Idaho summer concerts and festivals guide 2022: Let’s rock, Boise!
Outdoor concert and festival season is back — with a vengeance.
After a pandemic-caused, two-year roller coaster, the touring industry is speeding forward full-throttle again.
Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden and the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater will set new records for number of shows. And popular annual traditions such as Alive After Five and the Boise Music Festival have re-emerged.
Here’s a guide to outdoor fun this summer — from food festivals and concerts in Boise to scenic road trips for mountain-town music bashes.
▪
Summer concert series
When: May 27-Oct. 1
Where: Expo Idaho grandstands in Boise; Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello
What: Bret Michaels (May 27, Pocatello; May 28, Boise), Josey Scott and Brett Scallions (July 8, Pocatello; July 9, Boise). More to be announced. The series will feature nine acts — classic and alternative rock, hip-hop and beyond — in both Boise and Pocatello, according to the website.
Details: idahoconcertseries.com
Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series
When: Various dates
Where: Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise
Who: Lord Huron (May 29, sold out); Ween (June 28); The Avett Brothers (July 12, sold out); Khruangbin w/Men I Trust (July 13); Rainbow Kitten Surprise (July 15, sold out); Caamp w/Future Birds (July 26); Whiskey Myers w/Shane Smith and The Saints, 49 Winchester (Aug. 7, sold out); The Head and The Heart w/Dawes (Aug. 9, sold out); Bonnie Raitt/Mavis Staples (Aug. 14); Mt. Joy w/Wilderado (Aug. 15); The Black Crowes (Aug. 16); Iration/Atmosphere w/Katastro, The Grouch, DJ Fresh (Aug. 17); Maren Morris w/The Lone Bellow (Aug. 19); Modest Mouse (Aug. 29); Tedeschi Trucks Band w/Los Lobos and Gabe Dixon (Aug. 31); Shakey Graves w/Sierra Ferrell (Sept. 1); Flume w/Quiet Bison, Kareem Ali (Sept. 16); Jackson Browne (Sept. 21)
Details: idahobotanicalgarden.org
Tuesdays on the Creek
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, through Sept. 27; free
Where: Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell
Who: Casio Dreams (May 31); Polyrhythmics (June 7); Boondock Boys (June 14); Dragondeer (June 21); Ryan Curtis & Rob Leines (June 28); B-Side Players (July 5)
Details: indiancreekplaza.com/tuesdays-on-the-creek
Greek Food Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 3-4, free to enter
Where: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2618 W Bannock St, Boise
What: Authentic Greek food, homemade Greek pastries, a live Greek music and dancing
Details: facebook.com/boisegreekfoodfestival
Music on the Water
When: 4 to 9 p.m. June 3 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 4; free
Where: Esther Simplot Park, 3206 W. Pleasanton Ave., Boise
What: Music, food trucks, beer garden, and a kids zone with crafts, face painting, more
Details: musiconthewater.com
Hells Canyon Days
When: June 3-4
Where: Cambridge
What: June 3: Taco feed, 5:30 p.m., Cambridge and Midvale Senior Center. Bulls & Broncs hosted by the Cambridge Rodeo Association, 8 p.m.
June 4: Community breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., Cambridge Baptist Church. Show and Shine car and truck show, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown Cambridge. All-you-can-eat open pit BBQ, 3:30 to 7 p.m. Hells Canyon Jam, 5 p.m. featuring Kenny Feidler and the Cowboy Killers (openers), followed by Cody Canada and the Departed and Jason Boland and the Stragglers.
Details: cambridgeidaho.com
Big Al’s Live on the Patio
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, through Aug. 27; free
Where: Big Al’s, 1900 N. Eagle Road, Meridian (The Village at Meridian)
Who: SoulPatch (June 3); Gary Tackett & Full Moon Rude (June 4); Rock House Band (June 10); Red Light Challenge (June 11); RJ McGinnis (June 17); Katie G. & The Half Maccs (June 18); Sweet Briar (June 24); Generator Saints (June 25); Captain SNAFU (July 1); Funhouse Boise (July 2); Steady Rush (July 8); Shon Sanders Band (July 9); RJ McGinnis (July 15); The Touch (July 16); Generator Saints (July 22); Tom Taylor (July 23); Billy Blues Band (July 29); Casio Dreams (July 30); Guilty Pleasure (Aug. 5); Kill-A-Brew (Aug. 6); Blues to Lose (Aug. 12); Smooth Avenue (Aug. 13); Blaze & Kelly (Aug. 19); Steady Rush (Aug. 20); Sweet Briar (Aug. 26); Soul Patch (Aug. 27)
Details: ilovebigals.com/event/live-on-the-patio
McCleary’s Summer Concert Series
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturdays, June 4-Sept. 17 (no band July 2 or Sept. 3); free
Where: Outdoor stage at McCleary’s Pub, 9155 W. State St., Boise
Who: Ryan Curtis (June 4); Uptown Chiefs (June 11); Chronology (June 18); Audio Moonshine (June 25); Danger Beard (July 9); Asphault Buffet (July 16); Bread & Circus (July 23); SoulPatch (July 30); Barton and Bollar (Aug. 6); Generator Saints (Aug. 13); R.J. McGinnis (Aug. 20); Jimmy River & The Groovers (Aug. 27); Cassio Dreams ‘80s dance party (Sept. 10); TBA (Sept. 17)
Details: (208) 853-9910
Art and Roses
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 5; free
Where: Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
What: Meet more than 70 artists while enjoying music by Blaze and Kelly (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and BFD (1 to 4 p.m.), eats from Coned Pizza and KB’s Burritos, and treats from Kona Ice and Ankley Brothers Kettle Corn. Percentage of the sales directly supports the Julia Davis Rose Garden.
Details: artandrosesboise.com
Open Air Sunday Summer Concert Series
When: Gates at 11 a.m. and music from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays, June 5-Sept. 18
Where: Ste. Chapelle Winery, 19348 Lowell Road, Caldwell
Who: Ryan Curtis Band (June 5); The Fabulous Chancellors (June 12); High Street Party Band (June 19); Nate Bosford (June 26); Dave Nudo Band (July 3); Moody Jews (July 10); The Noteables Band (July 17); Come Together Band (July 24); Blues Addicts (July 31); Jonathan Warren and The Billy Goats (Aug. 7); Ashley Rose Band (Aug. 14); Wayward Son Band (Aug. 21); J.R. & The Stingrays (Aug. 28); Jake Blues and Friends (Sept. 4); High Street Party Band (Sept. 11); Billy Blues Band w/Michele Eastland and Becky B (Sept. 18)
Cost: $25 general, $20 Ste. Chapelle and Sawtooth wine club members
Details: 208-453-7843, ext. 3; stechapelle.com/events
JUMP Jam & Jive Summer Concert Series
When: 6 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday, June 7-Sept. 13; free
Where: JUMP, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise
Who: Danger Beard w/Boise Rock School (June 7); Low-Fi w/Boise Rock School (June 21); Ashley Rose Band w/Idaho Songwriters (July 5); Lounge on Fire w/TRICA (July 19); Emily Tipton Band w/Boise Hive (Aug. 2); Amuma Says No w/Boise Hive (Aug. 16); Audio Moonshine w/Idaho Arts Charter (Aug. 30); Dusty Leigh w/Idaho Songwriters (Sept. 13)
Details: jumpboise.org/jump-jam-and-jive
Nampa Celt Fest & Highland Games
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 11
Where: West Park, 27 Park Drive, Nampa
What: Community festival and athletic event that celebrates Celtic heritage and culture with music, vendors, food, beer garden, dancing, more.
Details: nampaceltfest.wixsite.com/2022
Ballpark Brew Fest
When: 3 to 8 p.m. June 11
Where: Memorial Stadium, 5600 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
What: Craft beer tasting from local breweries (with new breweries to be added): Payette Brewing, Twisted District, Hop Valley, Lost Grove Brewing, Barbarian Brewing, Spring Creek Brewery, Sockeye Brewing, Edge Brewing Company, Western Collective and Boise Brewing. Also, food, music, and games.
Cost: $15 (includes Ballpark Brew Fest mug and six beer tasting tickets), $5 under 21/designated driver tickets (includes a hot dog and a soda). Guests who purchase their admission tickets (excluding under 21/designated driver tickets) before June 10 will receive $5 off their tickets.
Details: BoiseHawks.com
Meridian Symphony
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11; free
Where: Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park Bandshell, 1900 N. Records Ave., Meridian
What: Celebrates Meridian’s Gene Kleiner Day with music by Sousa, Bernstein, Rossini, Brahms, more. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Details: 208-891-2721, meridiansymphony.org
piKINic
When: Various dates
Where: Kin, 999 W. Main St., Boise
What: Concerts and food outside the restaurant with Sam Tru (June 14), more TBA
Details: kinboise.com/calendar
Alive After Five
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 15-Aug. 10; free
Where: Grove Plaza, N. 8th and W. Main streets, Boise
What: True Loves (June 15); Mr. Grant Olsen (June 22); The Suffers (July 6); Deep Sea Diver (July 20); Wavves (July 27); Joshy Soul (Aug. 3); Celisse (Aug. 10)
Details: downtownboise.org/AA5
Emmett Cherry Festival
When: June 15-18; free
Where: Emmett City Park, 400 E. Main St., and throughout community
What: Daily entertainment, nightly concerts, parade and children’s parade, contests, more.
Details: emmettcherryfestival.com
Neighborhood Concert Series
When: 6 to 9 p.m. every other Wednesday, June 15-Aug. 24; free
Where: Boise parks
What: Local family-friendly bands and musicians. Boise Bicycle Project will have a bike repair station on-site. Lost Grove Brewing will be there as well providing local brews.
Details: morrisoncenter.com
Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater concerts
When: Various dates
Where: 16200 Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa
Who: Halsey w/The Marias (June 15); Jacksons Country Stomp w/Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, Elvie Shane and Jackson Dean (June 24); Dirty Heads w/SOJA, Tribal Seeds, Artikal Sound System (June 28); Slightly Stoopid w/Pepper, Common Kings, Fortunate Youth (July 8); Goo Goo Dolls w/Blue October (July 15); Kenny Chesney w/Carly Pearce (July 27); Dispatch/O.A.R. w/Robert Randolph Band (July 28); The Chicks w/Patty Griffin (Aug. 6); Fitz & The Tantrums/Andy Grammer w/Breland (Aug. 20); Morgan Wallen (Sept. 9); Korn/Evanescence w/Dena Denata (Sept. 10); Flogging Molly/The Interrupters w/Tiger Army & the Skints (Sept. 14); LANY w/Surfaces (Sept. 20); Foreigner (Sept. 21); Odesza w/Sylvan Esso, Elderbrook, Nasaya (Sept. 27); Rufus Du Sol w/Paraleven (Sept. 30)
Details: fordidahocenter.com
Hailey Alive Summer Music Series
When: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 16-Aug. 11; free
Where: Hop Porter Park, W. Bullion St., Hailey
Who: Boot Juice (June 16); Cary Morin and Ghost Dog (June 23); Hand Trembler (June 30); Cole and The Thornes (July 7); Low-Fi (July 14); Water Tower (July 21); Allegedly (Aug 4); Bread and Circus (Aug. 11)
Details: sawtoothbrewery.com/events/hailey-alive-2022
Idaho’s Wild West Brewfest
When: 5 to 10 p.m. June 18
Where: Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell
What: Western-themed beer festival with 50-plus brews, live country music, beard and mustache contest, more.
Cost: Free to enter. $35 for mug and 12 taste tickets.
Details: indiancreekplaza.com/idaho-wild-west-brew-fest
Sun Valley Pavilion concerts
When: Various dates
Where: 300 Dollar Road, Sun Valley
Who: The Cadillac Three w/The Powell Brothers (June 18); The Avett Brothers (July 13); Concert for a Cure w/Rumours ATL (Aug. 20)
Details: sunvalley.com
Tuesdays on the Terrace
When: Tuesdays, June 21-Sept. 6; free
Where: The Ludwig Terrace, 1117 E. Lake St., McCall
Who: Blaze & Kelly (June 21); Opera Idaho (June 28); Corn Mash (July 5); Ryan (July 12); Merchants of Groove (July 19); Open Range (July 26); Old West Trio (Aug. 2); The Lack Family Band (Aug. 9) Joy Ride Music (Aug. 16); Birds of Play (Aug. 23); Bottom Line Band (Aug. 30); TBD (Sept. 6)
Details: ponderosacenter.org/events
Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest
When: 12:15 to 11:30 p.m. June 22-25
Where: Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, 215 Fair Ave., Filer
Who: Headlining acts Granger Smith feat. Earl Dibbles Jr., Aaron Lewis, Koe Wetzel, Turnpike Troubadours, more.
Details: hwy30musicfest.com
Meridian Dairy Days
When: June 22-25; free
Where: Meridian
What: Princess pageant, dairy cattle and goat shows, carnival, food vendors, music, Old MacDonald Farm, golf tournament, parade (Saturday), fireworks (Saturday), more.
Details: dairydays.org
Great Garden Escape Concert Series
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, June 23-Aug. 25 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 18, 25)
Where: Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise
Who: Amuma Says No (June 23); Orchestra Gold (June 30); Hillfolk Noir (July 7); Smokey Brights (July 14); Scott Pemberton O Theory (July 21); Jackie Venson (July 28); Garcia Peoples (Aug. 4); Lounge on Fire (Aug. 11); Afrosonics (Aug. 18); Boise Straight Ahead (Aug. 25)
Cost: $18 general, $15 AARP members, $14 IBG members and children 4-12, in advance. All tickets $20 at the gate. Free for ages 3 and younger.
Details: idahobotanicalgarden.org
Thursday Thunder
When: 6 p.m. Thursdays (except July 7), June 23-Sept. 1; free
Where: Boise Spectrum Center, 7609 W. Overland Road, Boise
Who: Pilot Error (June 23); $oul Purpo$e (June 30); Audio Moonshine (July 14); Casio Dreams (July 21); Pilot Error (July 28); Generator Saints (Aug. 4); Audio Moonshine (Aug. 11); Casio Dreams (Aug. 18); $oul Purpo$e (Aug. 25); Pilot Error (Sept. 1)
Details: boisespectrumcenter.com
Boise Music Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 25
Where: Expo Idaho,5610 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
Who: Main stage lineup includes Lady A; Walker Hayes; Tik Tok star Tate McRae; and the nostalgic 2000’s Pop Tour featuring Chris Kirkpatrick (NSYNC), Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO; Eve 6; and Tag Team. Also, 40+ local bands playing throughout the day on five local stages, a carnival, arts and crafts vendors, food courts, beer and wine gardens, and an air-conditioned play area and Kids Zone.
Cost: $20 general, $50 pit pass, $75 VIP Cool Zone. Carnival wristbands available.
Details: boisemusicfestival.com
Live on the Lawn series
When: Various dates
Where: Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, Boise
Who: Aldous Harding (6 p.m. June 29), Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, and Julien Baker w/Spencer (5:30 p.m. Aug. 5)
Details: theduckclub.com/shows
Gazebo Concert Series
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. various dates; free
Where: Heritage Park, 185 E. State St., Eagle
Who: Blues Addicts (June 30); SoulPatch (July 28); Guilty Pleasure (Aug. 25); Jeff Engelbert Band (Sept. 29)
Details: cityofeagle.org
Lavender Festival
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 2-3; free
Where: The Lavender Merchant, 2871 Stroebel Road, Kuna.
What: U-pick lavender $5 a bunch, artisans, handmade lavender products, more.
Details: thelavendermerchant.net
Eagle Fun Days
When: July 8-9; free
Where: Downtown Eagle and parks
What: Eagle Fun Days Fun Run, vendor market, food, music, car show, Wet & Wild Parade, cornhole tournament, Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed, fireworks.
Details: cityofeagle.org/498/Eagle-Fun-Days
Ketchum Arts Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 8-9 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10; free
Where: Festival Meadow on Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley
What: More than 100 Idaho artists, food, beer, free kids’ activity tent, more.
Details: ketchumartsfestival.com
TGIF Summer Concert Series
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, July 8-Sept 2 (no concert Aug. 19 due to bike race); free
Where: Brundage Mountain, 3890 Goose Lake Road, McCall
Who: The Sean Hatton Band (July 8); Too Slim and the Taildraggers (July 15); Brundage Mountain String Summit (July 22); Remember Jones (July 29); Jeff Crosby and the Refugees (Aug. 5); Grateful (Aug. 12); Tylor and the Train Robbers (Aug. 26); Innocent Man (Sept. 2)
Details: brundage.com/events-calendar
Summer Music Festival at Roseberry
When: July 14-16
Where: Roseberry
Who: Con Brio, others
Details: thesummermusicfestival.com
Sun Valley Music Festival
When: July 24-Aug. 18
Where: Sun Valley Pavilion, 300 Dollar Road, Sun Valley
What: More than 14 admission-free concerts alongside a gala fundraising concert and multiple outreach and education events. This season highlights three of the country’s greatest living composers — Gabriela Lena Frank, Jessie Montgomery, and Kevin Puts – and features performances from renowned guest artists: pianists Daniil Trifonov and Orion Weiss, violinist Leila Josefowicz, tenor Nicholas Phan, guest conductor Andy Einhorn, and string trio Time For Three.
Details: svmusicfestival.org
Festival at Sandpoint
When: 7:30 p.m. various dates
Where: War Memorial Field, 801 Ontario St., Sandpoint
Who: The Revivalists (July 28); Chris Janson w/LoCash (July 29); Mt. Joy w/The Moss (July 30); Pink Martini feat. China Forbes (7 p.m. July 31); Kaleo w/Allan Rayman (Aug. 3); The Beach Boys (Aug. 4); Gregory Alan Isakov w/Shook Twins (Aug. 5); Lindsey Stirling (Aug. 6); The Spokane Symphony (Aug. 7)
Details: festivalatsandpoint.com
Sawtooth Valley Gathering
When: July 28-31
Where: Sawtooth Valley Pioneer Park, Stanley
Who: Fruition, Built to Spill, Watchhouse, Shook Twins, John Craigie, Steve Poltz, Lindsay Lou, others, as well a food, arts and craft vendors, workshops, on-site and off-site camping.
Cost: $93-$375
Details: sawtoothvalleygathering.com
Yellow Pine Music and Harmonica Festival
When: Aug. 4-6
Where: Yellow Pine
What: Musicians, harmonica workshops, children’s harmonica lessons, demos, storytelling, more.
Details: yellowpinefestival.org
Braun Brothers Reunion
When: Aug. 11-13
Where: Challis Golf Course, 331 Golf Club Lane, Challis
Who: Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars, Jeff Crosby Band, Cody Canada and The Departed, The Braun Family, Django Walker and Friends, Jason Boland and The Stragglers, Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, Suzy Bogguss Trio, others.
Cost: $70-$190
Details: braunbrothersreunion.com
Boise Soul Food Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 13; free
Where: Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
What: African American/African inspired foods, such as barbecue, Cajun cuisine, ribs, hot links, sweet tea, and more.
Details: boisesoulfood.org
Albertsons Boise Open nightly concerts
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20
Where: Hillcrest Country Club, 4610 W. Hillcrest Drive, Boise
Who: Midland (Aug. 18); Billy Idol (Aug. 19); Train (Aug. 20)
Details: albertsonsboiseopen.com
Council Mountain Music Festival
When: Aug. 19-20; free
Where: Veteran’s Memorial Peace Park, 2046 Idaho 95, Council
Details: dalefisk.com/FESTIVAL/index.htm
Western Idaho Fair grandstand concerts
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22-26; free with paid fair admission
Where: Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
Who: Chris Janson (Aug. 22); Ja Rule and Ashanti (Aug. 23); Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (Aug. 24); Stone Temple Pilots (Aug. 25); Billy Currington (Aug. 26)
Details: idahofair.com
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
When: Aug. 31-Sept. 4; free
Where: Ann Morrison Park, 1000 S. Americana Blvd., Boise
What: Hot air balloon launches are weather-permitting; they typically take place at 7:15 a.m. and last until as late as 9 a.m.
Details: spiritofboise.com
Art in the Park
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 9-10 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11; free
Where: Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
What: Contemporary arts and crafts, food, hands-on children activities.
Details: boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park
Hyde Park Street Fair
When: Sept. 16-18; free
Where: Camel’s Back Park, Boise
What: Bands, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, beer in the park in a family-friendly setting
Details: northendboise.org/hyde-park-street-fair
Indian Creek Festival
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 16 and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17; free
Where: Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell
What: Music, cardboard kayak race, car cruise, car show, chalk art contest, and a local marketplace.
Details: indiancreekplaza.com/indian-creek-festival
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 5:00 AM.