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Hello! I am so sorry this is coming to you a day late. We had some technical difficulties yesterday and I was unable to send the newsletter. But alas, here I am with things to do before the weekend finally begins.
Before we get into this weekend I have a few things to tell you:
I was just on City Cast Boise's podcast talking about some fun things to do in Boise in October. Tune in here!
I will have a "plan ahead" for October newsletter out asap... even though it won't technically be ahead. Sorry I wanted to get it out earlier but I have been having a week lol.
Speaking of October things, we are doing a story about the best neighborhoods for trick or treat. I would love to hear your suggestions for great trick or treat spots that aren't Harrison Blvd. Please reply to this email with ideas!
We have a new Reader Rewards giveaway for October: $20 gift card to Alchemist Coffee! I am obsessed with the Campfire Mocha at Alchemist and I want you to try it. Here's your referral link: [RH_REFLINK_2 GOES HERE]
Ok let's get into this weekend! The harvest vibes are in full force. The drinks are flowing, the night markets are glowing, there's a few festivals and lots of comedy and really great live music happening.
Idaho Cider Fest
Saturday, October 4
- ​Idaho Cider Fest returns for its 3rd year! It’s happening from 12–6pm on Bannock St between 8th & 9th in downtown Boise. This all-ages block party features cideries from across the Northwest, plus local breweries, food, games, and vendor booths. Free to attend. Tasting tokens are $3. Bring your own cup or grab one at the fest.
Ski swap season (already?!)
Wednesday, October 8
- ​BBNT Ski Swap is happening from 6–8pm at the BBNT Warehouse in Boise, the address is 1030 S La Pointe Street. Shop high-quality Nordic ski gear at great prices. 25% of sales support the Bogus Basin Nordic Team.
Plan ahead: October 30 - November 2
- ​The 74th Annual Ski Swap (put on by The Bogus Basin Sports Education Foundation) is happening on Thursday, October 30 - Sunday, November 2 at Expo Idaho. This is the big one, you can find excellent things here! Everything from ski/snowboard gear to snow boots, snow clothes, hats, puffers, and more. The hours are going to be adjusted to Halloween and the BSU game, fyi. Details here.
SPONSORED BY IDAHO LOTTERY
Scratch. Win. Scream.
No tricks here, just treats. Idaho Lottery’s new Money Monster scratch games are serving up big time thrills with $50k, $100k, even $200k prizes.
Got a non-winning ticket? Don’t send it to the graveyard! Each one has a code that lets you sneak into the Monster Jackpot, which grows bigger every time someone enters. Plus, one $500 treat goes out every week!
Beware: the deadline to play is the witching hour on Halloween night.
Play wise. Must be 18+.
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More Oktoberfests
Friday, October 3 - Saturday, October 4
- ​OktoBEARDfest is happening from 12–5pm at Brown Beard Brewing’s Barrel House (5270 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City). Enjoy the return of their seasonal Märzen Lager, German-style brats from Foy’s Franks, and a laid-back Oktoberfest celebration. No tix needed and it’s all ages.
Saturday, October 4
- ​Meridian Oktoberfest is happening from 10am–9pm in Downtown Meridian. Enjoy a full day of live music, stein-holding and brat-eating contests, beer pong, cornhole, and more. There’s also kids’ crafts and face painting from 10am–3pm. Free and all ages.
- ​Dogtoberfest is happening from 1–5pm at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. It’s a pup-friendly, Bavarian-style bash featuring beer, food, music, a splash pad for dogs, and a bunch of hilariously adorable contests. There’s Running of the Wieners at 2pm, a dog costume contest at 3pm, and a Stein Holding Contest (for humans) at 3:45pm. Free and all ages!
- ​The Riverside Hotel's Oktoberfest is happening from 2–6:30pm on the River’s Edge Terrace. Live music (Jonathan Warren & the Billy Goats + Tree City Travelers), beer tastings, steinholding and axe throwing contests, games, and kids’ activities. Food and drinks available for purchase. It’s free to attend and open to all ages!
The Home of Idaho’s #1 IPA
Boise’s own Sockeye Brewing has been serving award-winning craft beer since 1996, and they’re about to raise a glass to 30 years in 2026. Home of Idaho’s #1 IPA (the legendary Dagger Falls), Sockeye has built its reputation on consistency, creativity, and love for our community.
At their flagship Fairview location, you’ll find elevated pub fare made to pair with your pint, plus a dog-friendly patio for your pup. Planning a party? Sockeye offers three unique private spaces perfect for holiday gatherings, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds.
Stop by, grab a pint, and cheers to nearly three decades of local craft beer.
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Things to do
Thursday, October 2 – Saturday, October 4
- ​Vintage Road Trippin’ is happening daily from 10am–5pm across the Treasure Valley. This three-day vintage boutique shop-hop includes 21 stops stretching from Boise to Caldwell, Emmett, Parma, and Fruitland.
Thursday, October 2 – Sunday, October 5
- ​Boise Film Festival is happening at multiple venues across downtown Boise, with screenings, filmmaker Q&As, afterparties, and free masterclasses throughout the weekend. Films will be shown at Egyptian Theatre and The Flicks. Schedule and tix here.
Saturday, October 4
- ​Community Gallery Opening: A Close Look at Bugs is happening at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Nampa. The exhibit opens with a mini lecture at 10am, followed by refreshments. It’s free!
- ​The House That She Built is happening from 10am–1pm at 3905 E Jamestown Dr in Nampa. This is a hands-on construction event for girls with activities like interior design, landscaping, site tours, and a Little Free Library build. It’s free but you have to RSVP.
- ​Villains Drag Brunch is happening at Lost Grove Brewing from 10am–1pm (show starts at 11am). Expect dazzling performances, devilish costumes, and bottomless mimosas. Tix are $15. 21+
- ​Vista Plaza Night Market is happening from 5–9pm on the Vista Strip. It’s the final night market of 2025 with vintage and handmade art vendors, food and drinks from Here's How, tunes by Modern Sounds Vinyl, and a witchy craft booth from Bolt Handmaker’s Society. All ages.
Saturday, October 4 – Sunday, October 5
- ​Dozer Day is happening from 11am–4pm at Dennis Technical Education Center. Kids (ages 2–12) get to hop in the driver's seat of real construction equipment like dozers and excavators with a pro operator guiding them. Fun! Tix required for ages 2+.
- ​Idaho City Days is happening in downtown Idaho City. Stroll the streets lined with food trucks, craft vendors, and boutique booths, plus live music, family activities, and lots of small-town charm.
Sunday, October 5
- The SueB 5K is happening at noon. This annual run/walk honors SueB Newby and raises awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. All ages, strollers, and pups welcome. There’s also a community fair with kids’ activities and more.
- ​Gold Panning for All Ages is happening from 12–3pm at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology. Try your luck with real gold panning, see geology demos, go on a hillside hike, and take home a mineral or gold spec. $5 admission; free for museum members and kids. Pre-registration required.
- ​Stitch it, Don’t Ditch It is a hands-on mending workshop and author event happening from 12–2pm at Rediscovered Bookshop. Learn visible and invisible clothing repair techniques from Jeanna Wigger and Mary Morton, authors of Stitch it, Don’t Ditch It. Tix are $35 and include the book and sewing supplies. Bring your own mending projects if you’d like!
Food finds & things to drink
Friday, October 3
- ​Cauldron Creations is happening from 6–7:30pm at Veer Wine Project in Garden City. It’s a Halloween-themed First Friday event where you’ll blend wine and candy to craft spooky “potions.” You’ll make 3 custom infusions with the help of potion pros and take them home in your own mini cauldron. Cute! Tix are $30. 21+
Friday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5
- ​Crush Tours at Cinder Wines are happening at 1pm, 3pm & 5pm each day. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process during harvest season - fun! Tix are $30 (or $15 for wine club members) and includes a tasting. 21+
Saturday, October 4
- ​Taste of River Street is happening from 4–6pm at the Erma Hayman House. Enjoy a curated 3-course meal by Chef Kevin Huelsmann of KIN, inspired by the historic River Street Center Cookbook. Tix are $45 and include drinks. Limited seating & tix are going quick!
- Join the Cookbook Club & Potluck happening from 7–9pm at Shared Stories in Caldwell. Bring a dish to share from the cookbook Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard. Free and all ages.
Comedy & storytelling
Friday, October 3
- ​Patrick Keane is performing at 7pm at The Lounge at the End of the Universe. He’s toured with comedy legends, appeared on late-night TV, and throws a little magic into the mix. Doors at 6pm. Tix are $25.
- ​Funny Friends is at The Green Room at 7:30pm. It’s an all-ages (13+) improv variety show from the CSz Boise crew featuring spontaneous games, musical bits, and made-up mayhem. Expect the unexpected!
Saturday, October 4
- ​Off Script! Comedy Show is at Recycled Minds at 8pm. This fast-paced improv show is totally unscripted, just audience suggestions and quick wit. No two shows are ever the same. Tix start at $10.
- ​ComedySportz is happening at The Green Room (5420 W. Franklin Rd). This interactive improv show features two teams of comedians battling it out with audience-fueled games. High energy, zero script, and tons of laughs. Tix are $25.
- ​Jack Mormon Comedy Hour for Latter-Day Sinners is at The Balcony Club at 8pm. This satirical stand-up show is billed as “a sacrilegious sacrament for the black sheep in the fold.” Tix are $23. 21+
- ​Two Teachers Comedy Show is at Mad Swede Brew Hall with shows at 7pm & 9pm. Real-life educators turn classroom chaos into stand-up gold in this hilarious “adult field trip” hosted by Portland comic Don Gavitte. Tix are $25.
Tuesday, October 7
- ​Zach Zimmerman is performing at 7pm at The Lounge at the End of the Universe. Smart, sharp, and laugh-out-loud funny, Zach’s set blends stand-up, storytelling, and existential chaos. Doors at 6pm. Tix are $25.
- ​Reading & Conversation with Brendan O'Meara is happening from 7–8:30pm at Oldspeak Bar in Garden City. Hosted by The Lit Room, this author talk features O’Meara discussing The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine with Boise author Kim Cross. Free and 21+.
Wednesday, October 8
- ​Shane Mauss is performing at 7pm at The Lounge at the End of the Universe. Expect a night of cerebral, off-beat, hilariously “elevated comedy.” Doors open at 6pm. Tix start at $25.
Tunes & shows
Friday, October 3
Saturday, October 4
Sunday, October 5
Monday, October 6
Tuesday, October 7
Wednesday, October 8
 ​Just trust me…
For the rest of the month I am posting unintentional Halloween-ish music videos
Thanks for reading! Have a fun weekend!
With love from Boise,
Marissa
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