Autumn in Boise marks a canopy of fall foliage and harvest season, including wine grapes, apples, pumpkins and so much more. It’s hard to be bored with a never-ending roster of festivals and events, wine trails and scenic hikes. Follow the locals to this fall’s hottest happenings:
Art in the Park: Sept. 9 – 11
Considered by many to be the Northwest’s premier cultural event, Art in the Park is a three-day art fair boasting more than 200 artists, local restaurants and live entertainment, as well as hands-on activities for kids.
Wine Harvest: late September through early October
Winegrowers shift into overdrive come late September for the annual crush with many wineries hosting special harvest events, tastings and tours. Hit the Sunnyslope Wine Trail or the Boise Urban Wine Trail to sip new releases and view vineyards in their purple and gold glory. Amp up the fun by joining the Idaho Wine Commission’s Sip Local Bingo challenge. Get your bingo card at a local business, or at Visit Boise’s Visitor Information Center located within the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Then head out to participating wineries before September 30 for a chance to win prizes. Full list of winery tours here.
Fall Festivals
- Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival: Sept. 9 – Oct. 29
- The Lowe Family Farmstead’s annual corn maze has become nothing short of legendary. Each year, the family announces a new design for their 18-acre challenge, voted one of America’s top corn mazes.
- Fall Harvest at the Garden: Saturdays in October
- The Idaho Botanical Garden offers plenty of top-notch, family-friendly activities, including a Scarecrow Stroll, artisan vendors, food trucks, local beer and cider, and live music.
Dine Out Downtown Boise Restaurant Week: Oct. 28 – Nov. 6
Food & Wine named Boise on its shortlist of Next Great Food Cities. Spend a full week exploring the many culinary concepts that are making waves during this annual celebration.
Hikes: mid October for peak fall foliage
- Locals and savvy travelers alike know the Boise River Greenbelt delivers big on fall foliage. The 25-mile tree-lined pedestrian and bicycle path runs through downtown before meandering to trendy Garden City and beyond. Make a pit stop(s) at the many wineries, breweries and cideries along the route.
- Adventurous visitors head for Dry Creek Trail in Boise’s iconic foothills. The 13.8-mile out-and-back trail averages 6+ hours for experienced hikers, but there’s no shame in turning back early. You don’t have to go far to score great views.
- For a hike just north of downtown, head to the Hulls Gulch Trailhead on the east end of Camel’s Back Park. In late fall, the native vegetation including chokecherry, cottonwoods, willows and syringa changes to muted yellows, greens and reds.
