Looking for events to fill up the dog days of summer here in Boise? Fear not, there are lots of fun things happening over the next few months. From music to markets and everything in between, here are 5 ½ things about festivals happening in Boise this summer.
1) Idaho Shakespeare Festival
I’m an English major so you know I had to make sure this entry made the list. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is a Boise staple, with shows running from June all the way to late September. Whether you’re an avid Shakespeare fan (me) or a casual theatre viewer, odds are you’re going to find a show worth seeing.
2) Boise Water Lantern Festival
If you’re looking for a night full of creativity, good food, and immaculate vibes with your friends, then the Boise Water Lantern Festival is the spot for you this upcoming August. All taking place at Julia Davis Park, you can expect food trucks, live music, and tools to help you decorate your own water lantern to light with the rest of the community once it gets dark out. This is one you don’t want to miss!
3) World Village Fest
The World Village Festival taking place June 24 – 26 describes itself as a place for, “Boise’s vibrant multi-national community coming together at World Village to celebrate culture through art, music, film, the people of the Treasure Valley, and its neighbors.” Film, music, food, mid-summertime weather? What more could you ask for?
4) Boise Soul Food Festival
For those looking to learn and devour some delicious food, the Boise Soul Food Festival is happening August 13 at Julia Davis Park. The festival plans to showcase “African-American inspired soul food, music, dancing, and businesses” as well as serve the overarching goal to “to educate and grow the Boise African American culture for present and future generations”.
5) Music (and yoga!) on the Mountain
Although technically outside the city limits of Boise, we couldn’t forget to include both Music (and yoga!) on the Mountain up at Bogus Basin. There’s not much that could be more outdoorsy, fun, and full-circle than listening to some live music or exercising during summer at the very same spot where you may have found yourself skiing or snowboarding this previous winter.
5 ½) Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Although this festival takes place late in the summer, it would be a tragedy to not include the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic on this list. One of the most revered Treasure Valley traditions, the balloon festival is taking place August 31-September 4 and includes a nighttime balloon lighting ceremony as well as a launch morning where you can see dozens of balloons lift off across Boise at sunrise. You may even see some of the balloons touch down at various landmarks across the city!