Events for the 4th of July 2023

  Although 4th of July falls on a Tuesday this year, there are still plenty of events to celebrate, no matter where you live in the Treasure Valley. It is almost time to get your red, white, and blue on and celebrate our Nation’s 247th year of independence in style with these events!   4th of July Parade - Downtown Boise: The 4th of July Parade through downtown Boise is a time honored tradition and is making a comeback after 3 years of cancellations! This event will begin with a reading of the Declaration of Independence in front of the Capital at 9:17am, followed by the parade at 10am. The Parade will begin on 11th and Jefferson, pass in front of the Capitol until 4th street, and then return back to 11th street on Bannock. Come down to downtown Boise on the 4th to celebrate and experience this fun parade!   Fun on the 4th - Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell: Credit: Juan Salamanca on Pexels For those in the Caldwell community, there will be a community celebration in the Indian Creek Plaza! Perfect for kids, this event will have splash pads and a dunk tank to stay cool, a foam pit AND foam cannon for some top notch foam fights. There will also be an array of food trucks for dinner, dessert and snacks. Bring the whole family to this fun event taking place July 4th from 5pm - 9pm!   4th of July Fireworks Celebration - Ann Morrison Park, Boise: Another classic Boise 4th of July tradition is the bright and exciting firework show in Ann Morrison Park put on by the City of Boise! This event begins at 6pm, with a variety of vendors serving food and drinks at Ann Morrison (including beer and wine for those over 21). This year, a new addition of an interactive fountain will make its debut at the park. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:15pm. Come grab dinner or a drink, bring a chair or a blanket to sit on, and enjoy the fireworks with your Boise community!   Grand fireworks display - Storey Park, Meridian: For those in the Meridian Community, the Meridian City and Meridian Speedway will be having a family friendly 4th of July celebration at Storey Park. There will be food trucks, including Italian ice, pizza cones, kettle corn, and tacos (among others) onsite at 4pm for tasty snacks and local eats. Live music starts at 7pm, and fireworks will begin around 10:15 pm at the back of the park by the Speedway. This event is the perfect opportunity to get out in the community and enjoy some fireworks, food trucks, and music!   4th of July Fun Run - Fairview Golf Course: For those wanting to get a little physical activity in on the 4th, there will be a 1k and 5k fun run at Fairview Golf Course. The race starts at 7am, and is followed by a 9am parade in downtown Caldwell. Enjoy the fresh morning air before the heat hits and bring your friends and family for this short fun run!

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6 Best Sightseeing Spots in Idaho

  Credit: Perry Kibler on Unsplash Idaho’s natural beauty is the state’s biggest draw and never ceases to amaze even lifelong residents. The vast contrast from breathtaking mountain peaks, expansive valleys with rugged rivers running through, and every landscape in between makes sightseeing in Idaho a worthy undertaking. With the summer just beginning, now is the perfect time to explore this great state and check out these 6 best sightseeing spots!   Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Photo Attribution: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash The Sawtooths are an iconic Idaho mountain range, known for sharp peaks and stunning alpine lakes. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area has over 700 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels and length. Trails often lead to campgrounds and alpine lakes, making this area very popular for backpacking. Perfect for a 5 mile hike or an overnight trip, the Sawtooths are sure to deliver stunning views!   Redfish Lake: Photo Attribution: Photo by Jay Miller on Unsplash Redfish Lake is the largest alpine lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and sits near Stanley, Idaho. With crystal clear water and inspiring views of the Sawtooths, Redfish is the perfect setting for recreational activities including boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, and swimming. Redfish Lake Lodge also sits on this lake, offering a laid back resort atmosphere with cabins available to rent. With the hot summer weather and the cold lake water, now is the perfect time to head up to Stanley and take in the views lakeside!   Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area: Photo by Kaija Zoller As the deepest river gorge in North America, Hell’s Canyon is an incredible place to hike, fish, and boat. Hell’s Canyon sits in western Idaho and the Snake River runs through it. A hiking trail that follows the river offers views of the bigger-than-life vistas of surrounding mountains and the river, as well as lush foliage and wildlife including elk, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep (with an occasional sighting of bears and bobcats). Hell’s Canyon offers a remote break from civilization, a chance to reconnect with nature and take in remarkable views.   City of Rocks National Reserve: Photo by Kaija Zoller Full of unique rock structures jutting out of the earth, the City of Rocks National Reserve is popular with recreationalists participating in activities such as rock climbing, hunting, and hiking. The scenery here is unlike anything else in Idaho with towering granite structures and arches that were slowly eroded over millions of years. Remnants from previous civilizations still remain in this other-wordly landscape, including names of emigrants from the California wagon train still engraved in rock. This unique landscape is an Idaho must-see!   Bruneau Dunes State Park: Photo attribution: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash Located a little over an hour away from Boise, the Bruneau Dunes are sand dunes that reach a height of 450 feet and are a popular camping and daytrip area for Boiseans. A family favorite activity at the Bruneau Dunes is sand boarding, which is similar to snowboarding but involves sliding down the sand instead of snow. This State Park also has the Bruneau Observatory, which is the largest telescope available for public viewing in Idaho. Campsites are plentiful but must be reserved ahead of time. These expansive sand dunes offer a unique experience unlike anything else in Idaho!   Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: Photo attribution: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash Created from a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a unique landscape of hardened lava rocks and sagebrush in Southern Idaho. This Preserve offers a variety of exploration options, which range from exploring lava caves, hiking up to the volcanic cone or to a crater, or even a short hike that highlights an ancient tree encased in lava. This rocky, post-apocalyptic landscape is an one of a kind sightseeing adventure that is begging to be explored!    

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Summer Events in Boise 2023

  As the summer sun graces Boise with its warmth, the city comes alive with a myriad of activities and events that cater to every taste. Whether you seek adventure in the great outdoors, an immersion in local culture, or a memorable musical experience, Boise offers an array of exciting opportunities. Embrace the magic of summer, explore the wonders of the city, and create unforgettable memories in the vibrant heart of Idaho. Embrace Nature's Majesty: Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Boise is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. As summer casts its glow, embark on exhilarating adventures such as hiking through the picturesque Boise Foothills or kayaking along the scenic Boise River. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area or go boating on the pristine waters of Lucky Peak Reservoir. Nature lovers will find their hearts content in Boise's wild backyard. Outdoor & Farmer’s Markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting any of the area's outdoor and farmer’s markets, held every week during the summer season. The Boise Farmer’s Market, located downtown, offers an abundance of fresh produce, local artisan crafts, delectable treats, and live music. Connect with the community, support local farmers, and experience the flavors of Idaho through the diverse array of goods available. Boise Music Festival: Prepare for a day of unforgettable entertainment at the Boise Music Festival, a spectacular outdoor celebration of music, food, and fun. Boasting multiple stages, this event features a diverse range of musical genres, including country, rock, pop, and hip-hop. Indulge in delicious local cuisine, peruse the craft vendors, and revel in the infectious energy that fills the air. Outdoor Concerts at the Idaho Botanical Garden: Escape into the serene beauty of the Idaho Botanical Garden and enjoy live music performances amidst nature's embrace. Throughout the summer, Outlaw Field hosts a series of concerts featuring talented artists from various genres. Savor the enchanting melodies while surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery—an experience that blends music and nature seamlessly. Alive After Five: Every Wednesday evening, downtown Boise comes alive with the Alive After Five concert series, a beloved community event featuring live music performances, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere. Join the locals as they gather at The Grove Plaza to dance, sing along, and celebrate the joy of summer evenings with great music and good company.  

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