This Is Boise

This Is Boise Boise’s top guide for local flavor, culture, and events. This Is Boise highlights best of news, entertainment, and local hangouts! Everything Boise.

Find more at www.thisisboise.com.

01/01/2026

New year. New beginnings. New opportunities to make it your best year ever.

🎉 WHAT TO DO THIS NEW YEAR’S EVENew Year’s Eve in Boise brings a mix of iconic community celebrations, family-friendly a...
12/30/2025

🎉 WHAT TO DO THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

New Year’s Eve in Boise brings a mix of iconic community celebrations, family-friendly activities, and more. Here's our guide to NYE in the Boise area.

🥔 IDAHO POTATO DROP
Boise’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration, with the iconic glowing giant potato “drop” at midnight over downtown. The free, all-ages event includes live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a fireworks show as the giant GlowTato descends to usher in 2026. It’s a classic Boise tradition!
🕖 Festivities begin at noon | Potato Drop at 12:00 AM
Visit the for more info!

👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

The Garden City Library offers a quieter option with storytime, simple crafts, and a festive noon celebration for younger children.

“Let’s GLOW Crazy!” at Big Al’s
A glow-in-the-dark family party with bowling, arcade games, neon lights, and a balloon drop — a fun, energetic option for kids and teens before bedtime.


🎊 OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

New Year’s Eve at The Adelmann
A stylish NYE party with music, dancing, and a celebratory atmosphere.


The Riverside Hotel – “Last Call” NYE Ballroom Party
New Year with dinner, dancing, and a festive crowd in the Grand Ballroom.


Rooftop New Year’s Eve at The Highlander
Ring in the New Year from above downtown Boise at the rooftop bar atop Hotel Renegade. City views, music, craft cocktails, and a midnight toast.

🍽️ NYE DINNER

Barbacoa – Black & Red Gala with DJ, themed party vibe, and midnight toast.


Stardust – A vibrant downtown destination with mid-century modern style, craft cocktails, and a thoughtful dinner menu perfect for a memorable New Year’s Eve meal.

The Avery – Refined three-course chef’s tasting New Year’s Eve menu.


Bacquet’s (Eagle) – Four-course pre-fixe dinner with a glass of champagne.


Chandlers – Special NYE prix-fixe dinner.


Coa Del Mar – Curated set menu with complimentary caviar cart options.


Fork / Álavita / 8 Horses Lounge – Seasonal features and dinner before you head out for festivities.


Saltbrush – Five-course menu with live jazz music for a celebratory early dinner.


🍸 BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Barbacoa – NYE party vibes with DJ and champagne toast.


Coa De Jima – Noche de Mascarada party with midnight toast and late-night tacos.


Funky Taco – Free NYE bash with live music; great for casual early evening plans.


Thick as Thieves – Intimate NYE speakeasy party with reserved seating and midnight toast.


And many, many more.

🎉 IT’S A 2000s NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY GIVEAWAY Ring in New Year’s Eve with a full Y2K throwback. It’s A 2000’s Party is ta...
12/29/2025

🎉 IT’S A 2000s NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY GIVEAWAY

Ring in New Year’s Eve with a full Y2K throwback. It’s A 2000’s Party is taking over the Knitting Factory in Boise on Wednesday, December 31st, bringing back the music, fashion, and energy of the 2000s!

Expect nonstop hits from Beyoncé, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, and more — from pop anthems to hip-hop and rock classics that defined the decade.

Want to win TWO free tickets? Here’s how to enter:

🎉 Like this post
🎉 Tag your New Year’s Eve crew — each tag = an entry
🎉 Share this post to your story for an extra shot at winning
🎉 Follow This Is Boise and Knitting Factory [Boise]

A winner will be selected soon — come party your way into the new year, 2000s style. 🕛✨

🎄 WHAT TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS DAY AND WEEKENDThis weekend is a little different than most, without major events, and most ...
12/24/2025

🎄 WHAT TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS DAY AND WEEKEND

This weekend is a little different than most, without major events, and most places are closed on Christmas. Here are our recommendations on what to do on Christmas and Christmas weekend!

✨ VISIT A HOLIDAY LIGHTS DESTINATION
Holiday lights will end soon, but this is the perfect weekend to get out there if you haven’t already! Walk through Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell, check out Scentsy Commons in Meridian, or drive through Christmas in Color at Roaring Springs Waterpark . For a bigger experience later in the weekend, plan a night at Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the most immersive light displays in the valley.

🛷 GO SLEDDING OR TUBING
If you’re itching to get outside, there are local options for tubing and sledding like Gateway Parks at Eagle Island State Park. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area's tubing hill is currently open, while most of the usual options a couple of hours north are still closed.

🚌 TAKE A HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
Boise Trolley Tours and The Wagon Boise both offer holiday lights tours that make for a fun group night or date night. Or you can also build your own route and do a self-guided tour using local Christmas light maps from Boise Christmas Lights

🍽️ EAT OUT — LET SOMEONE ELSE COOK
If you’re skipping the kitchen this year, BoiseDev has a solid Christmas Day restaurant list to reference before heading out on their website.

Local options that typically stay open include Chandlers for a classic holiday dinner, Cottonwood Grille for a relaxed seasonal meal, Kona Grill for steak and seafood, Black Bear Diner for traditional comfort food, and popular Chinese spots like Great Wall and China Grand Buffet, which are longtime Christmas Day favorites.

🎬 SEE A MOVIE
Christmas Day movies are a classic family activity. This year has a strong lineup of new releases. Family-friendly picks include Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, while big-screen fans can catch Avatar: Fire and Ash. If you’re in the mood for something darker, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is also out this weekend.

📺 STREAM YOUR FAVORITES
Holiday classics, seasonal movies, and new releases make Christmas night and weekend perfect for curling up with blankets and snacks. The next Stranger Things release takes place on Christmas Day.

🎤 HANNAH BERNER COMEDY GIVEAWAY

Comedian and podcaster is bringing her stand-up to the Morrison Center in Boise on Thu...
12/23/2025

🎤 HANNAH BERNER COMEDY GIVEAWAY

Comedian and podcaster is bringing her stand-up to the Morrison Center in Boise on Thursday, January 15th!

Known for her sharp takes on dating, relationships, and modern life, Hannah blends observational humor with crowd-favorite stories you’ve probably already seen clips of online.

Want free tickets? Here’s how to enter:

🎤 Like this post
🎤 Tag the friend to bring with you — each tag = an entry
🎤 Share this post to your story for an extra chance to win!
🎤 Follow and

A winner will be selected soon!

🗓️ WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND🏃 YMCA CHRISTMAS RUNKick off the weekend with one of the Treasure Valley’s favorite holiday tr...
12/19/2025

🗓️ WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

🏃 YMCA CHRISTMAS RUN
Kick off the weekend with one of the Treasure Valley’s favorite holiday traditions. This festive run and walk includes multiple distance options, holiday costumes, and a fun post-race atmosphere. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, it’s a great way to start the day and get into the Christmas spirit.
📅 Saturday, December 20 | 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Boise High School, Boise - Treasure Valley Family YMCA

🎄 BELIEVE
This family-friendly holiday event invites kids to wear their Christmas pajamas and enjoy hands-on crafts, cookie decorating, and a Polar Express story time. A special visitor from the North Pole will also be stopping by, making it a fun and festive stop for younger kids.
📅 Saturday, December 20 | 10 AM–2 PM
📍 Children's Museum of Idaho , Meridian

🩰 THE NUTCRACKER – BOISE BALLET ACADEMY
Boise Ballet Academy brings this classic holiday ballet to the Nampa Civic Center for a limited run. The production features traditional choreography, festive costumes, and familiar music that make it a seasonal favorite for families and ballet fans alike.
📅 December 19th – 21st
📍 Nampa Civic Center, Nampa

🦁 ZOO BOISE 3-DOLLAR ADMISSION SATURDAY
Zoo Boise’s holiday break pricing makes it easy to enjoy a winter visit without the usual cost. Saturday kicks off the 3-dollar admission days, giving families a budget-friendly way to explore the zoo, see winter-active animals, and enjoy a relaxed seasonal outing.
📅 Saturday, December 20 | 10 AM–5 PM (last admission 4 PM)
📍 Zoo Boise , Boise

🎁 8TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BARZAAR AT THE MODE LOUNGE
Sip and shop at this popular holiday pop-up featuring a curated lineup of local makers. Expect handcrafted gifts, art, jewelry, body care, home décor, and seasonal treats — all inside one of Boise’s most iconic cocktail lounges. This is a 21+ event and a great stop for last-minute holiday shopping.
📅 Saturday, December 20 | 12 PM–4 PM
📍 The Mode Lounge, 800 W Idaho St, Boise

12/17/2025

🏈 IDAHO POTATO BOWL ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE GIVEAWAY 🥔

One of Boise’s longest-running winter sports traditions returns to Albertsons Stadium on December 22nd!

Utah State and Washington State will be looking to finish their seasons strong with a cold weather win in Boise!

The Idaho Potato Bowl and This Is Boise are giving away 4 loge-level seats to the game!

What you get with loge seating:

🔥 Heaters
🍸 In seat wait service
📺 A private TV inside the loge
🐴 Access to the Bronco Zone
👀 Some of the best views of the stadium

It’s a great way to experience the game!
 
🎟 HOW TO ENTER:

🏈 You must follow and to win
🏈 Like this post
🏈 Tag the people you’d bring with you - more tags = more entries!
🏈 Share this post to your story for a bonus entry!
 
The winner will be announced on Saturday, so don’t wait!
 
Cold weather, college football, and heated seats on the blue turf.

The holidays get busy fast. Sometimes it’s nice to not think about cooking at all!🍕 If you’re craving a real New York st...
12/16/2025

The holidays get busy fast. Sometimes it’s nice to not think about cooking at all!

🍕 If you’re craving a real New York style slice here in Idaho, is a solid move. Their dough is made with filtered water, just like NYC, for the perfect crust!

They’ve got more than just pizza too, with really good subs, pastas, and those “Bronx Boy” ice cream sandwiches made with fresh, house made cookies.

🍕 What to know: 

• Authentic New York style pizza with NYC filtered water dough
• Drive thru on Ten Mile for quick pick ups
• Full restaurant on Linder Road
• Subs, pasta, and house made dessert options
• Dough Rewards program for regulars

If you’re hosting people, feeding family, or just giving yourself a break during the holidays, let Johnny Bronx handle dinner!

📍Johnny Bronx has two locations in Meridian:

🍕 4970 N Linder Rd, Meridian, ID
🍕 150 S Ten Mile Rd, Meridian, ID (with drive-thru)

🟢 SHREK RAVE GIVEAWAY (21+)Shrek Rave is coming back to the Knitting Factory on Friday, December 19th, 2025 for its usua...
12/13/2025

🟢 SHREK RAVE GIVEAWAY (21+)

Shrek Rave is coming back to the Knitting Factory on Friday, December 19th, 2025 for its usual swamp-themed party you won't forget. Expect loud music, green glow, wild energy, and plenty of Shrek-inspired chaos.

Want to win 2 tickets? Here’s how to enter:

🎉 Like this post
🎉 Tag your rave crew in the comments — each tag = an entry
🎉 Share this post to your story for an extra shot at winning
🎉 Follow This Is Boise and Knitting Factory [Boise]

The winner will be announced soon!

🗓️ WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKENDPeak holiday season is nearing fast, and there are plenty of local events to keep you busy or ...
12/12/2025

🗓️ WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Peak holiday season is nearing fast, and there are plenty of local events to keep you busy or in the spirit of the season!

🎨 CHILDREN’S WINTERLAND FESTIVAL
A free, magical holiday celebration just for kids! Hosted by Meridian Parks & Recreation, this festival features creative Christmas crafts, fun games, and a memorable photo with Santa. Two full rooms of activities mean plenty of indoor winter fun for families.
📅 Saturday, December 13 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Meridian Homecourt, 936 Taylor Ave, Meridian
City of Meridian, Idaho - Government

🩰 THE NUTCRACKER – BALLET IDAHO
Boise Ballet’s joyful holiday tradition returns with multiple performances of The Nutcracker! This beloved seasonal show features enchanting choreography and classical music — perfect for a family outing. Showtimes vary throughout the weekend with matinee and evening performances.
📅 Saturday & Sunday, December 13–14 (multiple showtimes including afternoon & evening)
📍 The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts , Boise

🚲 HOLIDAY KIDS BIKE GIVEAWAY
Spread holiday cheer while helping local kids! The Boise Bicycle Project’s annual Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway provides hundreds of “dream bikes” to children in need, with community donations and volunteer efforts making it possible. This event typically culminates in a joyful morning of giving.
📅 Saturday morning, December 13 (time typically earlier in the day)
📍 Boise Bicycle Project Visit for details.

🍜 RAMEN RAVE
Fuel your weekend with food, art, and music at this fun fusion event. DJs and chefs team up for a lively evening of beats and bowls at Shrine Social Club — doors open in the early evening and the party goes late.
📅 Saturday, December 13 | Doors 7:00 PM
📍 Shrine Social Club (Basement), Boise

🏈 BOISE STATE vs WASHINGTON – LA BOWL
College football fans won’t want to miss this postseason bowl game as the Broncos face the Huskies! The matchup is set for Saturday night in Los Angeles, with kickoff in the early evening Pacific time — perfect for hosting a watch party if you’re not heading to SoFi Stadium.
📅 Saturday, December 13 | Kickoff 6:00 PM MT

12/09/2025

Help us find a local nonprofit to support! FUNDSY is currently searching for its next beneficiary and we need your help. 

If you know a nonprofit planning to upgrade, build, or expand their space to better serve our local community, tag them below or share this post with them. 👇 You can also comment FUNDSY on this reel and we’ll send you the direct link to get more information and apply. 

✨ABOUT FUNDSY

FUNDSY has helped nearly 50 Treasure Valley nonprofits complete major renovations and facility expansions since 1967 — including the YMCA, TRICA, the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, The Discovery Center, the Idaho Youth Ranch, and many more.

⏳ The application deadline is coming up fast. Comment FUNDSY and we’ll send it your way.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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