached capacity, but Value, Midweek, and Night passes are still up for grabs. See ya on the mountain!
Check out the Holiday Market at Art Source Gallery. On Thursday you can meet the artists and enjoy wine, food, and live music. The Holiday Market will be ongoing through December 24.
Thursday, November 6 - Saturday, November 8
​Country Bazaar is happening Thursday - Saturday at 2850 N Grenadier Way in Meridian. Shop fall and Christmas home decor, jewelry, and more.
Saturday, November 8 - Sunday, November 9
The Bruneau Cowboy Christmas market is happening in the little town of Bruneau, Idaho – about an hour south of Boise. This is such a fun event, it’s one of my faves. It literally takes over the entire town of Bruneau. There’s 200+ vendors set up in five different buildings and in different shops and parking lots throughout the town. You’ll find artists, authors, makers, vintage/antique dealers, food trucks, wineries, mobile bars & boutiques offering unique handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Admission is by donation of a nonperishable food item or monetary gift to Bruneau’s community food drive.
​Mixed Greens has a Holiday Open House from 10am-5pm with 25% off the whole store, free gift wrapping, plus coffee and treats. Fun! They also have a open house preview night for First Thursday tonight (November 6).
SPONSORED BY WINTRY MARKET
Shop handmade for the holidays
​Wintry Market is back for its 14th year! This is Idaho’s premier indie art and craft show, featuring 175+ regional artists and makers. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, creative finds, handmade goods, and vintage treasures.
🎄 Friday, Nov 21 (4–9pm) & Saturday, Nov 22 (9am–5pm)
🎅🏼 Boise Centre, 850 W Front St
🎟️ $10 Friday (good both days) / $5 Saturday / Kids 12 & under free
Grab your friends, a coffee, and shop local this holiday season at Wintry Market.
The 3rd Annual Espresso Martini Week is back with 20 local bars shaking up their own spin on the classic cocktail. Grab a passport from The Modern Hotel, collect stamps from participating bars, and earn a custom Titos gift after visiting 10 spots. Participating bars include: Ochos, Press & Pony, Whiskey Bar, Solid, Hap Hap Lounge, The Mode, The Modern, 13th Street Pub & Grille, Little Pearl Oyster Bar, Leku Ona, Funky Taco, Acero, Tupelo Honey, Amsterdam Lounge, Owyhee Tavern, The Avery, Tiners Alley, Kin, Suite 104, and The Warehouse.
Things to do
Thursday, November 6
The 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival is happening at Treefort Music Hall. This night’s all about snowy adventures, community, and good stories told on the big screen. There will be giveaways, live music, drinks, and a pre-party starting at 5:30pm before the films roll at 7pm. Proceeds benefit Winter Wildlands Alliance, which works to protect America’s wild snowscapes.
Friday, November 7
​Gather & Paint is happening at Lenses & Brushes. This guided paint session is a chance to pause, create, and enjoy community. The theme for the night is Golden Harvest, capturing the warm, golden tones of autumn. Goes 6–8pm an tix are $45.
Saturday, November 8
​Taste of Yoga is happening at CrossFit Casual from 11am-3pm. It’s 25 minute back-to-back “tastes” of yoga from various studios + health and wellness & spa experience stations. You can take as many classes as you want. Doors open at 11am to mingle, grab coffee and explore the different stations. Classes start at 11:30am. Tix are $35 and includes all the classes and a yogi swag bag.
The annual Idaho Veterans Parade is happening in downtown Boise, honoring the service and sacrifice of US military veterans. This year’s parade commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, with marching bands, floats, scout troops, and community groups joining in. It starts at 10 am in front of the Idaho State Capitol and is free to attend.
​Make-and-Take wreath workshop is happening at Franz Witte Garden Center in Nampa. This is a weekly workshop happening through the end of the month, so check out the link in the show notes for more class times. It’s $60 and includes all the materials and instruction for making your own festive holiday wreath.
Tuesday, November 11
World Ballet Company is performing The Great Gatsby Ballet at the Morrison Center. It’s a Broadway-style ballet with all the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel. Tix start at $60. Show starts at 7pm.
​Meridian Veterans Day Ceremony is happening at 11am at the Rock of Honor Veterans Memorial located inside Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park. Bring folding chairs or lawn blankets and umbrellas in case of inclement weather.
Wednesday, November 12
OS Crew, a local ski crew, is showing their 10th annual ski film VORTEX at Treefort Music Hall. Expect high-speed big air, technical rail tricks, gnarly slams and a creative take on skiing that you may have never seen before. There will be giveaways, contests, raffles with over $5K in ski gear, and a special screening of Brapski (Take)5, a backcountry ski film by Sun Valley native Karl Fostvedt. Tix are $20.
​Book & Booze is happening at Rediscovered Books with Stack Rock Cidery at 7pm. Find your next “best read”, enjoy sips and snacks from Stack Rock Cidery, and be surrounded by people who love words and good company. Tix are $55 and includes one book, drinks, a take-home bottle, and snacks.
Wednesday, November 12
There’s a Pie & Wine Tasting happening at Swirl Wine Shop & Lounge in Nampa starting at 5pm. It’s a fun way to test out which wines pair best with Thanksgiving pies. Pies provided by The Orchard House and there’s live Music 6-8pm. It’s $15 Club Members or $20 Non-Members. No Reservations and they encourage parties of 1-4. 21+
Sea Salt Maple Latte, credit Hidden Grounds Coffee
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, November 6
​Jill Lepore + Steve Inskeep are speaking at The Cabin’s Readings and Conversations series at the Morrison Center. It starts at 8pm and tix start at $73.25.
Friday, November 7
Comedian John Crist is performing at the Morrison Center at 7pm. He’s known for delivering witty, pop culture commentary through clean humor. Tix start at $44.
​Mommy Issues - A Comedy Variety Show is happening at The Egyptian Theatre at 7:30pm. It’s a bold, hilarious, and heart-squeezing comedy variety show that dives headfirst into the whirlwind of motherhood. Written and performed by award-winning comedian and author Megan McCaleb. Tix are $26.
Comedian Ian Stanley is performing at The Comedy Lounge at 7pm. He’s known for his viral stand-up clips. Tix are $20 (or $25 at the door).
​Funny Friends is happening at The Green Room at 7:30pm. It’s an anything-can-happen improv variety show. Tix are $15-$25. 13+
Saturday, November 8
​Femme Fatale: These Ladies Kill is happening at Liquid Laughs Underground. It’s a feminist comedy show features a new lineup of local and touring comedians every month. Doors open at 8:30pm and tix are $20.
Sunday, November 9
​Pin-Ups on Tour: Salute to Laughter is happening from 6–9pm at Watson’s. It’s a vintage-inspired comedy and variety show with comedians, burlesque acts, and more Free tickets are available for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Otherwise tix are $21. 18+
Comedian TJ (Tanael Joachim) is doing a set at The Comedy Lounge at 7pm. He’s known for his laid back, smooth, and conversational style, and jokes about race, society’s idiosyncrasies, and the contrast between life in Haiti and America. Tix are $20 or $25 at the door.
Wednesday, November 12 - Thursday, November 13
Comedian Nat Baimel is doing two nights at The Comedy Lounge, both at 7pm. He’s an upbeat problem solver, awkward philosopher, and optimistic nihilist with a knack for always looking on the bright side. Tix are $20 or $25 at the door.
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