Guide to Planning the Ultimate Basque Festival Experience

The Jaialdi Festival 2025 is right around the corner. Here’s everything you need to know before July.

So, What is Jaialdi?

In Basque, the word “Jaialdi” means big festival, and that’s exactly what to expect when it happens here in Boise. But first, let’s go back to the very beginning. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the Basque people from the Pyrenees mountains (between France and Spain) immigrated to the Western United States. Many ended up in Boise. 
In 1987, Boise held the first Jaialdi festival at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, intended to celebrate new and old Basque tradition and culture. More than 30,000 participants enjoyed parades, street dance, cultural performances and more. The festival proved so successful that every five years, Boise comes together to celebrate Jaialdi.

What to Know Before You Go

The venues. The Basque Block, where most festivities take place, is a compact block downtown on Grove St between 6th St & Capitol Blvd. The ICCU Arena, also located downtown at the end of the Basque Block, will host Basque sports, including handball and the uber-talented Oinkari Basque Dancers. Expo Idaho, on the other hand, is a short drive away in Garden City. 

Stay hydrated. Before heading out to the festivities, make sure you’re stocked up on water and sunscreen! 

Most events are free. The Basque Block is the heart of the festival, where you can enjoy food, dance and music without a ticket.

Check for tickets. While most events are free, some (like Festara or Sports Night) require tickets, so plan ahead.

The Schedule

Here’s what’s happening during the week. Find out more here.

Tuesday, July 29th.
BASQUE-ING ON THE BLOCK | Basque Block, 5 P.M.

The festivities begin. Tuesday and Wednesday are your first tastes of the rich Basque culture and traditions.   Enjoy food, drink and music on the Basque Block.

Wednesday, July 30th.
BASQUE-ING ON THE BLOCK | Basque Block, 5 P.M.

Jaialdi 2025 continues with more food, drink and strolling musicians on the Basque Block.

Thursday, July 31st.
BASQUE-ING ON THE BLOCK | Basque Block, 12 P.M.

Back on the block! Get some food, grab a drink and listen to Basque music.

SPORTS NIGHT | Idaho Central Arena, 7 P.M.

A favorite of locals and regular attendees, Sports Night cannot be missed. There’s something for everyone, from weightlifters hoisting 350 lb stone balls in the air to legendary farm sport competitors lifting hay bales. 

STREET DANCE | Basque Block, 8:30 P.M.

After Sports Night, hit the Basque Block for dancing with live Basque and Basque-American bands.

Friday, August 1st.
BASQUE-ING ON THE BLOCK | Basque Block, 12 P.M.

The Basque Block festivities continue! Keep the party going with more food, drink and fun.

FESTARA | Idaho Central Arena, 7 P.M.

Join us for a showcase of traditional music and dance of the Basque Country, including performers from Euskal Herria & Boise’s own Oinkari Basque Dancers.

Saturday, August 2nd.
BASQUE-ING AT EXPO IDAHO | Expo Idaho, 10 A.M.

Be sure to see dozens of Basque dance groups perform indoors on two stages at the Expo. And in case you didn’t think it could get better, vendors will be on site with food, drink, jewelry, clothing and more. 

DANTZALDI | Idaho Central Arena, 7:30 P.M.

Dantzaldi is a concert celebrating Basque and Basque-American bands, headlined by internationally-renowned Basque rock band Gatibu. Don’t miss it!

Sunday, August 3rd.
BASQUE-ING AT EXPO IDAHO | Expo Idaho, 11 A.M.

The dancing, vendors and celebration continue at the Expo!

JAIALDI MASS | Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 5 P.M.

Witness the Boise Oñati Dancers grace the altar with a traditional worship dance.

STREET DANCE | Basque Block, 8:30 P.M.

The last night is always a special one. We’ll say goodbye to Jaialdi 2025 with an exciting evening of Basque and Basque-American bands.

Learn more

Laster arte! (See you soon!)