Most of the summer live music series have been announced and are kicking off in June. I’ll have the details in the Plan Ahead for June newsletter as well!
The Boise Hawks open their home season against the Ogden Raptors on Tuesday, May 19 at Memorial Stadium with first pitch at 7:05pm. Single-game tickets start at $10. A classic Boise summer night.
Thursday, June 25: From Boise Night at Boise Hawks
Ballet Idaho's Cinderella takes the Morrison Center stage this June, and it's one of the most magical productions of the season. The story is timeless, the dancing is stunning, and Prokofiev's score will give you chills.
Three chances to see it: June 5 at 7:30pm, June 6 at 2pm, and June 6 at 7:30pm. Use code FRB20 for 20% off tickets in any section!
Soloist Cydney Covert photographed by Quinn Wharton
Things to do
Thursday, May 14
Boise Women’s Art Group is happening at Art Source Gallery from 6:30-8:30pm. It’s a monthly, in-person gathering created for women who want a welcoming, supportive space to explore creativity, connection, and self-expression through art. Tix are $38.
Bring it On is happening at The Flicks from 7pm. It’s a one-night-only screening celebrating 26 years of cheer and spirit fingers, hosted by some of the original cast members. Tix are $10.
Friday, May 15
Bike to Work Day is happening in Downtown Boise from 7am–7pm. There will be morning stations with free coffee and snacks (7–9am), local business perks throughout the day, and afternoon celebrations starting at 4pm. You can find all the different stations, afternoon parties, and local business discounts here.
Join the Watercolor Botanical Postcard Workshop at Lenses & Brushes from 6–8pm. It’s a beginner-friendly class where you’ll create two watercolor postcards using botanical inspiration like wildflowers and leaves, with all materials included. Tix are $30.
Not Your Granny’s Square Dance is happening at the IOA Hall from 7–10pm. It’s an all-ages square dance with live old time string band Cattywampus and friends, led by callers Ava Honey, Karla, Andy, and David — no experience, partner, or special attire needed. Tix are $15, kids under 13 are free.
IFS Presents: Bruce Campbell Sneak Preview at the Egyptian Theatre at 7:30pm. It’s a sneak preview of Bruce Campbell’s new indie film Ernie & Emma, followed by a live Q&A with Campbell about his career and independent filmmaking. Tix are $20.
Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17
Gem State Comic Con is taking over Expo Idaho this weekend with vendors, panels, cosplay, exhibits, and celebrity appearances. Friday hours are 3–9pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, and Sunday 10am–5pm. Weekend passes are $35 online/$50 at the door or there’s daily tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.
Saturday, May 16
Idaho’s Largest Garage Sale is happening at Expo Idaho starting at 8am. It’s the 18th annual bazaar-style garage sale with hundreds of vendors selling gently used goods, plus a meet and greet with special guest Dog the Bounty Hunter. Tix are $5, kids 8 and under are free.
Chinden Gardeners Club Annual Plant Sale is happening in Garden City at 6015 Glenwood from 9am–1pm. Shop veggies, indoor plants, succulents, and flowering and pollinator-friendly perennials. Free admission!
Boise Backyard Gardens Summer Plant Sale is happening at 3561 N Kingswood Dr starting at 9am. It’s a massive backyard plant sale with 40+ tomato varieties, 20+ peppers, herbs, squash, cucumbers, melons, and more. Look for the “plant sale” signs.
Summer Reading & Learning Celebration is happening at JUMP from 10am–2pm. It’s a free family event hosted by Boise Public Library and Ada Community Library, with 20+ exhibits, music, food, mascot photos, and a chance to sign kids up for summer reading programs. It’s free!
Bonsai 101 Workshop with High Desert Bonsai is happening at Franz Witte in Nampa from 10am–12pm. It’s a beginner workshop led by Bonsai Jon where you’ll trim and wire a 1-gallon juniper into a bonsai to take home. Tix are $70 (includes the plant).
Discovery Park in Meridian is hosting the Explore Outdoors Bicycle Bonanza from 10am–2pm. There’s a BMX stunt show at 11:30am, an open BMX skills session at 12:30pm, free skills training, and free refurbished bikes while supplies last. All ages and abilities welcome. It’s free!
Northwest Submission Challenge 8 is happening at the Egyptian Theatre at 6pm. It’s the only submission grappling superfight series in Idaho, featuring top grapplers from across the Pacific Northwest going head to head. Tix are $35–$45.
Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17
Wilderness First Aid Class is happening at Bogus Basin from 9am-5pm both days. It’s a hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine taught over two days, covering the Patient Assessment System, common outdoor injuries and illnesses, and smart evacuation decisions. Tix are $330. Ages 16+.
Gunfighter Skies ‘26 Airshow is happening at Mountain Home Air Force Base from 9am–4pm both days. It’s a free airshow featuring the USAF Thunderbirds along with WWII, A-10, and F-15E aircraft, plus a STEM Expo with 25 presenters and activities for all ages. It’s free!
Sunday, May 17
International Museum Day is happening at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights with all your favorite local museums and organizations! There will be activities and games hosted by World Center for Birds of Prey, Idaho Fish and Game MK Nature Center, Boise Art Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, Idaho State Museum, The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Erma Hayman House, The WaterShed, James Castle House, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Zoo Boise, and the Basque Museum & Cultural Center. It’s all free and fam-friendly.
Idaho Brocante Antique Home and Garden Fair is happening at 3011 W. State Street from 10am–3pm. It’s an outdoor flea market-style fair featuring local vendors selling antique, vintage, home, and garden finds. It’s free!
Boise Punk Flea is happening at Realms Arcade from 12-5pm. It’s free and all ages!
Gold Panning for All Ages is happening at the Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology from 12–3pm. Try hands-on gold panning led by the Nampa Gold Prospectors Association, with 30-minute outdoor sessions plus an optional guided geology hike on the nearby Table Rock hillside. Tix are $5 for kids, $10 for adults.
The Wellness Edit is happening at The LITL Studio from 2–4:30pm. It’s a wellness pop-up hosted by The Beauty Boost Boise featuring flow yoga, breathwork, a sound bath, mini wellness chats, and a wellness playground with stations for things like hypnosis, assisted stretching, and skincare consultations. Tix are $25.
Sunday Night Burlesque is happening at Pengilly’s Saloon at 8pm. It’s a free burlesque show hosted by Muff Jones, featuring performances by Calypso Pearl, Mo Trouble, Judy Bloomers, Rosalía Roja, Kitty Rocks, and Aiden Antares. It’s free but bring tips! 21+
Tuesday, May 19
Spring Death Cafe is happening at Edwards Greenhouse from 6–7:30pm. It’s a free, facilitated open conversation about death. No registration required. It’s free!
IdaHistory Tuesday: The Unique, Historic, & Iconic Homes of Boise is happening at Boise Brewing from 6:30–8pm. It’s a presentation and Q&A with Mark Iverson exploring some of Boise’s most fascinating historic homes, in honor of National Historic Preservation Month. It’s free!
Wednesday, May 14
The Stars and Stripes: Trivia Night is happening at the Dick Eardley Senior Center from 5–7pm. It’s a history trivia night commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, with teams testing their knowledge of Idaho history and the American Revolution over heavy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. It’s free!
SPONSORED BY IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Don't miss the final Great Garden Escape.
If you haven't made it to Great Garden Escape yet, this is your last chance.
For 30 years, the Idaho Botanical Garden has hosted magical evening concerts. This year is the final season of Great Garden Escape. Four great local bands will take the stage for four beautiful nights during the month of June. Here’s the schedule:
June 4: Tree City Travelers (indie folk)
June 11: Turtle Poppers (bluegrass)
June 18: Boise Straight Ahead (big band swing)
June 25: Hillfolk Noir (junkerdash)
Bring your family, a picnic, and a blanket. There’s also food and drink available for purchase.
Tickets start at $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Enjoy it while you can!
Shop with a Chef: Brunch Basics is happening at the Boise Farmers Market from 10am–12pm. Chef Adan Callsen of Under the Table Boise leads a guided market shopping tour and cooking demo centered around a brunch recipe celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month, with a recipe card and tote included. Tix are $18.
Farm to Fork Farmers Market at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell is opening for the season. There’s over 30 local vendors each week plus free live music. Goes 5-8pm.
Wednesday, May 20
Wine Down w/ Mike is happening at House of Wine from 5–8pm. It’s a free, informal wine tasting where guide Michael walks you through three wines he’s currently loving, so you can learn and sip at your own pace. It’s free!
credit Caldwell Farm to Fork Market
Comedy & storytelling
Thursday, May 14
Rare Form Comedy Show is happening at The Creative Space in Garden City at 7:30pm. It’s a stand-up comedy show built around true personal stories — oddly specific, wildly unexpected, and completely unscripted. Tix are $10.
Liquid Laughs Underground Comedy Open Mic is happening at the Liquid Laughs at 9:30pm. It’s a free weekly open mic hosted by Rasheed Jello. Sign up at 9pm if you want to take the mic. It’s free!
Friday, May 15
The Cheap Laughs Comedy Show is happening at Liquid Laughs at 8pm. It’s a local comedy showcase featuring Bridget Foley, Holden Weihs, Saul Berman, and Duane Stitt. Tix are $10.
