Whether you’re a history buff or not, it’s easy to see why the Old Idaho Penitentiary draws a regular crowd of visitors. When it first began operating in 1872 and throughout its 101-year history as Idaho’s state prison, it was home to some of the West’s most notorious criminals. Its infamous inhabitants included the man dubbed “Idaho’s Jack the Ripper,” the assassin of Idaho’s fourth governor, and even an alleged member of Butch Cassidy’s nefarious gang.

Built of sandstone from the nearby quarry by prisoners’ labor, the Old Pen building is a unique and fascinating sight. It finally closed its doors in December of 1973 after two destructive prisoner riots, and today, the cells, solitary confinement quarters, and gallows room still stand as a

Thanks to our vibrant autumnal foliage and historically mild weather, Halloween isn’t just a holiday favorite among kids.

For parents – especially those scouting out a potential move – Halloween is like a walking open house of Boise neighborhoods. The holiday offers everyone a unique opportunity to explore a new area of the valley, and appreciate the unique charm and architecture that each neighborhood possesses.

Join us as we take a look at Boise’s best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating this Halloween.

North End

Boise’s North End is famous for its Halloween spirit. Most neighbors participate in the fun with ornate decorations and free-flowing candy, which has long made it a popular choice for trick-or-treating.

As one of the city’s

October is the official beginning of autumn and brings brilliant colors and seasonal fun to the Treasure Valley. As we begin the fast slide into the holidays, Boise’s calendar is full to the brim with local favorites and popular annual entertainment including many fun things to do with kids. From fall festivals to restaurant week, this month is a busy one in the City of Trees. Add these must-do events to your calendar and make this October one to remember.

First Thursday | Downtown Boise

Oct 3

Experience downtown Boise in a new way with First Thursday events, specials, and discounts. Downtown merchants make First Thursdays special with product demonstrations, live music, dining specials, and more. Learn more.

Light the Night Walk | Cecil

Autumn in Boise is a beautiful time of year and puts the local community into a festive spirit. Harvest festivals, Oktoberfests, Halloween Trick-or-Treating, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more are on the calendar throughout the Treasure Valley. We've rounded up the best of the fall events and listed them here for you.

The Haunted World

Caldwell, Sep 13-Oct 31 (closed Sundays)

Make no bones about it, the Haunted World in Caldwell is Idaho’s scariest haunted house and Halloween attraction. This attraction is both indoor and outdoor and will treat you to nearly two hours or nightmarish fear. Learn more.

The Farmstead Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival

Kuna, Sep 20-Oct 30

The Farmstead in Kuna prides itself on being Idaho’s “original corn

September is the beginning of the crisp, stunningly beautiful autumn season in the Treasure Valley. Get ready for cool mornings, evenings full of cricket chirps, and a list of events you won’t want to miss. Fall in Boise comes with some favorite annual events many locals attend every year, so add these happenings to your September calendar.

Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic | Ann Morrison Park

Aug 28-Sept 1

The annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is a beloved local event that fills the sky with whimsical, bright-colored hot air balloons. Every year, Ann Morrison park becomes a staging grounds for balloon enthusiasts to launch and give rides. Check out spiritofboise.com for a full schedule of events, including night launches, free rides for

One of the most unique things about living in Boise is this: no matter where you are in the city, even driving through the busiest intersections or in the heart of downtown, you’re always only minutes away from pockets of quiet, serene, outdoor paradise. One such pocket of paradise is the Idaho Botanical Garden.

Just off Warm Springs Avenue and built into the Boise Foothills, the Idaho Botanical Garden is a year-round living museum with stunning examples of natural beauty.

The Garden features 14 acres of native and exotic plants and is a local favorite for calming strolls, events, picnics, and family play. The Garden operates as a private, non-profit organization, relying on the donations and membership fees of invested patrons, and has thrived

Summer may be winding down, but the events and fun certainly aren’t. Boise’s last hurrah or two before everyone heads back to school happen in August, while temperatures are firmly in the “summer” category. There’s plenty of time to catch an outdoor concert or movie, head up to the Lucky Peak Lake recreation area and sit on the beach, or dine outside at one of the many food festivals happening this month. Add these events to your calendar this month and enjoy all the City of Trees has to offer!

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

All month

Great theater in the great outdoors—that’s what the Idaho Shakespeare Festival promises and delivers, time and time again. The Shakespeare Fest is a beloved local entertainment option, and during the month of

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,

Just eight minutes outside of Boise sits a local gem: Lucky Peak State Park.

With sandy beaches for swimming, picnic pavilions, a marina, boat ramps, fishing, and outdoor fun, the Lucky Peak recreation area is a favorite weekend spot for Boise residents for good reason. It’s an oasis, a welcoming escape from city life, just minutes from the doorstep of most local’s homes. The Boise River Greenbelt ends at Lucky Peak, making it a favorite destination for cyclists and runners.

Lucky Peak is made up of three distinct day-use areas, and this chain of outstanding parks is an icon of the Boise area. Bring the whole family to Sandy Point for a day at Boise’s beloved beach and enjoy the swimming and shaded picnic areas.

Experience a day on the water

School’s out, the weather is warming up, and summer has officially arrived in the Treasure Valley. With it comes a whole host of events to pack your calendar, including outdoor concerts, family-friendly fun, entertainment, food festivals, and more! Boise comes alive during the summer with ample opportunities to relax, hit the water, dine on a patio, or hike the foothills. Add these events to your calendar to kickstart your summer with a bang.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

June All Month

June is a busy month for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, one of Boise’s most unique and popular outdoor entertainment options. This June, the renowned troupe will be featuring The Taming of the Shrew, Witness for the Prosecution, and The Music Man in the famous