Boise Gears Up for a Landmark Year of New Openings, Culture, Events in 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
John Curtis

(208) 891-2780
John.Curtis@Fahlgren.com

BOISE, Idaho, February 5, 2026 — 2026 will be a standout year for Boise, marked by major developments and headline-worthy events that continue to elevate the city’s national profile. Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s ahead. 

New Dual-Branded Marriott Hotel
and Onsite Restaurant Coming Spring 2026

Boise’s hospitality sector is getting a major boost this spring with the opening of a new dual-branded AC/Element by Westin hotel. The project includes an on-site restaurant called The Boise Post, a rooftop restaurant on the hotel’s 16th floor. It will showcase the city through food with shared-style plates reflecting the local culinary flavors while offering sweeping views, outdoor decks, a central bar and shared-style plates.

Local Culinary Talent Highlighted in James Beard Award Semifinalists

Several Boise chefs, restaurants, and bars were recently named as prestigious James Beard Award semifinalists. Nominees in their respective categories include:

• Outstanding Hospitality: Ansots Basque Chorizos and Catering
• Best New Bar: Bar Please! 
• Best Chef – Mountain:
• – Alex Cardozo, Susina
• – Cal Elliott, The Avery Bar + Brasserie
• – Nathan Whitley, Terroir

New Restaurant Openings

• JUST OPENED: Seattle-based Fire & Vine Hospitality launched its first Idaho location with El Gaucho, a high-end, experiential steakhouse in a beautifully remodeled, historic downtown Boise space. The restaurant brings premium steaks, tableside theatrics, smoked cocktails and multiple private dining rooms. 
• OPENING SOON: Coa Cantina, new Mexican restaurant, is coming to Boise’s Barber Valley. Born from a collaboration of local restaurant groups Sushi Shake, The STIL and Torro Group, the restaurant will feature a tequila-forward bar paired with a family-friendly vibe with tacos, burritos and quesadillas, plus an Asian-Mexican fusion menu with Sushi Shack come spring.
• OPENING SOON: A taste of Germany is coming to downtown with Schnitzel Fritz. The deli will serve up schnitzel and baguette sandwiches, pastries, fresh salads, plus wine and beer. The new spot will add to Boise’s vibrant lineup of 40+ international restaurants. 

Boise Airport Celebrates 100 Years, Record Growth and New Seasonal Nonstop Flights to Anchorage

Travel options from the Boise Airport are expanding with new seasonal nonstop service to/from Anchorage on Alaska Airlines, launching in mid-June 2026. The twice-weekly summer route will run through mid-August.

The new route comes as the Boise Airport marks its 100th year and hits record highs, welcoming more than 5.2 million travelers in 2025, surpassing 5 million passengers for the first time and setting passenger records for the fourth straight year. Traffic climbed nearly 5% over 2024, a gain of more than 238,000 passengers, with overall growth up nearly 76% over the past decade. An impressive 47% of passengers through the Boise Airport live more than 150 miles away or are considered visitors, according to Zartico, meaning this city is on the map for savvy travelers.

Centennial celebrations kick off in April 2026, spotlighting a century of growth alongside Boise’s rise as a business and travel hub.

Athletic Club Boise Kicks Off Soccer at Home Stadium

Professional soccer comes to Boise when AC Boise launches its inaugural home season in April 2026, hosting matches in the club’s new stadium with capacity for 7,225+ fans. The team’s schedule includes robust home competition through the spring and summer, helping grow Boise’s reputation as a sports destination.

Boise’s Iconic Greenbelt Gets Upgrades

Boise’s beloved Greenbelt, a scenic, treelined pathway along the Boise River used by cyclists, walkers, and runners, is slated for significant improvements in 2026 near the AC Boise Stadium site. Planned upgrades include a new 50-acre park, repaving key sections, and enhanced lighting to improve safety and accessibility for users while supporting year-round outdoor activity.

40th Anniversary of The Blue

Boise State’s iconic Blue Turf turns 40 this year. Installed in 1986 at Bronco Stadium (now Albertsons Stadium), it was the first non-green football field in the country and quickly became an iconic symbol of the university and city. BSU has since acquired an impressive trademark to protect it, with any schools or turf manufacturers needing to seek licensing permission to install non-green colors. To mark this year’s big milestone, the turf will be replaced this fall ahead of BSU’s football season, launching the next 40 years of Broncos football on The Blue.

Looking ahead, Boise’s momentum doesn’t stop with new developments. The city’s event lineup brings a full slate of can’t-miss-moments. Here are just three examples:

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Show Comes to Albertsons Stadium | June 6

Excitement will roar into Boise when the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tour rolls into Albertsons Stadium later this year, offering high-adrenaline action and family entertainment for motorsport enthusiasts of all ages.

IRONMAN Returns for a Second Year | July 25

The globally recognized IRONMAN 70.3 Boise triathlon is set to make its return in 2026 following a successful inaugural event, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world and reinforcing Boise’s reputation as a hub for world-class endurance events.

Banana Ball World Tour Heads to Boise | July 31 – Aug. 1

Fans of fun, fast-paced baseball will be thrilled that the Banana Ball World Tour is coming to Boise State’s iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. This lively, entertainment-forward take on baseball brings big personalities, unique rules, and family-friendly fun to Boise for the first time.A full list of events coming to Boise can be found at visitboise.com/events/

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About Visit Boise: Boise is a rare blend of accessible outdoors and eclectic urban offerings. This city, with a river running through it, boasts unlimited recreation, interesting and unique sites and attractions, and diverse cultural offerings. The mission of Visit Boise is to inspire people to explore Boise. Find out more at VisitBoise.com.