The capital of the U.S. state of Idaho sits in the very populated and eventful city of Boise. This city is known for its semi-precious gemstones and potatoes. Boise is also known for its festivals that happen throughout the year. These festivals are not only attended by the residents of the city but also by tourists from across the globe. This city celebrates music, art, food and its rich history. You will get to know about life in this city by simply taking part in these festivals. The festivals showcase the city’s welcoming people and their talents in a great way. Check out our list of popular festivals in Boise, Idaho.
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1. Gene Harris Jazz Festival
The Gene Harris Jazz Festival that happens every year in the middle of March in Boise is one of the well-renowned Jazz festivals in USA. A number of talented musicians and a huge number of fans from across the globe visit Boise every year to take part in this infamous Jazz festival. Gene Harris was a popular American jazz pianist who ruled the industry for more than four decades. This music festival dedicated to his name, not only offers entertaining jazz music but also organizes a number of educational activities and student competitions for jazz enthusiasts. Enjoy this lively jazz festival for three days in Boise.
Gene Harris Jazz Festival
Website: Gene Harris Jazz Festival
Takes place: March - April
2. Art in the Park
Art in the Park is a festival organized by Boise Art Museum, featuring the works of hundreds of artists from the whole of the United States. This is a three-day festival in the park, and it comprises numerous special features such as children’s art workshops, jazz entertainment, food stalls, sculpture pub and much more. This outdoor art festival is considered as one of the top cultural festivals in the Western USA. You will be able to witness the works of more than 250 featured artists and also participate in art and craft workshops for children and adults of all ages. If you are hungry to experience the creation and display of art under natural light, this is the festival for you.
Art in the Park
Address: 670 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, Idaho 83702
Website: Art in the Park
Takes place: September
3. Treefort Music Fest
Treefort Music Fest is one of the most-awaited festivals in Boise every year, in which musicians from across the country come up with spectacular shows. This festival takes place for five days in various venues throughout the city. Apart from the euphoric music shows happening all-around Boise, the city will be lit with other interesting activities of the fest such as film screening, storytelling, yoga, kids activities, comedy, food and much more. If you are planning to attend a show at Treefort Music Fest, ensure you are present at the venue at least 90 minutes before the commencement of the show to get the best seats.
Treefort Music Fest
Address: 1100-1198 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702
Website: Treefort Music Fest
Takes place: March
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4. Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Idaho Shakespeare Festival has been celebrating the works of the great literary legend of all time, on the Boise river banks for more than three decades. During this festival, actors from across the country perform both Shakespearean and non-Shakespearean plays honoring the American Theater world. More than tens of thousands of people gather every year to witness one of the major Shakespeare festivals in the world. To witness Shakespeare’s words come to life on the large Boise amphitheater along with stunning river views is indeed a one-of-a-kind experience in Idaho.
Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Address: 5657 Warm Springs Ave, Boise, ID 83716
Website: Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Takes place: May to September
5. Bands Brews & BBQ Festival [Last event in 2019]
Posted by BANDS BREWS & BBQ on Wednesday, 18 September 2019
As the name suggests, this festival is all about food, beer and music. You will be drawn to the food stalls by a variety of vendors selling the best BBQ dishes of Idaho. You will also get to sample the latest and unique craft beers fresh out of breweries. Enjoy a whole afternoon of local beer tasting from the best brewers of Boise. More than 30 eateries from the West U.S. compete against each other in this BBQ festival. Enjoy the delicious taste of the best BBQ foods in the country as you enjoy the eclectic music of the participating bands.
Bands Brews & BBQ Festival
Address: 7709 Overland Road, Boise, Idaho 83709, United States
Website: Bands Brews & BBQ Festival
Takes place: September
6. World Village Fest
Posted by World Village on Sunday, 10 June 2018
World Village Festival is a three-day cultural event that attracts participants from across the world representing different countries, their art and culture. This is a lively event that aims to bring communities and cultures together. As a part of this festival, people are encouraged to get to know their neighbors, their traditions and celebrate art and literature together as one big family. Some of the interesting events in the World Village Fest are film screening, storytelling, musical plays, poetry, and dance. You will also be able to taste the different traditional foods belonging to various cultures in this event.
World Village Fest
Address: Cecil D. Andrus Park, Downtown Boise, Idaho.
Website: World Village Fest
Take place: June
7. Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is a free-of-cost hot-air balloon riding event that first began in the year 1991. Every year, a number of locals and tourists gather at the Ann Morrison Park to experience the joy of flying colorful hot-air balloons. The whole place looks lit with colors, lively music and radio commentary. You can witness colorful hot-air balloon flying above the city’s capitol building, parks and other places between the months August and September, in Boise, Idaho.
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Address: 827 E. Park Blvd. Ste. #100, Boise, ID 83712
Website: Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Takes place: August to September
8. Wintry Market
Just a week before thanksgiving, the whole of Boise gets lit with the Wintry Market festival. During this two-day carnival, you can check out the upscale and innovative artworks that are perfect decorations for your holiday season. You can purchase a lot of indie art and craft items handmade by various regional artists. In this Wintry Market, you will find a number of unique items and it is open to the public. Enjoy shopping for your favorite craft goods to your heart’s content, at the Wintry Market.
Wintry Market
Address: JUMP Boise, 1000 Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702, United States
Website: Wintry Market
Takes place: November
9. Boise Music Festival
Having recently completed its 10-year anniversary, Boise Music Festival is an annual live music concert event that attracts thousands of people to the Idaho Expo in Boise. Earlier, this Music Festival was open to everyone free of cost and it happened at the infamous Ann Morrison Park. Later, due to increased popularity in the U.S., this festival started featuring popular bands like Pitbull, Backstreet Boys, Train, Joan Jett, MC Hammer and many others. The festival also encourages emerging local bands by providing them an elite platform to showcase their talent.
Boise Music Festival
Address: Expo Idaho, Boise
Website: Boise Music Festival
Takes place: June
Celebrate culture, food and art
As this town is located on the picturesque setting of the Boise River, it acts as a great picnic spot for many visitors. It is like a double treat when you get to not only enjoy the natural beauty of the place but also be a part of its eventful way of life. Boise is a town that celebrates even trivial pleasures of eating delicious foods. Celebrate your unique culture, food and art with the people around you at these top festivals in Boise, Idaho.
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