Things to Do in Boise in May 2019

With Memorial Day right around the corner, Boise is entering the beautiful month of May with a full calendar and plenty of fun to offer for everyone. In Boise, May means blue skies, climbing temperatures in the low 70s, spring flowers, and the beginning of outdoor events. It’s the perfect time to take a hike in the foothills, visit one of the valley’s gorgeous parks, bike along the Greenbelt, or enjoy dinner on a sunny patio. Add these events to your May itinerary and experience all the fun of a Boise spring.

Spring Boise Parade of Homes 2019 | Ada County

April 27 - May 12th

Whether you are looking for a new home or simply to find fresh ideas, the Boise Parade of Homes 2019 is an excellent source of inspiration. The 63nd annual Spring Parade features the latest and greatest in new construction from some of Idaho’s finest home builders. Many of the homes are for sale, while others are pre-sold but all the homes offer innovative architecture, elegant design and inspiring décor. Learn more.

Boise Music Week | Various Locations

May 2-12

This year marks the 100th Boise Music Week, a robust festival that has been happening since 1919. Boise Music Week features a full calendar of events for you to take in, including International Dance Night, Music in the Park, Song of the Basque, Church Night, children’s activities, and culminating in a performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie. You won’t want to miss this annual event and its celebration of everything music! Learn more.

First Thursday | Downtown Boise

May 2

Every first Thursday of the month, downtown Boise becomes an even more welcoming place. Merchants host events, offer discounts and open their doors for you to experience downtown in a new way. This month, for Idaho Gives Month, many stores are offering special promotional events to support local causes. Get in on the fun and see a full list of happenings on the Downtown Boise Association website. Learn more.

Ballet Idaho Presents Cinderella | Morrison Center

May 3-4

Experience the enchantment of Edwaard Liang’s retelling of the classic fairytale with the breathtaking choreography of Ballet Idaho. The surreal world of Cinderella will come to life and delight all ages in this modern but classical performance.

Boise Cars & Coffee | The Village at Meridian

May 4

The Intermountain Exotic Car Show is parking some sweet rides (plus delicious pastry and coffee) at the Village at Meridian this month. Check out the rare cars while sipping coffee and support the Idaho Food Bank. Learn more.

Farmers Markets | Downtown Boise

May 4, 11, 18, 25

Boise's farmers' markets, The Capital City Public Market and Boise Farmers Market, are in full swing, giving you a chance to grab fresh local produce and goodies every Saturday morning. The Capital City Public Market runs every Saturday from 9:30 am-1:30 pm and features a plethora of vendors, from coffee and tea to art and apparel. The Boise Farmers Market has recently moved to a bigger location on Shoreline Drive and offers food-centric vendors with local produce and beverages.

David Sedaris | The Egyptian Theater

May 7

The beloved humorist, writer, and NPR contributor David Sedaris is bringing his signature sarcasm and wit to Boise on May 7th. This event is sure to be an evening full of Sedaris’s sardonic humor and uproarious anecdotes.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure | Albertson Headquarters

May 11

The annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is an event that brings community members together to combat breast cancer. Support the Susan G. Komen foundation and their ambitious goal to reduce breast cancer deaths by 50% by 2026 this month. Register today! Learn more.

National Public Gardens Day and Plant Sale | Idaho Botanical Garden

May 12

Every year, the Idaho Botanical Garden celebrates National Public Gardens Day with free admission, and this year, the event coincides with Mother’s Day and their annual plant sale. What better way to celebrate Mom than strolling through the gorgeous grounds of the Idaho Botanical Garden with a picnic basket and then buying her a few plants? Learn more.

Mother’s Day Paint n’ Sip | Solid Grill & Bar

May 12

Call your mom and tell her you love her, and also that you bought tickets to the Mother’s Day Paint n’ Sip at Solid Bar & Grill this month. Your ticket gets you all the supplies and instruction you need to create an artistic bouquet of roses, with bottomless mimosas (sold separately).

Mother’s Day Wine Tasting | Indian Creek Winery

May 12

There’s something for every mom at the Mother’s Day Wine Tasting event at Indian Creek Winery. Food trucks, sweets, and live music will complement the wine tasting and available wine for sale at this event, while kid’s activities and a bouncy slide will keep the little ones entertained. Get your tickets ahead of time, since this event is a local favorite and often sells out.

Mother’s Day Brunch | Zoo Boise

May 12

Zoo Boise’s annual Mother’s Day brunch features a fun-filled day for the whole family with a special gift for mothers. A buffet breakfast will be served with a special zookeepers talk, and the rest of the day, guests are free to explore the zoo. Learn more.

Russian Food Festival | St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church

May 17-18

Celebrate Russian food, beer, and music with St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church on the 17th and 18th this month. Feast on Russian crepes, stroganoff, borscht, piroshki, and other traditional fare, and don’t forget dessert. Learn more.

Boise Philharmonic: Russian Romantics | Morrison Center

May 18

Join the Boise Phil for an evening of Russian music, featuring the celebrated soloist Stéphane Tétreault. The performance will feature Rachmaninoff’s epic Symphony No. 2 and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, with an elegant cello solo.

Romp in the Swamp | The Village at Meridian

May 18

Families are invited to this unique and exciting event when the Village at Meridian will be transformed into Shrek’s swamp filled with fairytale creatures! Live performances, activities, character interactions, and more will be available for all ages to enjoy. All proceeds benefit the Treasure Valley Children’s Theater, so don’t miss out. Learn more.

Famous Idaho Potato Marathon | YMCA Treasure Valley

May 18

This popular annual run features 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon distances on shady, pleasant, fast courses. Enjoy an Idaho-style baked potato after your race and celebrate fitness with your whole family at the finisher’s festival. Learn more.

The Taming of the Shrew | Idaho Shakespeare Festival

May 24, 25, 26, 31

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is back with its 42nd season in their storied amphitheater under the stars. Backed by the Boise foothills, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s unique outdoor stage and world-class production have made the summer-long event wildly popular. Don’t miss the first play of the 2019 season, Shakespeare’s rollicking battle of the sexes, The Taming of the Shrew. Learn more.

Garden Bros Circus | Expo Idaho

May 24-26

The all-new 2019 Garden Bros Circus will be in Boise May 24-26, delighting individuals of all ages with stunning acts and routines. Families will be awed by the 100-minute performance featuring aerial artists, motorcyclists, camels, jugglers, clowns, and more.

Idaho Wine and Cider Month Kick Off Event

May 31

Join the kick off of June's Idaho Wine Month with 20 top wineries and cider makers in Boise landmark, Freak Alley. Hosted by the Idaho Wine Commission and Juniper on 8th, tickets are $15 at the door for a stemless wine glass and five pours. Pro tip: You can tour Boise wineries and tasting rooms any time of the year without leaving the city. Learn more.

Suite Surrender | Boise Little Theater

May 31, June 1, 7, 8, 14, 15

It’s the 1940s, and two of Hollywood’s biggest female stars arrived at the Palm Beach Royale Hotel, and an epic feud ensues. This hilarious romp features all the intrigued, laughs, and drama you’d expect of a classic 40s play. Don’t miss out! Learn more.

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