Boise, Idaho is a vibrant city with a rich culture and a wide variety of annual events and traditions that citizens look forward to every year. From the Treefort Music Fest to the Twilight Criterium, there is something for everyone in Boise. The city also hosts a number of diverse themed events that have been held for many years, drawing attendees from all over the country. The Treefort Music Fest is one of the fastest growing events in Boise and has even been named the city's cultural ambassador.
This festival is an excellent example of how unified the Boise community is and is a great way to experience the city's culture. The Twilight Criterium is another popular event in Boise. Every year, downtown Boise becomes a high-speed, high-risk racing circuit for local and national cyclists. Over the past 33 years, this event has grown to include a full three-day weekend of cycling events that support younger and older cyclists, professionals and fans, and bring the community together around one of the most exciting sports on the road.
The Fall Harvest Festival is another great event for the whole family held in the fall at the Idaho Botanical Gardens. This event offers entertainment for all ages and is a great way to experience Boise's culture. The former Idaho Penitentiary also hosts a number of recurring events throughout the year. Captivating Conversations is a series of educational experiences from the former Idaho Penitentiary, featuring a variety of guest speakers and topics ranging from the history of the Idaho State Penitentiary to the problems faced by correctional institutions today.
The prison also hosts special exhibits about love stories and love letters from the Idaho State Penitentiary on Valentine's Day. Old Boise is considered to be located on Sixth and Main, in downtown Boise, and hosts an annual Oktoberfest in commemoration, where playing, dancing and drinking are highly recommended. Senior Fair is another health and wellness exhibition focused on older people in communities and their families. This event is free and open to the public and will be held on certain Saturdays, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Idaho State Archives Research Center. The National History Day (NHD) program provides students with an opportunity to explore local, state, national, or world history through research projects that culminate with a series of competitions at the local and state levels and an annual national competition in June. The Boise Museum of Art also hosts an annual cultural art event for the entire Boise community during the first weekend of September.
This event provides an opportunity for people to experience art from around the world. The Idaho State Archives (ISA) and Research Center provide public access to records of fiscal, administrative, legal, vital, and long-term research value to Idaho's citizens and government. The ISA also hosts Our Voices events which are recorded after each live event on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. Recurring events and programs related to historical collections and records, genealogy, family research, notable events and figures from Idaho's past are also available throughout Boise. From music festivals to cycling races to educational experiences, there are plenty of annual events and traditions that citizens look forward to in Boise every year. Whether you're looking for something fun or educational or just want to experience Boise's culture, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.
