5 things to do this weekend in Boise: free music on the water, food, wine, pet festivals
Looking for things to do now that Boise’s weather has straightened itself out?
You’re in luck. The weekend calendar is full of opportunity. Here are highlights.
1. Hit an outdoor festival
▪ Opa! After a drive-thru event in 2021, the Greek Food Festival returns in its full glory from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2618 W. Bannock St., in Boise. You’ll find authentic Greek food, homemade Greek pastries, plus live Greek music and dancing.
▪ Relax near the ponds at Boise’s Esther Simplot Park, 3206 W. Pleasanton Ave., and enjoy local bands, food, vendors and laid-back family fun at Music on the Water. The free event (powered by Pioneer Federal Credit Union and Go Out Local) returns this weekend from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Performers on Friday: Lindzey Autumn, High Pine Whiskey Yell, Ryan Curtis. Performers on Saturday: Allegedly a Band, Andy Crosby, Parade of Bad Guys, Noble Holt and Captain Snafu, Darci Carlson, Aaron Golay, Addam Chavarria.
▪ Live near the North End? Got a soft spot for regional wine (and beer)? Order a case or two at the Hyde Park Wine Expo from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot behind Parrilla Grill and 13th Street Pub & Grill. A $20 entry fee includes a Riedel wine glass.
▪ The Star Summer Roundup will rock outdoors from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. This fourth annual event is free at The Flats 16, 3705 Idaho 16 in Eagle, with local food trucks, beer and wine. Musical entertainment will be provided by Lora Brizzi (5:15 to 6 p.m.), Noble Holt and Captain Snafu (6:15 to 7:30 p.m.), and Jesse Dayne and the Sagebrush Drifters (7:45 to 10 p.m.) All proceeds benefit pancreatic cancer awareness.
2. Laugh with comedians
Two major stand-up talents will perform at the Morrison Center this weekend.
▪ Hilarious mom Leanne Morgan is on her “Big Panty” tour. The show starts at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $29.75-$39.75 at Ticketmaster.
▪ Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt is in town Saturday with his “Who’s Ready to Laugh?” tour. That show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.50-$142.50 at Ticketmaster.
3. Rock indoors
▪ Laura Rain and the Caesars will bring Motor City soul to the Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., on Friday. The show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.50-$47.50 at egyptiantheatre.net. Special guest: Ghalia Volt
▪ Margo Cilker: 7 p.m. Friday at Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St. $13, theduckclub.com, $15 door. Guest: Stam Steffen.
▪ Nick Delffs: 7 p.m. Saturday at Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St. $10, theduckclub.com, $12 door. Guests: WIBG, Frankie Tillo
4. Be artsy
▪ Check out artwork and visit with more than 70 artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday during Art and Roses at Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd. There also will be music from Blaze and Kelly (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and BFD (1 to 4 p.m.), food from Coned Pizza and KB’s Burritos, and treats from Kona Ice and Ankley Brothers Kettle Corn. It’s free to enter, and a percentage of the sales directly supports the Julia Davis Rose Garden.
▪ Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s “Much Ado About Nothing” continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise. Check idahoshakespeare.org for ticket availability.
5. Play ball. Or play ball with your dog
▪ The Boise Hawks welcome the Ogden Raptors in baseball action at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, at Memorial Stadium, 5600 N. Glenwood St., Garden City. Tickets are $9-$15 at boisehawks.com.
▪ Animal expert Corbin Maxey (“Today” show) will make an appearance at noon and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Family Pet Expo. This event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood St. It features pet adoptions, petting zoos, pet food samples, reptile exhibits, demos, plus all sorts of pet products and services. It costs $5 per person or $20 for a family pass. Details: IdahoPetExpo.com.