Discover The Best Of Boise

Boise is a fascinating city with an array of activities and attractions that make us unique. Allow our blog help you plan the perfect stay with our favorite Staff Picks for upcoming events, art festivals, live musical performances, sports and more.

  • a large building with many windows and flowers in front of it

    Discover our State Capitol

    June 21

    One of the advantages to living in or visiting a state’s capitol is the ability to visit the state’s legislative headquarters. Often we even get to watch lawmakers while they work. Boise’s capitol building does both, inviting you and yours to see state government in action while at the same time, discovering rich stories about the building’s past. But you don’t have to wait for a spot to open on a group tour; lucky for you, Boise encourages you to take a self-guided tour and provides a detailed “map” to direct your path. Skim through 20 pages of juicy details, fun-facts and trivia about the grounds, the building, and the people who once walked its halls. We’ve dedicated this month to sharing our cliffsnotes version with you. Read it, and plan your visit!

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  • Autumn trees and the skyline of Boise Idaho

    Take a Tour of Boise

    April 13

    We’ve covered a lot in the past few months, arming you with all there is to do in our happening city. And it’s all just in time for spring! We love this season just as much as all the others, but feel that special promise for all the bright and unexpected discoveries the months ahead. So in that spirit, we’d like to share with you what we think is the perfect mix of entertainment: guaranteed fun in ways you can’t predict. Boise’s guided tours will take you to places you might recognize from the outside, but probably haven’t heard their stories. We’ll highlight a few of our favorites.

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  • couple watching a concert

    Stay Busy in Boise All Winter Long Part III

    March 22

    It’s time now for part three in our series of winter fun in the sun, and this time, our focus will be arts, culture, and entertainment. There’s so much to do, you’ll be wishing for more winter, not less. Read on to fill your calendar!

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  • Hot Spring in Idaho

    Stay Busy in Boise All Winter Long Part II

    February 15

    And, we’re back for our second installment of winter fun in Boise, and this month, our focus will be sports and outdoor recreation. Read on for all the inside intel that’ll keep you entertained, energized, and excited for the season.

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  • a toddller playing with an goat

    Stay Busy in Boise All Winter Long

    January 10

    For the next few months, we’ll be sharing with you all of our favorite ways to celebrate winter in Boise. Despite a widely held belief that Idaho becomes a frozen tundra during the winter, Boise and the Treasure Valley don’t see much snow, and instead, enjoy a relatively dry winter. Clear, cold days, shimmering frosty mornings, and a backdrop of snow dusted foothills are the defining scene of our winter. So don’t be shy about getting outside! Experience all the goodness that a valley winter has to offer by acting on our list of favorite activities. Our first of three installments, is for the whole family.

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  • a couple watching a movie in the cinema drinking a soda

    Enjoy Entertainment on Stage and on Screen

    December 09

    The holiday months are a great time to gather with friends and family and go to a show. Boise has two great spots for your viewing pleasure, whether it’s a stage performance at our refurbished Egyptian Theater or a new release at The Flicks Theater downtown. This month, we share with you a bit about both, so you can pick your venue of choice and make merry this holiday season.

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  • woman drinking a cup of coffee with shining lights around her

    ‘Tis the Season to Shop in Downtown Boise

    November 30

    It’s that time of year again! The winter winds are back to stay, so cozy up with your cup of cocoa and someone you love, and get warm! Here at the Inn at 500 Capitol, we’d love for you to find that comfort right here with us, but we also know you want to explore your surroundings while you’re here. So we’ve devised a list of a few charming (and warming) spots you take yourself or a friend during your stay in beautiful Boise. 

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  • group of people sharing a glass of beer at the outside

    Join 1000s in a Toast to Idaho

    October 20

    Idaho’s largest fresh hops beer fest returns to Boise this month, and you don’t want to miss it. Much of the world would call an event like this Oktoberfest, but Boise calls it Hoptober Freshtival, not just because we want to be different, but because the beers served are fresh from Boise. We’re proud of our hops and we can’t wait for you to sample what’s on tap.

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  • person painting a wall with red color

    Be Inspired by Art by the River

    September 30

    This month, wind west along the beautiful Boise River to find the quaint town of Star, where artists from Boise and beyond will compete for artistry titles and prizes. It’s the second ever Art by the River event, and we’re here to tell you why you should go.


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  • multiple hot air balloons in the sky at noon

    Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

    August 23

    It’s really unlike anything else to see a hot air balloon in the sky. To see more than 50 floating overhead– buoyant amidst the clouds that frame Idaho’s pastel horizon– is something of a dream. But if you come to Boise this September to witness The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic you can watch that dream come true.

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  • girls watching festival in lawn

    Get Down to Alive at 5

    July 29

    Downtown Boise’s free summer concert series is back in Grove Plaza to rock through the summer. It started June 15th with bands taking the stage every Wednesday, straight through to mid-August. So if you’re coming to Boise this summer, make it a date to come to a concert while you’re here.

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  • sunset in city

    Public Art Walking Tour

    June 24

    The city of Boise has gone to great lengths to incorporate art into its public spaces, and especially artwork sourced locally. In fact, two-thirds of the artists commissioned to contribute to the city’s public spaces live in Boise solidifying the city’s authentic connection to art. Join the Public Art Program Team every third Thursday through October to tour the artwork for yourself.

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  • fresh fruits and vegetables

    Capital City Public Market is Open for the Season

    May 25

    Eat fresh, shop small, and experience dynamic downtown Boise. This month, get to Idaho's original, largest and oldest outdoor Farmer's Market. Every Saturday, 9:30 am until 1:30 pm, through December, you can buy the region’s best and freshest. But don’t take our word for it; mark a visit to Capital City Public Market on your calendar to sample our finest for yourself!

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  • friends drinking beer

    Bottoms Up! Two Local Breweries to Get You Moving

    April 22

    Come and get your groove on at Boise’s first annual Shade City Brewfest. This Earth Day weekend, April 22nd and 23rd, the ‘70s-inspired Beer Fest will spill into the beautiful Idaho Botanical Gardens for a hoppin’ good time and inspired conversation.

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  • children watching a movie with grandfather and eating popcorn

    Lights! Camera! Flicks!

    March 30

    They don’t make ‘em like this anymore! The Flicks Theater in downtown Boise has kept the cinematic pulse of the city since 1984. Serving beer, wine, espresso, and snacks with its movies, a night at The Flicks is one you simply don’t want to miss.

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  • man preparing a pizza

    Couples Who Cook Together Stay Together

    February 23

    Nothing says date night like an intimate meal for two– especially when you make it yourselves. Come spend the evening with us to dine-in; we promise you’ll be glad you did.

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  • theater chairs

    Visit Boise’s Updated Theatrical Relic

    January 13

    Built in 1927, Boise’s refurbished Egyptian Theater maintains the look and feel of its Egyptian Revival architectural heritage while showcasing some of the region’s most popular, contemporary acts.

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  • books

    Feed Mind and Soul at Rediscovered Books

    December 27

    Inspired by the wholesome desire to bring people together, one Boise couple has built a legacy in the business of used books.

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  • couple in love

    A perfect date in beautiful Boise

    November 19

    Take your date on a date this month in beautiful Boise. Treat her or him to an evening with art or with lights aglow in the garden, or tucked in cozy and warm with room service. We have ideas galore, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

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  • halloween pumpkins with lights

    Scare Up Some Halloween Fun in Boise

    October 15

    Ghosts, ghouls, and goblins, oh my! If you’re looking for a good scare, pack your bags and visit Boise in October. Here’s what’s in store!

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  • glass blowing studio

    Make Your Own Glass Art

    September 03

    Why shop for souvenirs when you can make one? This month, make your way to Boise Art Glass to blow your own glass from some of the best in the business.

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  • summer music festival

    Join the Neighborhood Picnic at Hyde Park

    August 16

    Dating back to 1979, the Hyde Park Street Fair boasts more than 120 arts and crafts, food and drink vendors as well as days of rockin’ good tunes by regional musicians. Come see what it’s all about and support Boise’s cherished North End neighborhoods.

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  • aquarium kids

    Explore Ocean Life in the Midwest at the Aquarium of Boise

    July 05

    Boise may be hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, but that doesn’t stop visitors and residents from delving into the wonders of the deep.

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  • frineds drinking wine

    Idaho Wine & Cider Month

    June 07

    When you think of winemaking in the United States, you probably envision the lush vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley. But did you know that Idaho is also home to one of the most vibrant wine regions in the country, with more than 50 wineries and over 1300 acres of rolling vineyards across three American Viticultural Areas?

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  • children at science museum

    The Discovery Center of Idaho

    May 17

    If you’ve ever tried traveling with kids, you know they can be a real handful. Fortunately, there are many ways to entertain the little ones here in Boise.

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  • river

    Boise to Eugene

    April 05

    Did you know Eugene, Oregon was just a 7.5-hour drive from Boise? We’ve been embracing road trips lately and exploring a lot of places that can easily allow for social distancing and outdoor recreation. 

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  • girls in robes drinking tea

    A Cozy Evening Indoors

    March 01

    Who doesn’t love spending a cozy evening indoors after a long day of work or play? With spacious guest rooms, contemporary suites, and luxurious penthouses brimming with beautiful decor and spa-inspired amenities, Inn at 500 Capitol makes it easy to unwind.

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  • romantic valentines day dinner

    Bring Your Love to Boise

    February 08

    February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate your loved one than with a trip to Boise. There is nothing more romantic than a vacation to Pacific Northwest, tailor-made for two.

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  • skii lift

    Ski season is here

    December 02

    If you’re looking for a ski area that’s less about après and more about skiing, Idaho has a range of small resorts that offer a more off-the-beaten-ski-run experience. While many ski areas will be requiring reservations and limited occupancy this season, Idaho offers a range of less crowded options, and Boise is lucky enough to be a great jumping-off point for exploring many of them.

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  • innat5th landing farmers market room

    5 Ideas on How to Extend Your Summer

    August 31

    The last official day of summer is September 22, and we plan to make the absolute most of these final few weeks of sun and fun in Boise.

    The cooler mornings and pleasant afternoons are begging for longer bike rides, outdoor concerts, and idyllic strolls – tempting us to play hooky from work and school so we can really soak up all the delicious tastes of the season before they’re gone. Who’s with us? We’re slowing down to savor it all. Here’s what’s on our list for extending that summer feeling in Boise.

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  • family at museum

    The Basque Museum and Cultural Center

    July 06

    One of the great things about living in Boise is that there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s an afternoon spent studying contemporary masters at the Boise Art Museum, a morning strolling amid the vast marine life at the Aquarium, or a day marveling at the miracles of science with the kids at the Discovery Center of Idaho, ours is a city for curious minds.

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  • girls eating food at a festival

    The 9th Annual Treefort Music Festival

    March 02

    When four friends got together in 2012 to organize the 1st annual Treefort Music Festival, they knew it would be a big deal, but they never imagined quite how big it would become.

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  • singer on stage with lighting

    Opera Idaho: Bringing the World’s Most Epic Musical Productions to the Midwest

    February 03

    For over four decades, Opera Idaho has been at the forefront of art and culture in the Midwest. The company’s mission is simple: to bring Idaho audiences the highest caliber productions of the most revered and epic musical compositions ever conceived for the stage.

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  • couple tubing in snow

    Winter Thrills at Bogus Basin

    January 06

    Located just 16 miles outside Boise, Bogus Basin attracts millions of guests every year to partake in a wide variety of winter sports and activities, including Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, winter tubing, snowshoeing, and more.

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  • christmas gift boxes and bows

    Merry Christmas in the City

    December 02

    Here in Boise, the holiday season is in full swing as we celebrate Christmas in the City, a month-long city-wide extravaganza of community, generosity, and good cheer.

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  • couple looking for christmas gifts

    Boise Shops Local on Small Business Saturday

    November 04

    For nearly a decade, Small Business Saturday has helped promote small businesses across the country by encouraging folks to explore the unique shops, restaurants, cafes, and other locally-owned venues that make each town or city a unique cultural experience.

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  • fresh bread in basket with bottles of wine on background

    Dine Out Downtown Boise Restaurant Week

    October 07

    One of the most highly-anticipated annual culinary events in the Midwest, Dine Out Downtown Boise Restaurant Week (October 25 – November 3) gives you the chance to experience an eclectic array of mouthwatering creations from our great city’s most talented chefs.

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  • beer cheers

    The Beer Steins Overfloweth at Boise’s 6th Annual Hoptober Freshtival

    September 02

    The world’s most famous folk festival, Oktoberfest was first celebrated over two centuries ago in Munich. Here in Boise, we’ve put our own spin on the popular Bavarian celebration with the Hoptober Freshtival, Idaho’s biggest fresh hop beer bonanza of the year.

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  • french fries

    Celebrate National Fry Day with the Idaho Potato Package

    July 01

    National Fry Day is Saturday, July 13, and there are LOTS of ways to score free fries, but we’re super-sizing the holiday with a brand-new package in the Potato Suite, which includes unlimited fries from Boise Fry Co.   

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  • shakespeare book of plays

    The Idaho Shakespeare Festival

    May 06

    Since 1977 the Idaho Shakespeare Festival has entertained and inspired millions of viewers from the Midwest and around the world each summer.

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  • woman at farmers market

    To Market, To Market: Boise’s Freshest Local Produce and More

    April 01

    April showers bring May flowers, and here in Boise at least, you can add to that list organic fruits and vegetables, naturally-raised meats, hearty bread, sweet pastries and jams, rich sauces, robust coffees, and much, much more.

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  • concert

    Rocking Out at the Treefort Music Festival

    March 04

    As the cultural center of Idaho, Boise is a great vacation destination for lovers of the arts. This month, folks from across the nation will pack into our beautiful city to enjoy the 8th annual Treefort Music Festival, which runs downtown from March 20 – 24.

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  • giraffe

    Explore the Animal Kingdom at Zoo Boise

    February 04

    Nestled in the heart of downtown Boise, just a few minutes from our hotel, Zoo Boise attracts around 350,000 guests every year to its state-of-the-art facility that houses more than 300 animals.

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  • bread at bakery

    The Freshest Breads in Boise

    January 07

    As you may know, Great Harvest Bread Co. is one of the nation’s most successful bakery and café companies, with locations spanning the U.S. They weren’t always so plentiful, though, and in fact, one of the first Great Harvests opened right here in Boise back in 1982.

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  • alpine skiing

    Winter Sports in Boise

    December 03

    Winters are definitely chilly here in Idaho, but that doesn’t mean we hibernate till Spring!

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