💌 Things to do in Boise October 17-23

SpongeBob SquarePants gif. Sitting at a table with a drink, pie, and burger, Patrick looks up eagerly, blinking while chewing a huge amount of food and drooling.

Oh, hey! I know we always say there's fun stuff going on, but this time we really mean it. Whether you're new to the area or have been around for a while, there's something special for everyone this week.

Let's make this a week to remember!!

SPONSORED BY ST. LUKE'S HEALTH PLAN

Need health insurance for 2025?

Open Enrollment in Idaho started this week! From October 15 to December 16, Idahoans can enroll in a health insurance plan for the coming year through Your Health Idaho.

St. Luke’s Health Plan has many affordable health insurance options available for 2025. As a St. Luke's Health Plan member, you’ll have access to one of the largest provider networks in Idaho, with $0 copays for in-network primary, preventive, and maternity care and other services on most plans. Plus, enjoy cost-saving pharmacy benefits through St. Luke’s retail pharmacies, access to in-network pharmacies across the country, and convenient prescription delivery and locker pick-up services.

With St. Luke’s Health Plan, your doctors and insurance are on the same team. Enroll in St. Luke's Health Plan through Your Health Idaho and get the coverage you need for 2025!

Food for thought

  • Taste of Downtown is happening all week at tons of locations in Downtown Boise. Eat and drink your way through some of Boise's most beloved establishments! Enjoy a five-course meal experience at Cottonwood Grille, Red Feather Lounge, Leku Ona, Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Lively, The Brickyard, Chandlers, and Owyhee Tavern. There’s also a four-course meal happening at the Modern Hotel & Bar and a three-course meal at Solid Bar & Grill! Meal prices range from $35-70. $14 and under specials are happening at Meriwether Cider House, Broadcast Coffee, Woodland Empire, Zee’s Rooftop Cafe, The Basque Market, Diablo & Sons Saloon, Red Feather Lounge, Acero Boards and Bottles, Bittercreek Alehouse, Trillium, Owyhee Tavern, Hap Hap Lounge, Cottonwood Grille, The Lively, The Brickyard, Humpin’ Hannah’s, Neighbor Tim’s BBQ (at The Warehouse!), Leku Ona, Eureka, Coa de Jima, The Funky Taco, Chandlers, The STIL, Cactus Bar, Lemon Tree Co, House of Wine, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Totally Smashed (at The Warehouse!), Matador, Bardenay, and The Modern Hotel & Bar. But, wait, there’s more! Social Hour is happening at Red Feather Lounge, Chandlers, Negranti Creamery (they have ice cream nachos… need I say more?), Woodland Empire, Diablo & Sons Saloon, Acero Boards and Bottles, Solid Grill & Bar, The Basque Market, Matador, The Loading Dock (at The Warehouse!), 8 Horses Lounge, Camp Cocktail Bar (at The Warehouse!), and Bittercreek Alehouse. Check each listing here for specific times and details. Hope you’re hungry!!

New to the area?

Thursday, October 17

  • Hops 'N Homes First Time Homebuyer Class is happening at Payette Brewing from 6-7:30pm. This class walks you through all the ins and outs of home ownership, from making competitive offers to market insights to building a strong support system. It’s free! Ready to turn your dreams into actions?

Saturday, October 19

  • WalkAbout Boise Historic Walking Tour is happening every Saturday from 10-11:30am starting and ending in front of the Basque Museum on Grove Street. From Basque sheepherders to political power players and local sandstone to Egyptian hieroglyphs, this tour truly makes Boise history come alive. Tix are $10 for Preservation Idaho members, $15 for non-members, and $8 for children (13 and under).
  • Boise Neighborhood Interactive is taking place at JUMP from 8am-4:30pm. It's designed to empower our community, offering a platform for neighbors to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on making our neighborhoods even better. Whether you're passionate about local projects, interested in sharing new ideas, or simply want to meet people in your community, this event is the perfect opportunity. It’s free and all are welcome!

Saturday, October 19

  • Bronco Day is happening from 8am-1pm on the Boise State campus. It’s the perfect opportunity to see if Boise State is the right fit for you or your family members. This is Boise State’s signature event for Future Broncos, where hundreds of families are welcomed to campus to explore academic programs, clubs and organizations and learn more about the Admissions process. You’ll also be able to snag a photo on the legendary Blue Turf. It’s free, but you’ll need to register before the event. Bleed blue baby!

SPONSORED BY EXTRA MILE ARENA

🎶🌈 Get ready for an unforgettable night with Rainbow Kitten Surprise on November 19th at ExtraMile Arena!

Experience Rainbow Kitten Surprise's electrifying blend of indie rock, folk, and soul that’s captured hearts around the world.

Their poetic lyrics and unique vibes create a truly magical atmosphere. It's a super high-energy performance that will have you dancing and singing along all night long. Only 1 month away! Grab your tickets now and be part of the surprise.

Tunes & shows

Thursday, October 17

Friday, October 18

Saturday, October 19

Sunday, October 20

Monday, October 21

Tuesday, October 22

Wednesday, October 23

video preview

Comedy & storytelling

Friday, October 18

  • The WICOM Comedy Variety Show is happening at the Egyptian Theatre from 7-9:30pm. In a world that is far too serious, join this shenanigan-infused crew guaranteed to be delirious! Tix are $20. All adult humans are welcome.
  • Watson's Live! Funny Feud Adult Comedy is going on at Watson’s Mystery Cafe from 8-10pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tix are $15-50. 18+
  • There’s a Halloween Comedy Show happening at the Lounge at the End of the Universe. Expect crazy plot twists, jump scares, and plenty of spooky punchlines that will give you chills. Doors open at 6pm and tix are $20. 21+

Food finds & things to drink

Love lotus?

  • Hyde Perk (my fave!), Caffeina, and Mt Timber Coffee in Meridian all serve Lotus Energy Drinks. Lotus is a plant-based energy drink that contains a blend of seven plants, amino acids, B vitamins, and natural caffeine. I’d recommend trying the pink one with OJ :) It’s the perfect pick-me-up!

Burger bliss

Sobertober sips

  • Free Spirits Beverage Co is having a Sobertober Mixology class at the Karlfeldt Center in Meridian on Friday, October 18 from 6-8:30pm. You’ll learn about the health benefits of shrubs (vinegar-based beverages), how to use local, fresh ingredients for mixes, seasonal cocktail recipes, and experience hands-on tastings. Tix are $35.
  • There’s a Weekly Kava Circle that happens every Thursday at Karuna Kava in Boise from 5-6pm. It’s a chance to come together, relax, socialize, and reconnect with your body. Enjoy a more traditional preparation of kava, talk a bit about the tradition of kava, benefits of kava, and joys of kava. All ages are welcome. It’s a donation-based event with a suggested donation of $15.

Things to do

Thursday, October 17

  • Music Bingo is happening at Clubhound in Garden City from 5-8pm. Meridian Canine Rescue has teamed up with Boise Bully Breed Rescue to bring you the classic game we all love, but with a musical twist! There will be food, drinks, raffles, and bingo (of course!). Tix are $30.
  • Benefit for our Rivers is happening at Barber Park from 6-9:30pm. Doors open at 6pm, with dinner, drinks, auction, and program to follow. Tix are $100. Let’s celebrate our beautiful rivers together!

Thursday, October 17 - Friday, October 18

  • The WICONX 10th Annual Boise Conference is being held at The Egyptian Theatre from 8-5pm on Thursday and Friday. WICONX is a networking event for business professionals encouraging personal development, career growth, and real-world collaboration. It’s basically a year's worth of networking in just 2 days. Tix are $169 (GA) or $247 (VIP) and you can bring a friend for just $9.50 more. Yes, the WICOM Comedy Variety Show is a part of this but you don’t need to attend the networking event to go to the comedy show! All adult humans are welcome.

Thursday, October 17 - Saturday, October 19

  • Boise Community Ski Swap is happening at Ridgeline Bike & Ski (off of Overland) from 12-7pm on Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday. Sell your gently used ski & snowboard gear and score amazing deals on new-to-you equipment! You can drop off equipment on Thursday anytime from 12-7pm.
  • Game of Tiaras is playing at Owyhee High School every night Thursday-Saturday. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7. This hilarious tragedy, written by Don Zolidis in 2015, is a combination of William Shakespeare's King Lear and Game of Thrones. Secure your tix here. They’re $10 for adults and $7 for students. Disney princesses, tragedy, war, and much more!

Friday, October 18

  • Serving up Wishes is being held at the Boise Centre on Front St from 5:30-9pm. This is an annual fundraising event organized by Make-A-Wish Idaho, designed to celebrate and support the organization's mission of granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. This elegant evening includes gourmet dining, live and silent auctions, and inspiring stories from wish recipients. Individual tix are $250 but there are opportunities to sponsor starting at $2,000.
  • Equus and Overture is happening at Ford Idaho Center from 6-10pm. This unique event features a gourmet dinner served arena-side as top horse and rider teams from various disciplines perform to live jazz music! Funds raised enable the promotion, preservation, and continued support of our Ford Idaho Horse Park and its patrons. Tix start at $100.
  • Drop Off Date Night: Game Night is happening at Encore Creative Center in Meridian from 6-9pm. Parents, enjoy some alone time away from the kiddos! It features a night of board games and creative fun. Plus, there’s pizza! Tix are $28. Ages 4-12.

Friday, October 18 - Sunday, October 20

  • Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe is happening at The Morrison Center on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, and 2pm on Sunday. Doors open an hour before the show. This show will feature theatrical adaptations of some of Poe’s best works, including “The Raven”. Tix are $20.

Saturday, October 19

  • Twin Pines Music Festival is happening at Lost Grove Brewing on La Pointe St from 12-11pm. There will be delicious drinks & live music by the David Henry Band, Sunsmith, Cross Country, Dozey Dubs, The Boredom Corporation, Up is the Down is the, Freeman DeJongh, Dumpsterfire, Eric Henderson, and many more. Parking is limited, so bike if you can! Tix are $30 or $45 at the door.
  • Boise Fright Film Festival is happening at the Egyptian Theatre starting at 4pm. This is a part of the Idaho Horror 48-Hour Short Film Competition, where teams of filmmakers have 48 hours to write, pre-produce, cast, shoot, and edit an original short film 3-6 minutes long. Tix are $10 or $20 for a festival pass.
  • Shredder (2001) is playing at the Egyptian Theatre at 7:30pm. It’s a snowboarding horror film that was filmed entirely in Idaho! Tix are $10. Stick around after the screening for a Q&A with film producer Rory Veal!
  • Underwater Pumpkin Carving is going on at Quinn’s Pond from 10am-1pm. It will take place at the north side of Quinn’s Pond, near Idaho River Sports. Everyone, regardless of age, is invited to participate and have a blast! Tix are $10 and include a beanie plus lunch. You’ll need to bring your own pumpkin!
  • Gather & Paint - Paint Your Partner is happening at Lenses & Brushes from 6-8pm. Throughout the session, each artist paints in secret, capturing their essence without revealing their work until the end. Tix are $25. Perfect for date night!
  • There’s a Color Analysis Class with Annie from SkinOwl from 4-6:30pm at Scenic. Discover your season and dive deep into confidently navigating your perfect color schemes with ease. Whether it's makeup, hair color, clothing, or accessories, you'll leave knowing your best hues. Think of this as a fun, beauty and fashion-focused happy hour! What’s not to love about that? Tix are $110.

Sunday, October 20

  • There’s a Pinball Tournament at Realms starting at 5pm. Get ready for a night full of fun, pinball, food, and drinks. Tix are $10.

Tuesday, October 22

  • The Sew Scary Costume Making Workshop is happening at JUMP from 6-8pm. You'll learn how to make your own costume with materials such as cardboard boxes, balloons, plastic cups, gems, fabric, feathers and more. Feel free to bring your own supplies as well! For those serious designers, JUMP will have a limited number of sewing machines and a costuming guide will be available to share basic sewing tips. Have sew much fun at this free event!

Tuesday, October 22 - Wednesday, October 23

  • Caldwell Creepy Crawl is going on in Downtown Caldwell basically all day, starting at 10:30am. Dive into five days of fall and Halloween-themed fun at your favorite local businesses, restaurants, and cafes. Each day, a different downtown hotspot will host a unique lineup of events, from costume contests and haunted houses to children’s scary story time, live music, pumpkin carving, and more. Stay spooky, friends!

Just trust me...

no outlaw escapes the claw

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Carly

SHARE THIS STORY
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
SUPPORT US

From Boise

Every Tuesday, read a story about a person, place, piece of Boise history, or local happening. Every Thursday, get a huge list of things to do over the weekend. No news, no politics - just the fun stuff.