October Happenings in Boise and Beyond

October is a good month to get a little curious about the places just beyond the familiar. This month’s events stretch from downtown Boise to Caldwell, Meridian, Eagle, Idaho City, and even Sun Valley, offering plenty of reasons to take a different route, visit a new neighborhood, or make a day of exploring somewhere nearby. Along the way, there are artists to meet, local traditions to experience, and plenty of seasonal events worth putting on the calendar.

Boise Parade of Homes 2026

October 2-4, 9-11 & 16-18 | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Various locations

The 2026 Boise Parade of Homes showcases innovative new construction, inspiring designs, and the latest trends in homebuilding throughout the Treasure Valley. The three-weekend event offers an opportunity to tour homes, explore design ideas, and experience the latest in residential craftsmanship.

Potato Days 2026

October 2-4 
Idaho Botanical Garden

Potato Days celebrates Idaho’s famous potato with a weekend of food, live music, vendors, beer, and family-friendly activities. The annual celebration brings together the community to honor Idaho’s agricultural heritage and the farmers, growers, and businesses behind the state’s iconic crop.

James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash

October 2 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Egyptian Theatre

James Garner and his band bring the music of Johnny Cash to life in a tribute celebrating the legendary performer’s signature sound. The evening features beloved classics alongside stories and personal insights about Cash’s music and career.

Bluebird Social Oktoberfest

October 2-3 | Fri. 2:00 - 10:00 PM; Sat. 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Bluebird Social

Bluebird Social brings a taste of Bavaria to Boise with two days of Oktoberfest festivities featuring German-inspired food and drinks, live entertainment, games, dancing, and plenty of traditional festival atmosphere.

Autumn Festival

October 3 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Edwards Greenhouse

Edwards Greenhouse welcomes fall with a family-friendly celebration featuring seasonal crafts, live music, food trucks, special sales, and activities throughout the greenhouse.

Boise Farmers Market

Every Saturday | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
1500 Shoreline Drive

The Boise Farmers Market is back, featuring a lineup of over 80 farmers, ranchers, & makers, ready to showcase the best of the Treasure Valley. You'll find fresh local seasonal fruits & veggies, many types of locally raised protein, breads & pastries, honey, jams & sauces, fresh-roasted coffee, and a delicious selection of ready-to-eat foods.

Capital City Farmers Market

Every Saturday | 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Downtown Boise - The Grove Plaza 

The Capital City Public Market is more than a traditional farmers market, serving as a vibrant gathering place that supports a sustainable local food system and thriving local economy in Boise. Through the exchange of goods, services, and information, the market connects farmers, specialty food producers, artisans, locals, and visitors alike.

Nampa Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday | 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Lloyd Square Park - 1 14th Ave S, Nampa

The Nampa Farmer’s Market brings the community together each week in Nampa to enjoy fresh local produce, handmade goods, and artisan products. Visitors can experience a vibrant market atmosphere while supporting local farmers, makers, and small businesses.

See Spot Walk 2026

October 3 | 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Julia Davis Park

The Idaho Humane Society’s annual See Spot Walk brings hundreds of animal lovers and their four-legged companions together for a one-mile walk along the Boise River Greenbelt. The event also features dog contests, food trucks, vendors, and an Alumni Pet Parade while supporting lifesaving work for animals in need.

4th Annual Idaho Cider Fest

October 3 | 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Bannock Street, Downtown Boise

The Idaho Cider Fest transforms downtown Boise into a cider-filled block party featuring Northwest cideries, local food, vendors, games, and an afternoon of fall festivities. The free, all-ages event takes place on Bannock Street between 8th and 9th Streets.

Indian Creek Plaza’s Hay Day

October 3 | 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell

Hay Day celebrates autumn, Caldwell’s western heritage, and the agricultural traditions of the region with local vendors, antique tractors, agricultural activities, live music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment.

Boise State Football: BSU vs. Utah State

October 3 | 5:30 PM
Albertsons Stadium

The Boise State Broncos return to The Blue for a home matchup against Utah State. Fans can experience the energy, traditions, and excitement of Boise State football at Albertsons Stadium.

Harvest Market at Victory Gardens

October 3-4 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Victory Gardens Nursery, Meridian

Harvest Market at Victory Gardens celebrates the season with organic pumpkins, seasonal plants, artisanal vendors, and fall-inspired food and drinks. The weekend market offers a welcoming setting to shop local and enjoy the changing season.

Idaho City Days

October 3-4 | Sat. 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sun. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Idaho City

Idaho City Days brings residents and visitors together for a weekend of shopping, food, music, and community activities throughout the historic mountain town. The annual celebration offers an opportunity to explore Idaho City while enjoying its local businesses and small-town atmosphere.

Boise Open Studios Tour

October 3-4 & 10-11 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Various artist studios throughout the Treasure Valley

The Boise Open Studios Tour invites the public into the working studios of more than 100 local artists over two weekends. Visitors can meet artists, explore their creative processes, and experience works ranging from painting and sculpture to ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more.

Eagle Plein Air Festival

October 3-10
Eagle, Idaho & surrounding areas

The Eagle Plein Air Festival celebrates outdoor painting and artistic expression as more than 80 professional and emerging artists capture the landscapes of Eagle and Southwest Idaho. The week includes painting demonstrations, lessons, artist gatherings, and a concluding exhibition and awards celebration.

Meridian Monday Night Market

October 5 | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Storey Park - 205 E Franklin Road, Meridian

Enjoy a family friendly atmosphere with farm goods, handcrafted artisan wares, baked treats, refreshing beverages, food trucks, live entertainment, and more!

Readings & Conversations: John Green with Anthony Doerr

October 9 | 8:00 PM
Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

The Cabin presents bestselling author John Green and Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Doerr for an evening conversation centered on Green’s adult fiction debut, Hollywood Ending.

Iron & Wine at Treefort Music Hall

October 10 | 8:00 PM
Treefort Music Hall

Iron & Wine headlines a Concert for Cause benefiting the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. The evening features live music, an opening performance by Ken Pomeroy, and silent and live auctions supporting the organization’s work in the community.

The Boise Flea

October 11 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Boise State University, East Stadium Lot

The Boise Flea brings together more than 100 vintage, antique, and handmade vendors for a day of shopping, local food, and community connection. The October event marks the final Boise Flea of the 2026 season.

Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival

October 15-18
Sun Valley Village

The Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival fills the resort community with four days of jazz featuring more than 100 performances across five venues. The festival brings together high-energy bands, soulful gospel, swing dancers, and music lovers from across the country.

Taste of Downtown Boise — 15th Year

October 16-25
Downtown Boise

Taste of Downtown is Boise’s expanded take on Restaurant Week, inviting visitors to explore downtown restaurants, bars, and food and drink experiences. The annual celebration gives local businesses an opportunity to showcase their offerings through prix fixe menus, social hours, special experiences, and more.

Broadway in Boise: & Juliet

October 20-25
Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

& Juliet reimagines Shakespeare’s classic love story with a new beginning for its heroine. Created by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, the musical pairs a fresh storyline with a pop-filled score for a high-energy theatrical experience.

Boo at the Zoo

October 24-25 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Zoo Boise

Boo at the Zoo brings daytime Halloween fun to Zoo Boise with trick-or-treat stations, costume contests, face painting, vendors, and special Halloween-themed enrichment for the animals. The family-friendly event offers seasonal fun throughout the zoo, with last admission at 4:00 PM.

Ballet Idaho: Westward

October 23-25 | Fri. 7:30 PM; Sat. 2:00 & 7:30 PM; Sun. 2:00 PM
Boise State University SPEC

Ballet Idaho opens its 54th season with Westward, a collection of four ballets inspired by the spirit and emotional landscape of the American West. The program explores themes of independence, ambition, resilience, and the enduring promise of new beginnings through works by five choreographers.

Candlelight: Halloween Classics

October 30 | 6:30 PM & 8:45 PM
The Egyptian Theatre

Candlelight: Halloween Classics brings a live string quartet performance to the Egyptian Theatre under the glow of candlelight. The program features music inspired by Halloween, including themes from The Addams Family, Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and other seasonal favorites.

The 75th Annual Ski Swap

October 30 - November 1 
Expo Idaho

The annual Ski Swap offers new and gently used skis, snowboards, boots, clothing, and winter gear while supporting youth mountain sports programs throughout the Treasure Valley.

Boise State Football: BSU vs. Texas State

October 31 | 8:00 PM
Albertsons Stadium

The Boise State Broncos close out October with a home matchup against Texas State. The evening game brings fans back to Albertsons Stadium for another night of Boise State football on The Blue.

 

The best local experiences are not always the ones we have planned months in advance. Sometimes they are the unexpected Saturday stop, the festival in a neighboring community, the artist whose work we discover for the first time, or the event that becomes an annual tradition. October offers plenty of opportunities for all of the above.

Before you head out to explore, take a moment to read our latest community story, Young Entrepreneurs Raise $500 for Zoo Boise, about a small local effort that made a meaningful difference.

 

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Lysi Bishop Real Estate is an expert in the Boise Real Estate market, offering unmatched expertise and unparalleled service to clients around the Treasure Valley. With over 30 years of in-depth knowledge and experience, Lysi Bishop inspires and leads her team of dedicated agents towards earning the title of the Best Boise Real Estate Team, year after year.

Our team specializes in luxury homes and five-star, concierge-style service in Boise and all surrounding areas, including neighborhoods like the North End, East End, Highlands, Collister, Harris Ranch, Warm Springs Mesa, East End Foothills, Boise Bench, SE Boise, Barber Valley, and West Bench, and extending into Eagle, Two Rivers, Hidden Springs, Meridian, Nampa, and Kuna.