Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with showing off your local pride! Whether you’re dressing up for trick-or-treating, a school party, or a neighborhood trunk-or-treat, these Boise-inspired costume ideas are fun and sure to get a few “Go Broncos!” and “I love that idea!” comments along the way. Here are 5 Boise-inspired family Halloween costume ideas that only people in Boise will understand!
The Blue Turf
Nothing says Boise like the Blue! Pay tribute to our beloved Boise State Broncos by turning your crew into the most famous football field in the West.
How to make it: Everyone wears blue (bonus points for turf-textured fabric or a blue blanket), then add white yard lines with tape or fabric paint. One family member can be a football player, another a referee or a goal post, and maybe the baby gets to be the football!
This costume is instantly recognizable for us locals, it’s super creative, and it doubles as a warm costume for chilly trick-or-treating nights.
Spud Family
Embrace Idaho’s most iconic crop and go as… potatoes! Each person in the family can represent a different version of our state’s favorite food or you could dress like a Mr. Potatohead.
How to make it: You can DIY with some stuffed brown shirts for baked potatoes or some painted cardboard to make french fries, or you can find various potato costumes at places like Spirit Halloween or online!
There are so many great potato foods to be. Baked potato, fries, chips, tater tots, hash browns, or even mashed potatoes.
Treeforters
Channel the creative energy of Boise’s biggest music festival by dressing as your very own Treefort band or die–hard fan. Whether you’re a family of rockers, folkies, or kazoo players, this costume is very Boise.
How to make it: Mix bold, artsy outfits. Think festival vibes with funky accessories, sunglasses, and homemade “band passes.” Carry toy instruments or even decorate a wagon as your band’s stage. Have some leftover Treefort wristbands? Throw them on!
You could even DIY some shirts that say “Treefort’ or even Built to Spill (a local favorite). Or you could ask around for some Treefort merch to borrow for the night. I’m sure almost everyone has some in their closet or knows someone who does.
Spirit of Boise Balloons
Inspired by the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, this costume will literally lift your family’s Halloween spirits!
How to make it: Attach clusters of colorful balloons to hats or vests. Use cardboard boxes decorated as baskets for the “hot air balloon” look (attach suspenders so kids can wear them easily).
It’s bright, cheerful, and perfect for group photos. You’ll stand out in any crowd — just like the real balloons over Ann Morrison Park every year.
Boise Weather Forecast
If you’ve lived here long enough, you know Boise weather can’t make up its mind. It’s sunny one minute, snowing the next! Turn that unpredictable forecast into a creative family costume.
How to make it: Each person represents a different weather type: sunshine, clouds, rain, lightning, wind, and even rainbows. Use colored clothing and simple props — cotton batting for clouds, yellow felt rays for sun, silver tinsel for rain, etc.
This costume is funny, flexible, and great for families of any size. You could even carry a sign that says “Boise Weather: All of the Above.” or have each person wear a different time of day to showcase the ever-changing daily forecast!
From potatoes to hot air balloons, there’s no shortage of creative inspiration right here in the Treasure Valley. Whether you go all-out with props or keep it simple, these Boise-inspired family costumes are sure to bring local pride and big smiles to your Halloween fun.