Things to Do in Boise This Weekend
If you’re visiting Boise, Idaho, this weekend and wondering what there is to do, this post is for you! As a Boise local, I know there are so many things to do that it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Boise is known for its plentiful outdoor activities, beautiful weather in all four seasons, and array of local breweries. I shared my suggestions for things to do and recurring events to check out in the spring, summer, fall, and winter, so you can easily plan your trip at any time of year. (Plus, I also shared recommendations for where to stay!)
Loved this post? Don’t forget to share it with your friends and pin it to Pinterest for future reference. And if you haven’t yet visited Boise, I hope this list convinces you to make the trip someday!
Where to Stay in Boise
First off, if you’re planning a long weekend to Boise, you might also be wondering where to stay. Personally, I’m big a fan of hotels when I travel, and Boise has had a hotel boom in the past few years. There are lots of chain hotel options now in downtown Boise and nearby neighborhoods, but here are the fun boutique hotels worth checking to see if they have availability during your trip:
WHERE TO EAT: 12 of the Best Brunch Spots in Boise, 20 of the Best Date Night Restaurants in Boise
Things to Do in Boise This Weekend
A Guide to Every Season in Boise (According to a Local!)
SPRING ACTIVITIES IN BOISE
Spring is Boise is LIVELY! As the days get longer, the temperatures warm up, and the foliage blooms again, you’ll see everyone in Boise out and about enjoying the weather and spring flowers. Spring is the perfect time of year to hike in the foothills (check out Table Rock, Camel’s Back, Military Reserve, and/or Hulls Gulch) and bike or walk along the greenbelt that stretches from southeast Boise through the heart of downtown and into northwest Boise. It’s also a fun time for visiting the zoo and MK Nature Center as well as enjoying a meal or two on a restaurant patio!
March Events in Boise
Treefort Music Festival (downtown Boise; last weekend in March)
Idaho Steelhead hockey games at Idaho Central Arena
St. Patrick’s Day festivities and specials at bars and restaurants
Skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin
April Events in Boise
Idaho Craft Beer Month
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin
May Events in Boise
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Read next: 24 Easy and Fun Day Trips from Boise, Idaho
SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN BOISE
I won’t lie, summer in Boise can be unbearably hot at times. Be prepared for any temperatures ranging between about mid-80s to low-100s during the summer months! While summer is still a great time to be outside, I recommend exerting yourself via a hike and/or greenbelt stroll in the early morning or late evening when the sun is lowest in the sky and it’s not so hot. Summer is a great time of year to explore our many museums (Art, History, Black History, Basque) and the Discovery Center (a great interactive science museum for everyone but especially kids!).
The most popular summer activity in Boise is floating the river starting at Barber Park in southeast Boise and ending at Ann Morrison Park downtown. Raft and tube rentals are available at Barber Park. You’ll also find lots of Boiseans enjoying activities at Quinn’s Pond and surfing in the nearby Whitewater Park! If you want to get out of town, head to Lucky Peak if you know someone with a boat—or swim in Sandy Point at the base of the dam. More nearby out-of-town options: enjoying summer activities at Bogus Basin or wine tasting along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail.
Looking for summer evening activities in Boise? Check out the concerts happening at Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden or enjoy a show at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival!
June Events in Boise
Boise Music Festival
Alive After 5 (free summer concert series on Wednesday evenings)
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Boise Hawks baseball games (fireworks on select nights)
July Events in Boise
Alive After 5 (free summer concert series on Wednesday evenings)
Twilight Criterium Bike Race (mid-July)
Basque Festival (late July)
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Boise Hawks baseball games (fireworks on select nights)
August Events in Boise
Alive After 5 (free summer concert series on Wednesday evenings)
Western Idaho Fair (Garden City)
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Boise Hawks baseball games (fireworks on select nights)
Read next: 26 Things to Do in Boise in the Summer
FALL ACTIVITIES IN BOISE
Fall in Boise is short-lived and features a variety of weather ranging from highs in the 80s all the way down to freezing temperatures overnight. Like spring, fall is the perfect time of year to hike in the foothills, bike/walk along the greenbelt, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors. You can find Boiseans at the weekend farmers markets, Boise State football games, and soaking up the last bit of warmth before winter arrives. If you’re in Boise over Halloween, be sure to stroll down Harrison Boulevard, the most popular Halloween street in town!
September Events in Boise
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic (Labor Day weekend)
Art in the Park at Julia Davis Park
Hyde Park Street Fair at Camel’s Back Park
Boise State soccer, volleyball, and football games
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Boise Hawks baseball games (fireworks on select nights)
October Events in Boise
Boise State volleyball and football games
Downtown farmer’s markets: Boise Farmer’s Market (Americana Blvd) or Capital City Public Market (8th Street)
Halloween on Harrison Boulevard
November Events in Boise
Boise State football games
Turkey Trot fun run (Thanksgiving)
Read next: Spooky Season Events at the Old Idaho Penitentiary
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN BOISE
We are very lucky in Boise to get all four seasons! The start of winter is fun because it’s the holiday season, and there are always a bunch of family-friendly events happening during the holidays. Much like the hot weather of summer, the cold weather of winter lends itself well to brewery/tasting room hopping, museum hopping, and taking classes and doing social events indoors (glass blowing, dancing are a couple of options).
That said, a large number of people enjoy outdoor winter activities in Boise: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the foothills or at nearby Bogus Basin, alpine skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin, sledding in the foothills (Camel’s Back Park is a popular spot), and ice skating (outdoors at The Village, indoors at Idaho Ice World). Whether you prefer staying in or going out, there’s something for everyone!
December Events in Boise
The Nutcracker ballet performed by Ballet Idaho
Classic holiday movie showings at the Egyptian Theatre
Idaho Potato Bowl
Skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin
Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden
Christmas in Color drive-through light show (Garden City)
Idaho Potato Drop on New Year’s Eve
January Events in Boise
Boise State basketball games and gymnastics meets
Idaho Steelhead hockey games at Idaho Central Arena
Skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin
February Events in Boise
Boise State basketball games and gymnastics meets
Idaho Steelhead hockey games at Idaho Central Arena
Skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin
Read next: 20 Things to Do in Boise in the Winter
WHEW! There’s so much to do in Boise during a long weekend! You likely won’t make it to every spot on your list, and if you are planning a weekend trip, I would recommend sticking to one or two main events or activities per day so you aren’t overwhelmed. Don’t forget to leave plenty of time to enjoy all of the restaurants and bars (and breweries) Boise has to offer!
Have any questions about specific activities/events or looking for more specific recommendations from me? Drop ‘em in the comments! 🤗
Check out even more Boise recommendations!
