Things to Do in Boise in July 2019

The temperature is likely about to hit its peak for the year this month in Boise, and with it comes a whole host of events, activities, shows, and performances for you to savor. Whether you’re itching to head outside and go full-tilt into the wonder of a Treasure Valley summer, or you’re more the “indoorsy” type and looking for something featuring air conditioning, there’s something for everyone on the calendar this July.

McCall Independence Day: 10 Days of Fourth of July Fun | McCall

June 28-July 7

If you want to get out of town for Independence Day and celebrate in a BIG way, McCall is the place to be! You’ll find events for the whole family over 10 days of fun in McCall this year, including live music, activities, good food, and of course, fireworks. Learn more.

Alive After Five | The Grove Plaza

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

A welcome mid-week break, Boise’s popular Alive After Five comes to downtown every Wednesday. Catch local and regional bands live and free of charge on the Grove Plaza while enjoying food and beverages provided by local vendors. In its 33rd year, Alive After Five is a local staple in live entertainment. Learn more.

City of Boise 4th of July Fireworks | Ann Morrison Park

July 4

Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in the traditional way? The City of Boise’s 4th of July Fireworks display is in its 13th year at Ann Morrison Park, featuring food, fun, and fireworks. This central location allows viewers to see the fireworks from many spots around town, but it’s worth arriving early if you want to snag an optimal spot for viewing. Beer and food vendors will open at 6:00 pm and the fireworks display will begin at 10:15 pm.

Meridian Independence Day | Storey Park

July 4

The City of Meridian will be hosting a family-friendly afternoon and evening of fun at Storey Park. Beginning at 3:00 pm, families can enjoy food vendors, activities, bounce houses, and more! The fireworks will start at dusk and can be viewed from Storey Park or the Meridian Speedway. Learn more.

Eagle Fun Days | Downtown Eagle

July 5-6

The Eagle Fun Days are full of nostalgic, small-town America fun with something for everyone to enjoy. Take the short drive from Boise to Eagle and experience a Wet n’ Wild parade, live music, custom car show, parade, fun run, fireworks, cornhole tournament, food and beverage vendors, and more.

Music on the Mountain | Bogus Basin

July 6 & 20

Family-friendly? Check. Out of the valley’s heat and into the cool mountains? Check. Free? Check. Bogus Basin’s Music on the Mountain 2019 season is beginning July 6th, and you can get in on the fun. Just under an hour drive from Boise, Bogus Basin isn’t only a winter destination: summer activities include horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and of course, the Mountain Coaster. Learn more.

Lavender Festival | The Lavender Merchant

July 6-7

The Lavender Merchant’s annual Lavender Festival is slated for July 6th and 7th this year, featuring lavender-themed food, drinks, and goods to explore. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, you can take in the beauty and fragrance of this aromatic herb in Kuna. The fields will be open for picking and you can sip lavender lemonade while listening to live music, browse vendors, and go home with something unique and handcrafted. Learn more.

Saturday Markets | Various Locations

July 6, 13, 20, 27

On Saturdays throughout the summer and into the fall, you can shop the bounty and enjoy the festivities of Boise’s two downtown markets. The Capital City Public Market on 8th and Idaho features produce, food, beverages, art, clothing, and more. The Boise Farmers Market is a food-centric market featuring local farmers and restaurants and is entering its 2019 season in a new location on Shoreline Drive.

Summer Scavenger Hunt | Old Idaho Penitentiary

July 13

The Old Idaho Penitentiary is hosting its ever-popular Summer Scavenger Hunt this month on July 13 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Get your team together for this all-ages event and search through the history penitentiary site for clues about the site’s history, inmates, and buildings. There will be food vendors on site and you could win an Old Pen Prize Pack and a private tour. Learn more.

ASWB Twilight Criterium | Downtown Boise

July 13

The 33rd annual Twilight Criterium will bring cycling enthusiasts back to downtown Boise again this year. This popular event has drawn crowds of over 12,000 people to Boise to watch the USA Cycling official race. Watch former Olympic medalists and professional and amateur cyclists compete in events throughout the day, or enjoy kid’s races and related entertainment and activities. Learn more.

Gar Hackney Y Not Triathlon | Treasure Valley YMCA

July 13

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, the Gar Hackney “Y Not Tri” is a great option for emerging and veteran athletes alike. This year’s Y Not Tri will be held at Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond. The Treasure Valley YMCA’s popular traditional triathlon features several distance choices to match your preferences and a relay team option.

Movies Under the Stars | Parks throughout Boise

July 13, 20, 27

The Boise Parks and Recreation Department is hosting outdoor movie nights throughout the summer at rotating parks. Movies start at dusk, with outdoor activities and fun sponsored by Parks and Rec begin at 6:00 pm before every showing. July’s lineup includes some family favorites.

• July 13: Bumble Bee at Cassia Park
• July 20: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse at Ann Morrison Park
• July 27: A Dog’s Way Home at Peppermint Park

Grab your blanket and popcorn and head out to one of Boise’s beautiful parks to enjoy the silver screen outdoors. Learn more.

Snake River Stampede | Ford Idaho Center

July 16-20

Head to Nampa for a rip-roaring time at the 104th Snake River Stampede rodeo. This event has a long and proud history and draws people from around the country. Whether you’re going for the mutton busting or the bull riding, you won’t want to miss this year’s stampede.

San Inazio Basque Festival | The Basque Block

July 26-28

Come and experience Basque music, food, dance, and traditions during the San Inazio Festival, hosted by the Boise Basque Center. For over 25 years this annual festival has celebrated Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of the Basques with food and music. Learn about one of Boise’s earliest settler groups and experience the beautiful Basque culture. Learn more.

Run Wild at the Zoo | Zoo Boise

July 27

Visit Boise’s popular local zoo for a fun run like no other! Activities and an after-party make this event even more spectacular. With several courses, this race is designed for kids 2-11 and registration even includes breakfast at the zoo and admission for the day. Zoo Boise’s newest exhibit opens July 17, so there’s even more to see! Learn more.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival: Witness for the Prosecution and The Music Man

Various Dates

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s 42nd season is going strong with Witness for the Prosecution and The Music Man showing throughout the month. Visit ISF’s famous amphitheater under the stars and experience the excitement of live entertainment. Pack your own picnic dinner and drinks or sample from the delicious food available at the theater for an unforgettable night. Learn more.

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