Well well well, another beautiful & busy weekend in Boise. We’ve got Oktoberfests in Boise, jazz & blues in Eagle, potatoes in Meridian, and kayaks made of cardboard floating down Indian Creek in Caldwell. There’s public art to explore, comedy to catch, red pandas to celebrate, and even a massive run/walk through downtown. Here's what going on this weekend:
Prost!
Friday, September 19 - Saturday, September 20
Payette Brewing Oktoberfest is Sept 19–20 at Payette’s brewery and beer garden. This one’s all-ages and free to attend, with polka music, costume contests, games, and of course, plenty of beer and pretzels. Payette’s special Oktoberfest steins are available for $7 and tokens ($7 each) are good for beer fills, pretzels, or Bavarian peanuts. Bring cash for quicker lines. Parking is very limited so carpool, bike, or grab an uber if you can.
Das Alpenhaus Oktoberfest is perhaps the most authentic of them all. It's happening Sept 19–20 at Das Alpenhaus Deli on the Boise Bench. It’s a smaller, more traditional-style Oktoberfest with authentic German food and imported beer.
Chevy Chase Dancing GIF
So much to do, so little time
Friday, September 19
Park(ing) Day is happening in Downtown Boise from 10am–3pm. Stop by and see parking spaces transformed into mini parks, art installations, and interactive pop-ups as part of this global celebration of public space and creativity. It’s free!
Friday, September 19 - Saturday, September 20
Eagle Jazz & Blues Fest is happening on Sept 19-20 at multiple locations in Eagle.The two-day event brings together local musicians for a variety of shows. It’s a fun way to explore the city of Eagle as well! There's performances happening at different locations and different times throughout the two days. Tix are a la carte for each event, so you can plan your route accordingly.
Indian Creek Festival is a two-day downtown Caldwell festival has a little bit of everything: a car show, chalk art competition, live music, vendors, and even the famous Cardboard Kayak Race down Indian Creek. It’s a quirky and fun community event that shows off Caldwell’s revitalized downtown.
Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 21
Potato Days takes over Kleiner Park in Meridian with a three-day potato-themed celebrations. Expect live music, carnival rides, games, and (of course) a lot of potatoes. There are potato cooking contests, potato crafts, and even a “Mash Bash” beer garden.
Saturday, September 20
St. Luke's FitOne is Boise’s biggest annual run/walk, with thousands of participants doing 5K, 10K, and half marathon routes. It’s family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and a great way to get outside and moving. After the race, stick around for the Finish Festival with food, booths, and live music. Proceeds support St. Luke’s health initiatives in the community. From Boise has a lil team this year! See ya out there.
Flywheel Fest is happening at JUMP from 4–8pm. This free family-friendly event celebrates all things agriculture with tractor rides, antique equipment demos, carnival games, live music, food trucks, a 5-story slide, face painting, prizes, and more. Free tractor kits available at JUMP all month for derby races!
Saturday, September 20 - Sunday, September 21
Boise Scottish Heritage Festival brings Scottish culture to Expo Idaho where you can browse Scottish clan booths, shop for tartans and crafts, and watch traditional athletic games like hammer throw and tug-of-war. It’s family-friendly, with food vendors and performances running all weekend.
SPONSORED BY BOISE CITY DEPARTMENT OF ARTS & HISTORY
Step Into Boise’s Stories
Discover Boise in a whole new way on a guided City Steps tour!
The American Southwest is screening at the Egyptian Theatre at 6pm. This new film follows a journey down the Colorado River, narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, highlighting wildlife, dam impacts, and water conservation. Stay after for a Q&A with the director and conservation experts. Tix are $35.
Hops ‘N Homes first time homebuyers class is happening at Barbarian Brewing from 6-7:30pm. Learn all about the homebuying process in a chill setting, and with a free beer. It’s free!
IFS Filmmaker Spotlight: Staying Up – The BAWLS Guarana Story is screening at The Idaho Film Society from 7–9pm. This documentary tells the story of the high-caffeine cult soda BAWLS, with filmmaker Brandon Ragsdale in attendance. Tix are $8.
Twilight in Concert is happening at The Morrison Center at 7:30pm. Relive Bella & Edward’s love story as a full symphony orchestra performs the film’s score live, synchronized with the movie. Tix start at $40.75.
Thursday, September 18 - Friday, September 19
Meridian Art Week is finishing up this week. There’s a variety of free or low-cost arts activities in music, literature, performance, and visual arts for Meridian residents and visitors.
Friday, September 19
Boise Old Time Square Dance is happening from 7–10pm at the IOA Hall (3401 Brazil Street). It’s beginner friendly and everyone’s welcome. Music by Cheatgrass with calling by Amy Aim, Rem Dawg, and Ava Honey.
Repo Man is screening at The Idaho Film Society from 7–10pm. This punk sci-fi cult classic follows a young repo man entangled in a surreal conspiracy involving aliens and a Chevy Malibu. Tix are $8.
Saturday, September 20 – Sunday, September 21
Spudtown Knockdown roller derby tournament is happening at Expo Idaho. It’s two days of action with local and regional teams competing. Doors open 9am, games start 10am. Use code communityspuds for a 2 day pass ($20) at the price of a 1 day pass ($15).
Saturday, September 20
Red Panda Day is happening at Zoo Boise from 10am–2pm! There’s special keeper chats, red panda-themed crafts, a discovery station, and a visit to the new Red Panda Passage. You can even snag a photo with the red panda mascot. Cute!
IFS Dinner & A Movie: Goodfellas 35th Anniversary is happening at The Idaho Film Society. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner is served at 6pm, and the film starts at 8pm. This one-night event includes a four-course Italian feast inspired by the film (antipasto, spaghetti & meatballs, and cannoli) with a VIP upgrade option that adds wine pairings and elevated touches. Tix are $60 or $80 for the Wiseguy Experience. Fun!
Wine & Pizza Night is happening at Split Rail Winery from 3–7pm. Enjoy $10 glasses of Burn Gamay Noir paired with Inferno Artisan Pizzas, plus live music from Landonious Monk at 5pm.
Sunday, September 21
Fall Equinox Sound & Somatic Experience is happening at Idaho Botanical Garden from 6–8pm. This immersive event features cello by Third Seven Music and a guided sound meditation with crystal bowls, gongs, and somatic practices in the Meditation Garden. Bring a blanket or yoga mat. Tix are $50.
credit Idaho Botanical Garden
SPONSORED BY BOISE ENTREPRENEUR WEEK
Build Your Dream. Find Your People.
Boise Entrepreneur Week is back Sept 29 - Oct 3! It’s a city-wide celebration of ideas, hustle, and community. Whether you're building a business, pivoting careers, freelancing, or dreaming up something new, BEW has something for you.
With 14 tracks, deep dive sessions, pitch competitions, mentorship matchmaking, and a block party to top it off, this is the week to make connections, learn practical skills, and turn your dream into a thriving business.
Love Story is happening at The Green Room at 7:30pm. This improv romantic comedy turns audience suggestions into awkward meet-cutes, hilarious mix ups, and maybe even a happily ever after. Tix are $20.
The Cheap Laughs Comedy Show is happening at Liquid Lounge from 8–9:30pm (doors at 7pm). Catch a lineup of local comedians for just $10 and it’s 18+.
Comedians Pete Jr. & Tre Lamb are performing at Lounge at the End of the Universe from 7–8:30pm. This double headliner show features two nationally known comedians bringing high energy sets and hilarious storytelling. Tix start at $14.05.
Aaron Woodall, co-host of the Mormon & the Meth-Head podcast, is performing at Voodoo Cellar from 9–11pm. Known for his clever takes on life’s absurdities, Aaron will be joined by local comic Samson Large. 21+. Tix are $20.
Comedy Night with Nathan Ford is happening at Coldsprings Winery in Hammett, Idaho from 6–9pm. Tix are $25.
Friday, September 19 – Saturday, September 20
The Standup Standoff is happening at Western Collective. It’s a two-night comedy competition featuring local comics going head-to-head. Doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. Tix are $19 for GA or $27 for couch seating (those are per night).
Saturday, September 20
Nerd Out is happening at Recycled Minds Comedy from 8–9:30pm. This long-form improv comedy show dives into epic fantasy worlds (think Harry Potter & LOTR) and nerdy nostalgia, with audience stories woven into hilarious, interactive scenes.Tix are $16 or $6 for kids.
ComedySportz is happening at The Green Room at 7:30pm. Two teams of improv comedians go head-to-head in a fast, clean, and hilarious comedy showdown where audience suggestions fuel the action. Tix are $20.
JK! Studios Live is doing a Meridian Matinee at Meridian High School from 3–4:30pm. Enjoy a family-friendly comedy show (ages 5+) featuring the original cast of Studio C. Tix are $33-56.
Stand Up in the Basement is happening at Liquid Lounge from 8–9:30pm. Comedians include Tanner Tracht, Andrew Kent, and Nate Scott Ford. Tix are $25 and it’s 21+.
Comedian/magician Brian V. Buscemi is performing at B’s House in Mountain Home from 8–9pm. Mind-blowing tricks, sharp wit, and plenty of laughs. Tix are $12.51 and it’s 21+.
Jon “Polar Bear” Gonzalez is bringing his Coldest Baddest Tour to the Lounge at the End of the Universe with two shows (5pm & 8pm). Known for his viral White vs Hispanic skits, Polar Bear delivers high-energy storytelling and hilarious observations. Tix start at $29.
Comedians Landry and Lara Beitz are at the Egyptian Theatre, hosted by Alvin Williams. Landry is the quick-witted powerhouse and winner of The Boston Comedy Festival and The World Series of Comedy. Lara is fresh off her new special Stoppable on Amazon Prime. Starts at 7pm and tix are $39-$54.
Sunday, September 21
Hokus Pokus Live! is happening at the Egyptian Theatre at 8pm. This fully scripted stage show stars Ginger Minj, Jujubee, and Sapphira Cristál as the legendary sisters, with Landon Cider as Billy. Expect comedy, vocals, magic, and a little mayhem. Tix are $57-$200. Ages 13+.
SPONSORED BY FNDATN FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
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