Happy beginning of the ‘ber months! As we look towards the start of Fall and all the fantastic “Fall family fun” that happens in and around Boise I wanted to highlight some of the biggest family friendly September events you don’t want to miss putting on your calendar. As always, more details are always on our FREE community events calendar – boisewithkids.com/events
Boise Hawks vs. Idaho Falls Chukars
When: September 1-6, 2026
Where: Hawks Stadium
About: Boise Hawks end the 2026 season with a 6 game run against Idaho Falls Chukars. Tuesday is Fan Appreciation Week and $5 Tuesday, Wednesday is Bark in the Park / Hometown Heroes, Thursday is Thirsty Thursday, Friday is Firework Friday, Saturday is Money Giveaway, and Sunday is Kids Club Sunday. Games start at 7:05pm.
Learn more: https://www.boisehawks.com/sports/bsb/2026/schedule
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
When: September 2-6, 2026, various times on various days
Where: Ann Morrison Park, Boise
About: Boise’s skies are about to be transformed with endless colorful balloons once again as the 35th anniversary of the Scott Spencer Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic returns to Ann Morrison Park! From September 2nd-9th, the city will buzz with days of community fun, breathtaking views, and the magic that only a mass launching of hot air balloons can bring to the City of Trees.
Learn more: https://spiritofboise.com/
Check out our guide for Spirit of Boise: https://boisewithkids.com/your-guide-to-the-spirit-of-boise-balloon-classic-2024/
Kuna Stampede Rodeo
When: September 3-5, 2026
Where: Crooked 8 Events, Kuna
About: Kuna Stampede Rodeo is happening Thursday, September 3 – Saturday, September 5 at Crooked 8 Event Center in Kuna. Gates open at 5pm and the rodeo starts at 7pm each night, with mutton bustin’, vendors, food trucks, music and three nights of rodeo action. Thursday is Family Night, Friday is Patriot Night and Saturday is Home Town Night. Tix start around $17, depending on seating area, and kids 5 and under are free.
Learn more: https://www.kunastampede.com/
Namptons Music Festival
When: September 4, 2026
Where: Lloyd Square Park
About: 3rd Annual Namptons Music Festival is happening at Lloyd Square Park in Downtown Nampa from 5-10 PM. It’s a local music festival with performances by three local acts: Red Light Challenge, Sophia Pearle, and Ryan Curtis Band, plus DJ Juan Bautista spinning between sets. There’s a new mini craft beer garden this year. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. It’s free and family-friendly!
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/810845588176816
Meat & Tater BBQ Fest
When: September 5, 2026
Where: Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian from 10am–4pm
About: Meat & Tater BBQ Fest is happening Saturday, September 5 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian from 10am–4pm. It’s a big Labor Day weekend BBQ party with a barbecue competition, a car show, live music, local food, vendors, a kids zone, and beer garden. There’s also a Lions Club pancake breakfast starting at 7am. It’s free to attend!
Learn more: https://meatandtaterbbq.com/
Boise Comic Arts Festival
When: Saturday, September 5 from 10am-6pm and Sunday, September 6 from 12-5pm
Where: Boise Centre
About: Boise Comic Arts Festival is back on Saturday, September 5 from 10am-6pm and Sunday, September 6 from 12-5pm at Boise Centre. It’s the 14th year of the festival. There’s tons of stuff to do, including exploring Artist’s Alley, cosplay, panels, performances, portfolio reviews, workshops, and so much more. It’s free to attend!
Learn more: https://www.boisepubliclibrary.org/using-the-library/boise-comic-arts-festival/
Final Summer Weekend at Bogus Basin
When: Sept 5-7, 2026
Where: Bogus Basin
About: Bogus Basin is closing out summer with one last big weekend before getting ready for winter operations. Head up the mountain to hike, bike, do yoga, listen to live music, and explore summer activities like The Gravity Park, Mineshaft Challenge Course, Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, and Explorer Base Camp. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am-7pm through Labor Day.
Learn more: https://bogusbasin.org/your-mountain/things-to-do/summer-activities/
World Village Festival
When: September 11-12, 2026
Where: JUMP in downtown Boise
About: Includes participants representing our Mexican, Basque, Native Americans, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Indonesia, Bosnian, African, Lao, North, and South America, Middle Eastern, Indian and Greek communities. Join us for World Village 2026 as Boise’s vibrant multi-national community comes together to celebrate art, culture, music, films, and people!
Learn more: https://www.globallounge.org/world-village
Art in the Park
When: September 11-13, 2026, Friday + Saturday 10AM-8PM, Sunday 10AM-5PM
Where: Julia Davis Park, Boise
About: An open-air art festival that’s been happening for over 70 years! There will be more than 200 artists with booths set up throughout Julia Davis Park. Admission is free! There will be live music and food trucks as well.
Learn more: https://boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park/general-information/
40th Annual Harvest Classic Fun Run
When: September 12, 2026
Where: Harward Rec Center, Nampa
About: “The 40th Harvest Classic Fun Run features an 8K run or wheelchair race, 2-mile run or walk, 1-mile non-competitive race, food, prizes, entertainment, vendor booths and a school competition. All participants receive a t-shirt, free admission to the Harward Rec Center on race day and a chance to win fantastic prizes in the post-race drawings. Prizes are also awarded for top race finishers. Proceeds benefit youth through the purchase of P.E. equipment for local schools and Nampa Parks and Recreation Department Scholarship Fund.”
Learn more: https://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/184/Harvest-Classic
Space Day
When: Sept 12, 2026, 10am–2pm
Where: Nampa Civic Center
About: Space Day, presented by the Children’s Museum of Idaho, is happening at the Nampa Civic Center from 10am–2pm. It’s a day of hands-on activities, planetarium shows, Space Trivia, robotic demonstrations, presentations from scientists and engineers, and more. Admission is free!
Learn more: https://nampaciviccenter.com/events/space-day/
Boise State Football Home Opener vs. Memphis
When: Sept 12, 2026 at 4pm
Where: Albertsons Stadium
About: Boise State Football kicks off its home season at Albertsons Stadium against Memphis at 4pm. Tailgating starts hours before kickoff around campus. Tix start at $49.
Learn more: https://broncosports.com/
42nd Annual Harvest Classic
When: Saturday, September 12 from 8–11:30am
Where: Liberty Park in Nampa
About: Nampa’s Harvest Classic is happening Saturday, September 12 at Liberty Park in Nampa from 8–11:30am, with races starting at 9am. Choose from an 8K run, 2-mile run, 2-mile walk or 1-mile non-competitive race, then stick around for food, vendor booths, kids activities, and prizes. Tix are $15 for ages 12 and under and $30 for ages 13+. Proceeds support local school PE departments and the Nampa Parks & Recreation Scholarship Program.
Learn more: https://nampaparksandrecreation.org/Calendar.aspx
Don’s Supreme Show & Shine
When: September 12, 2026 from 5-9pm
Where: Westside Drive-In
About: Don’s Supreme 7th Annual Show & Shine is happening at Westside Drive-In from 5-9pm. This community car show brings together hot rods, local vendors, and live music, with all proceeds benefiting My Places Community Events. It’s free to attend and car registration is $10 for those entering a vehicle.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/westside-drive-in/dons-supreme-7th-annual-show-shine/1461043755485063/
Party At The Pen
When: September 12-13, 2026 from 10:30am-5:30pm and Sunday, September 13 from 10:30am-3:30pm
Where: The Old Idaho Penitentiary
About: Party At The Pen is happening Saturday, September 12 from 10:30am-5:30pm and Sunday, September 13 from 10:30am-3:30pm at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. It’s the Northwest’s largest vintage motorcycle show. There’s also a vintage cars, tattoo artists, tin type photos, art, vendors, and food & beer. It’s $30 for GA, $45-$55 for ride-in, or $80 for VIP. Kids 12 and under are free.
Learn more: https://partyatthepenshow.com/west/
Meridian’s Art Week
When: September 13-19, 2026
Where: Meridian
About: Meridian Art Week features a variety of free or low-cost arts activities in music, literature, performance, and visual arts for Meridian residents and visitors. It also coincides with National Arts in Education Week.
Learn more: https://meridiancity.org/arts-culture-history/meridian-art-week/
Indian Creek Festival
When: September 18-19, 2026, Friday 6 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 7 am – 4 pm
Where: Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell
Learn more: “Caldwell’s story didn’t always include our beloved Indian Creek. In fact, these waters were flowing for decades beneath layers of road and buildings. The city’s initial Indian Creek Festival began in 2003 as a celebration of when the creek’s first section was uncovered. What was once a small gathering in a parking lot has now become a two-day festival that spans blocks in our beautifully revived downtown.
This is one of our favorite events of the year, so we packed the weekend with family-friendly activities. Some highlights include a Fireman’s breakfast, oldies car show, first responder tug-of-war spanning the creek (someone’s gettin’ wet!) and the crowd favorite: Cardboard Kayak Race. Come see what these folks can do with some old boxes, duct tape, a little paint and a lot of innovation!”
Learn more: https://www.indiancreekplaza.com/indian-creek-festival
Eagle Jazz and Blues Fest
When: September 18-19, 2026
Where: Eagle, Idaho
About: “Welcome to the Eagle Jazz and Blues Fest, where the soulful rhythms of jazz and the heartfelt melodies of blues converge to create a memorable experience!”
Learn more: https://www.eaglejazz.org/
Das Alpenhaus Oktoberfest
When: Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 from 3-10pm
Where: 1340 S Vista Avenue
About: Das Alpenhaus Deli’s Oktoberfest is happening Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 from 3-10pm at 1340 S Vista Avenue. This is the most authentic you’ll find! Expect traditional Volksmusik and Oktoberfest music from local bands, plus all the classic eats like pretzels, schweinehaxe, brats, and German potato salad. There’s German and Austrian Oktoberfest beers, red wine, a chilled white wine, soft drinks, and water. No outside beverages (even water) allowed. It’s kid and dog-friendly, but it is kind of hectic and loud and can get crowded, so keep that in mind!
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/28380418741559315
Payette’s Oktoberfest
When: Friday, September 18 from 5-10pm and Saturday, September 19 from 2-10pm
Where: Payette Provisions
About: Payette’s Annual Oktoberfest Celebration is happening Friday, September 18 from 5-10pm and Saturday, September 19 from 2-10pm at Payette Provisions. Two full days of bier, brats, and Bavarian fun. Admission is free and open to all ages. Tokens are $8/token and can be used to buy a 20ml bier fill or 2 Acme Bakeshop pretzels. Also you have to have a Payette Oktoberfest branded steins or boots to use at the event, which you can bring from previous years or purchase there. You can pre-purchase tokens and steins, which is definitely the move because then you get to skip the line! In addition to the drinking there will be live music, activities and games, and German-inspired food. Kids are welcome, chill dogs on leashes are welcome, and lederhosen, dirndls, and Bavarian hats highly encouraged.
Learn more: https://www.payettebrewing.com/oktoberfest
Hyde Park Street Fair
When: September 18-20, 2026, Friday: 4pm – 9:30pm, Saturday: 10am – 9:30pm, Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Where: Camel’s Back Park, Boise
About: “As Boise’s most unique arts & music festival, Hyde Park Street Fair welcomes a variety of participants: non-profits, craft & commercial vendors, food & beverage vendors, and two stages packed with music and entertainment – all with a focus on local and always free to attend.”
Learn more: https://www.northendboise.org/hyde-park-street-fair
Boise Pride Festival
When: September 18-20, 2026
Where: Ann Morrison Park
About: “Founded in 1989, the Boise Pride Festival celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer social and self-acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride.”
Learn more: https://boisepridefest.org/festival-schedule
Bug Day at the Idaho Botanical Garden
When: September 19, 2026 Noon-5PM
Where: Idaho Botanical Garden
About: “Bug Day offers a variety of bug-themed booths and activities that will captivate young minds and ignite their curiosity. From interactive exhibits to hands-on learning, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Live music adds a lively soundtrack to the Bug Day experience, creating a joyful atmosphere as you explore the bug-filled wonders around them.”
Learn more: https://www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/event/bug-day/
Jordan’s Garden Center Food Truck Fiesta & Pumpkin Patch
When: Sept 19, 2026 from 2-6pm
Where: Jordan’s Garden Center
About: The 4th Annual Food Truck Fiesta & Pumpkin Patch is happening at Jordan’s Garden Center from 2-6pm. Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with food trucks, live music, and a free pumpkin patch complete with a hay maze, corn box, and petting zoo. It’s free! Tractor rides available for an extra fee.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1682335183150808
Moppet Togs Children’s Consignment Sale
When: September 24-27, 2026
Where: Expo Idaho
About: “Since 2005, Moppet Togs has been the Treasure Valley’s Premier Children’s Consignment Sale. Held twice per year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall, Moppet Togs provides a venue for Treasure Valley families to buy and sell their gently used and new name brand children’s clothes, toys, furniture, and other associated children’s items.”
Learn more: https://moppettogs.com/moppet-togs-popup-sale-information/
Potato Days
When: September 25-27, 2026
Where: Kleiner Park, Meridian
About: “The highly anticipated Potato Days is coming to Meridian at Kleiner Memorial Park! The event will mark the largest public celebration of the potato in Idaho. Get ready to dig into spud-tacular street food, games, art, and music with your entire family! Potato Days will boast a massive potato art installation featuring chalk art from over 60 local artists. There will be a french fry competition, live performances in the band-shell, carnival games, a vendor area, bubble garden, and bouncy houses.”
Learn more: https://familypotatodays.com/
Kids in Aviation Day
When: September 26, 2026 from 11am-4pm
Where: Payette Municipal Airport
About: Kids in Aviation Day is happening at Payette Municipal Airport from 11am-4pm. This free family event lets kids explore aircraft, meet pilots, and dig into hands-on STEM activities. It’s perfect for any little who love planes. It’s free!
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1347453227143201/
St. Luke’s FitOne
When: September 26, 2026
Where: Downtown Boise
About: Idaho’s most family-friendly race is happening on Saturday, September 26, 2026 and you don’t want to miss it! There are options for every type of athlete and this popular race in the heart of the city helps support St. Luke’s and their community health initiatives. Each year, St. Luke’s FitOne draws thousands of people of all ages to downtown Boise for its 5K, 10K and half marathon races. But it’s more than a great way to spend a September morning—it’s a platform to promote healthy living and make memories that racers can cherish for years to come.
Learn more: https://www.fitoneboise.org/
Check out our Family Guide to FitOne: https://boisewithkids.com/st-lukes-fitone/
Old Boise Oktoberfest
When: Sept 26, 2026 from 2-10pm
Where: In the street at 6th & Grove
About: Old Boise Oktoberfest is happening Saturday, September 26 in the street at 6th & Grove from 2-10pm. Enjoy games, dancing, food, Oktoberfest bier, and live music from DJ Eric Rhodes. Tix are $10 or $5 for ages 12 and under.
Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/old-boise-oktoberfest-tickets-1998601029480
Nampa Oktoberfest
When: Sept 26, 2026 from 3-9pm
Where: Nampa Civic Center
About: Nampa Oktoberfest is happening at the Nampa Civic Center from 3-9pm. There will be food, drinks, a brat eating contest, a stein holding competition, a cornhole tournament, German outfit contest, live Music by Jace Kempke, and more. Tix start at $55 and include a mug, drink token, and brat token.
Learn more: https://nampaciviccenter.com/events/oktoberfest2026/
Open Streets Boise
When: Sep 27, 2026
Where: Ustick Road | BETWEEN COLE RD & MOUNTAIN VIEW DR
About: “Hosted by the Boise Bicycle Project, Open Streets Boise will take over neighborhood streets and transform them into car-free community spaces where folks can bike, walk, and roll together. Open Streets Boise will highlight local food and businesses, bikes, and local art, along with family-friendly entertainment and live music, creating a welcoming atmosphere to come together and reimagine our streets as a place for people, not just cars. Evolving from Boise Goathead Fest, Open Streets Boise will move between different neighborhoods & highlight different local businesses every year. You can still find wonderfully-weird ways to celebrate at our “Boise Goathead Fest Zone” – there will be live DJs on our pedal-powered stage, goathead artwork, and funky bikes!”
Learn more: https://www.boisebicycleproject.org/open-streets-boise
This list doesn’t even cover all of the great events happening in September around Boise. ALL OF THESE and so many more fun, family-friendly events will be shared in our weekly roundup e-newsletter. Subscribe to get them in your inbox each Thursday at boisewithkids.com/subscribe