Boise Gears Up for a Summer of New Openings, Seasonal Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
John Curtis

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

BOISE, Idaho (June 5, 2026) – Summer is in full swing in Boise, fueled by new hotel openings, expanded flight routes and a packed lineup of seasonal events, making the city the ideal, affordable summer vacation destination. Here are a few examples of what’s new and happening right now.

LOCAL CULINARY TALENT HIGHLIGHTED IN JAMES BEARD AWARD FINALISTS
Boise’s culinary scene continues to earn national acclaim, with two local chefs advancing to the prestigious James Beard Award finalists round this spring:

• Outstanding Hospitality: Ansots Basque Chorizos and Catering
• Best New Bar: Bar Please! 

Earlier this year, Boise also saw strong representation among the semifinalists in the Best Chef – Mountain category, including Alex Cardozo (Susina), Cal Elliott (The Avery Bar + Brasserie) and Nathan Whitley (Terroir), further underscoring the city’s reputation as a standout culinary destination. Final winners will be named at the annual awards ceremony later this month. 

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

• JUST OPENED: Bluebird Social, Boise’s newest outdoor social hub, is a boutique riverside venue built for summer. Live music from local to national touring acts, a curated food park open 6 days a week for lunch and dinner.
• JUST OPENED: A new dual-branded AC Hotel/Element by Marriott in the heart of downtown. The property boasts 296 rooms and incredible views of the surrounding Boise foothills from the 16th-floor restaurant, The Boise Post. The menu showcases Idaho through food, highlighting local culinary flavors with a global twist. Guests and locals alike can gather over outdoor deck seating, a central bar and shared-style plates.
• .JUST OPENED: AC Boise, the city’s new professional soccer team, recently kicked off its inaugural home season at the freshly renovated AC Boise Stadium. The stunning venue can hold 7,225+ fans, solidifying Boise’s reputation as a top-tier sports destination. 
• NEW ROUTE: The Boise Airport is expanding new seasonal nonstop service to/from Anchorage on Alaska Airlines starting June 10. The twice-weekly summer route runs through mid-August and comes as the Boise Airport marks its 100th year and hits record passenger highs, welcoming more than 5.2 million travelers in 2025.
• NEW TURF & MORE AT BSU: Boise State’s iconic Blue Turf turns 40 this year and is getting a refresh with a new blue installation ahead of football season. At the same time, the university is launching a first-of-its-kind, in-house Sports & Entertainment Group to transform its stadium and arena into year-round destinations for major concerts, events and more.

EVENTS
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 a few:

• Idaho Shakespeare Festival | May – September
  Boise’s own nationally-recognized outdoor theater is highlighting classical performances this summer with Macbeth, Ms Holmes and Ms Watson – Apt 2B, Sweeney Todd, The Winter’s Tale and The Heart of Robin Hood. Performances are set against the stunning natural backdrop of the Boise foothills. 
• Alive After 5 | Wednesdays in June, July
  Downtown Boise’s longest-running free community concert series has been a hallmark part of summer in the city since 1987. This year’s musical performances include a wide array of genres, from big brass bands and bluegrass folk to Afrosonics, a local genre-blending band representative of Boise’s diverse and vibrant refugee communities.
• Boise Music Festival | June 27
  The annual festival returns with headliners Marshmello and Sean Paul, plus all-day entertainment. 
• America 250 Fourth of July Celebrations | July 4
  Boise is participating in the nationwide America250 celebrations with a dynamic, citywide lineup of arts, culture and community events, including a jam-packed Fourth of July. Independence Day activities include a Pancake Breakfast in front of the Idaho State Capitol, a downtown parade and a massive Fireworks Celebration featuring a patriotic performance by the Boise Philharmonic.
• Twilight Criterium | July 11
  The 39th annual Boise Twilight Criterium returns to downtown Boise, bringing a high-energy, spectator-friendly cycling race through the streets of downtown. The nationally recognized event will also feature a kids ride led by Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong and a lively fan expo with food, drinks and front-row race access.
• IRONMAN Returns for a Second Year | July 25
  The globally recognized IRONMAN 70.3 Boise Pro Series triathlon is set to make its return in 2026 following a successful inaugural event, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world.
• Banana Ball World Tour Heads to Boise | July 31 – August 1
  Banana Ball World Tour, the lively, entertainment-forward take on baseball, brings big personalities, unique rules, and family-friendly fun to Boise for the first time this summer.
• San Inazio Festival | July 31 – August 2
  The multi-day festival honors the city’s deep Basque roots with a high-energy mix of heritage and community spirit, filled with traditional dancing, music and street food.

A full list of events coming to Boise can be found at https://visitboise.com/events/ 

# # #

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.