Fall Events in Southwest Idaho

Spirit of Boise: Look up! For three magical days, Boise’s skyline transforms into a kaleidoscope of hot air balloons. Meet the pilots and watch the otherworldly and colorful flights each morning. Got kids? Enjoy a free tethered ride on Kid’s Day. Now that’s elevated entertainment.

Make Way for Bikes: Boise streets transform into car-free community spaces during Open Streets Boise. Walk, bike, or roll through town on a route highlighting local food, drink, and art. Boise streets are for everyone! 

Art in the Park: This three-day, open-air festival showcases 200 artists and their incredible artwork. Wander through Julia Davis Park, then fuel up from local food vendors. Make crafts at Boise Art Museum, which hosts hands-on activities for kids.  

Log On: Meadows Valley Days hosts amateur lumberjacks who go head-to-dead in axe throwing and log burning. This small-town festival celebrates the city’s timber history. Don’t miss the parade and car show.

For the Birds: Southwest Idaho has one of the world’s densest populations of birds of prey. Drive the Morely Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Conservation Area, where 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls nest in the lava cliffs and desert plateau. Swoop into the World Center for Birds of Prey, a non-profit dedicated to raptor preservation, study, and education. Walk through the museum for eye-level encounters with impressive birds, from massive California Condors to lightning-fast Peregrine Falcons. Don’t miss Fall Flights, where live raptors transform the outdoor amphitheater into a soaring aerial performance. 

Plate and Pint: Taste your way through Boise during the Taste of Downtown. Local chefs put on a show with a variety of delectable local fare. Restaurants offer special deals to make your tastebuds dance. Drive 18 minutes west to Meridian for an authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest. Enjoy traditional music, don your lederhosen for the costume contest, and test your skills in the cornhole tournament. Must do: strudel eating contest. Prost!

Harvest Season: Fall’s bounty is calling. From apple orchards ripe for picking, to corn mazes that will test your navigation skills, Southwest Idaho’s harvest season is a feast for all senses. Get ready to bite into the freshest local produce and celebrate the region’s agricultural roots with farm-to-fork dining.

Festival of Trees: Take a glittering tour through a forest of themed trees decorated by Boise businesses at this storied fundraiser for Saint Alphonsus Hospital. Canyon County, just a short drive from the Boise airport, hosts its own sparkling version to benefit the Meals on Wheels program.

Lights, lights, lights: These gargantuan displays pack enough wattage to make Clark Griswold’s efforts look like a nightlight. Winter Garden aGlow takes over the Idaho Botanical Garden, as it has for nearly 40 years. Grab a hot drink, and take in scene after scene. Scentsy Commons, the Meridian fragrance company, opens its grounds so the public can meander through more than 40 miles of eye-catching lights. Not to be outdone, Indian Creek Plaza — a.k.a. the heart of the City of Caldwell — transforms into a winter wonderland of more than one million (yes, one million!) lights. Outdoor mall-and-entertainment hub The Village in Meridian goes all out with the decorations, but if the kids (or you) are too tired for a walk, check out Christmas in Color Drive-Thru at Roaring Springs in Meridian. Tune your radio to the event’s station to sync music with the dazzling lights.

Tee off: With over 13 courses, Southwest Idaho’s golf scene is anything but par for the course. Swing through the mountains, the desert, or wine country. Sinking a putt, jaw-dropping scenery, postgame local feast? Now that’s a hole-in-one.

Leaf Peeping: The colors are changing across the region. Hop in the car, and take a road trip! Drive one of Southwest Idaho’s stunning Scenic Byways. Autumn transforms the landscape into a kaleidoscope of red, gold, and orange. Every mile is a postcard-worthy view. 

Get Spooky: Dare to visit the most haunted destination in the Northwest. The Old Idaho Penitentiary is spooky on a regular day, can you handle it at Halloween? Spine-chilling haunted corridors meet ghost stories at Frightened Felons.

Reel ‘em In: As the temperature cools, the fishing heats up. Whether you want to cast lines in urban rivers or backcountry streams, you’ll find pristine water and the perfect catch. Cast away! 

Fall Fairs: In the heart of the historic North End neighborhood, Camel’s Back Park transforms for the Hyde Park Street Fair. Art, music, vendors, and local flavors. Looking to get a jump on holiday shopping? Check out Middleton’s Fall Craft Bazaar featuring over 70 artisans. 

Wag Away: Calling all dog lovers! Dogtober Fest is a tail-wagging celebration of your best friend. You’ll find costume contests, talent shows, and a dog parade. 

Trailblazing: Cruise past the golden aspens and crimson underbrush. Hike or bike some of Southwest Idaho’s famous single track trails. 

Want to search through specific activities? Check out our Things to Do page and search by activity.

A Sneak Peek at Winter Events in Caldwell