From Fall Colors to Winter Lights: Boise’s Most Festive Season Awaits

The city known for its abundance of trees will soon welcome peak fall colors and festival season. Learn why Boise is a perfect fall and winter getaway.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
John Curtis

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

BOISE, Idaho, September 4, 2025 – Come fall, Boise’s scenic foothills turn gold and its treelined streets burst with fall colors. The city’s unique setting with easy access to rivers, trails and mountains shine this time of year. The weather is perfect for outdoor fun and festivals, and only gets bigger and brighter come the holiday season. Below are a few festivals and experiences that make Boise the perfect spot for fall and winter travel.

Seasonal Experiences

Boise’s outdoors shine year-round, but hiking the Ridge to Rivers trails or biking the treelined Greenbelt is next level during peak foliage. When winter comes, shift gears to skiing, snowboarding and tubing at Bogus Basin, the country’s largest nonprofit recreation area and just minutes from downtown.

FALL FESTIVALS

• Boise Pride Festival
  September 6-7, 2025
  Boise Pride brings together members of the community to celebrate unity, diversity and the unique spirit and culture of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Hyde Park Street Fair
  September 12-14
  Boise’s most unique arts and music festival welcomes participants and vendors to Camel’s Back Park in the historic North End neighborhood.
• Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival
  September 13 – October 30
  Get lost in this year’s themed corn maze or choose from the many quintessential fall activities and goodies.   
• Old Boise Oktoberfest
  September 13
  Head to 6th and Grove Streets to enjoy this event packed with live music, delicious food and authentic German Biers.
• Boise Entrepreneurial Week
  September 29–October 3, 2025 – JUMP
  The largest entrepreneurial event in Idaho and one of the biggest in the West—high-energy, community-powered, and packed with inspiration.
• NHL Preseason: Utah Mammoth vs. LA Kings
  September 30, 2025, Idaho Central Arena
  NHL excitement comes to downtown Boise as the Utah Mammoth face off against the LA Kings in a rare preseason matchup that is sure to be a sellout. The game is a precursor to the city’s beloved Idaho Steelheads hockey season, which kicks off on October 24.
• Boise Film Festival
  October 2–5, 2025 – Downtown Boise
  A four-day celebration of independent cinema with screenings, panels, and master classes that connect filmmakers, industry pros, and audiences.
• Idaho CiderFest
  October 4, 2025 – Downtown Boise
  Sip and savor at the 3rd annual CiderFest with local cider makers, food vendors, and spirited Downtown Games.

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HOLIDAY FAVORITES

• Winter Garden aGlow
  Late November – December
  Celebrate the holidays with a walk through the Idaho Botanical Garden’s dazzling light show, complete with fire pits, a Snow Globe Bar, a Gingerbread House Exhibit, and, of course, Santa himself.
• Ballet Idaho’s The Nutcracker with Boise Philharmonic  
  December 13 – 23 at the Morrison Center
  An annual favorite, Ballet Idaho comes together with the Boise Philharmonic for a true-to-the-classic take on this beloved holiday tradition.

• Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertsons Stadium
  December 22, 2025
  The 29th annual cold-weather bowl game, airing on ESPN, returns to the blue turf to determine the best of the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences.
• New Year’s Eve Idaho® Potato Drop
  December 31, 2025
  Boise’s iconic illuminated spud descends upon downtown at midnight, with music, food trucks and family-friendly fun.

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LOOKING AHEADNew Nonstop Flight: Alaska Airlines ONT to BOI; Seasonal BZN to BOI Route Resumes
Starting January 7, 2026
Travelers can take advantage of yet another nonstop flight from Southern California next year when Alaska Airlines launches daily, year-round service to Ontario, CA. This makes four LA-area airports with direct hops between Idaho’s capital, along with LAX, Burbank and Orange County. Additionally, the route from Bozeman, MT, to Boise returns Oct. 5, marking a shift from being a previously seasonal route to permanent, year-round service.

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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.