Spring Events in Southwest Idaho

Treefort Music Festival: Creativity pulses through Boise in March. Treefort is a multi-day, multi-venue, and multi-disciplinary festival. The city is flooded with over 500 bands performing at over 60 venues. Treefort also hosts 13 different “forts.” Nourish yourself at Foodfort. Quench your thirst at Alefort. There’s StoryFort, Comedyfort, Yogafort, and more. Creativity blooms around every corner. Come for the tunes, stay for the community. This is one festival you won’t want to miss.

Caldwell Culinary Week: Take your tastebuds on a tour through Caldwell’s finest flavors. For a delicious week and a half, local eateries plate up their most mouthwatering creations. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual consumer, you’ll find something to love as you wander the city and the food scene. Sip a mezcal cocktail while dining on short rib mole at the renowned Amano, one of the New York Times 50 best restaurants in America. Don’t skip the lavender tres leches. Or feast on fresh, seasonal sensations at The Twisted Fig. Savor the flavors. You might just discover your new favorite dish.

Get Green: Mother Nature likes to put on a show in March, and you’re invited! Catch the wildflower and native plants at Kathryn Albertson Park, play a round of disc golf on the river’s edge at Eagle Island State Park, or stroll 30 acres of beautifully curated landscapes at The Idaho Botanical Garden. Cap it off at the Boise Flower and Garden Show, where green thumbs come together.

Race to Robie Creek: Ready to earn some bragging rights? Lace up for the Northwest’s toughest half marathon. This legendary race Race to Robie Creek sends runners on a grueling 2,072-foot ascension through the Boise Foothills. Whether you’re conquering the course or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll love the costumes, live music, and the epic post-race celebration. And the best part? Your sweat supports local charities!

Hikes Galore: Not quite ready for Robie? No sweat! Southwest Idaho’s trails are calling, and there’s something for every pace. Cruise the Boise River Greenbelt which runs 25 miles through the heart of Idaho’s capital. The tree-lined pathway provides pedestrians and bikers access to many of Boise’s beloved river-side parks. Or tackle the Ridges to Rivers trail system. There are 210 miles of trails ranging in difficulty, from short strolls to steep, technical trails. Spring transforms the hills into a canvas of pink, yellow, and blue. No matter your desired challenge level, get out there — your perfect path awaits!

Urban Delights: When the weather turns warm, the Treasure Valley comes out to celebrate. Throughout the region, weekly events highlight local businesses and culture. Tuesdays on the Creek starts in May, and for 20 weeks, downtown Caldwell is filled with live music from both local and touring musicians, dancing, food, wine, and creek-side fun for the whole family. Hunt for fresh produce and delectable treats at the accompanying Farm to Fork Farmer’s Market or join in the First Thursday festivities in Downtown Boise. Art galleries burn the midnight oil, and businesses serve up special events; you’ll want to save your appetite for food AND fun! 

It’s All Greek Here: Opa! Immerse yourself in Greek food and culture at the annual Greek Food Festival. Sample traditional Greek dishes that’ll transport your tastebuds. Work off that baklava with free dance lessons, or just watch! Take a tour of the sanctuary and learn about the history of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Play Outside! Southwest Idaho is stunning in the spring. The outdoor opportunities are endless! Not only can you catch some sunny spring ski days at any of the three mountains, but you can start to play at lower elevations, too. Across the region, you’ll find scenic hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and deep canyons. If you’d rather play on two wheels, build your skills at the Eagle Bike Park, or ride the still-wild backcountry trails on a multi-day bikepacking trip. If you’d rather play on four wheels, Southwest Idaho is the perfect place to be in spring with 500+ miles of national forest and wilderness trails. 

Find the Green: With over 13 courses, you can tee off in the mountains, the desert, or in wine country. It doesn’t get better than playing 18 holes, and then indulging in the best local fare. 

Spot Wildlife: Escape to the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge where you’ll find an oasis for both yourself and migratory wildlife. Add a bird to your life list, kayak across the lake, or go for a hike. The refuge offers opportunities to disconnect and be present, no matter your adventure level. Spot nesting colonies of western and Clark’s grebes, bald eagles, or raptors. There’s plenty of native wildlife to ogle. All you have to do is slow down, relax, unwind, and watch. 

Living History: Set along the edge of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Murphy has lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. But it’s also a great place to let your inner history buff have some fun. Visit the old Murphy Schoolhouse or the Reynolds Creek stage station. Once early summer hits, drive down some Owyhee backroads to visit Silver City, a historic mining town. Once abandoned, the town is now an old West-style ghost town open to the public. Step back in time by staying at the Idaho Hotel. Take a walking tour through town and visit all the sites. 

See History Take Flight: Ignite your appreciation for aviation and military history at the Warhawk Air Museum. The museum has 13 impeccably preserved historic planes. 

Brewskis: Crack open a beer and put your feet up. You can find incredible, delicious, local craft breweries all across the region. Enjoy a riverside walk and a game-filled beer garden at Boise’s Payette Brewery. Or soak up the mountain and lake views from the rooftop in McCall. Salmon River Brewing uses as many local ingredients as possible. Try a microbrewery or a regional powerhouse. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a brewery for you. 

Unwind on the Wine Trail: Sip your way through the Sunnyslope Wine region. Take a day to explore the local wineries on the scenic and tasty Sunnyslope Wine Trail. 

Farm Fresh: The ultimate farm-to-fork experience! Farmer’s Markets across the region are starting up. Sample early spring greens, meet the farmers nurturing the season’s first crops, and taste the promise of abundance to come. Find just-picked produce, artisan goods, and plenty of community spirit.

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