5 things to do this weekend in Boise: See John Mulaney, taste 80+ beers, watch ski porn

With Thanksgiving week looming, now is the last time for most non-holiday-related entertainment.

Here are some of the top things to do during the weekend of Nov. 18-20.

1. Beer festival

Thirsty? The Tom Grainey’s Winter Ale Fest, formerly Pray for Snow, is one of the Boise area’s only pay-one-price, taste-all-you-want beer festivals. For $35 in advance at Eventbrite.com (or $45 at the gate), you’ll get a taster cup that gives you access to more than 80 different beverages. (We’re talking roughly 65 beers, plus 20 or so ciders, seltzers, wines and canned cocktails.) Tons of beer styles will be represented, including seasonal ales, chocolate stouts, flavored porters, hazy IPAs — the good stuff! The party goes from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 6th and Grove streets. Just a reminder: This is not supposed to be all-you-can-slam. Leave the beer bong at the frat house, bro.

You’ll be able to watch the Boise State-Wyoming football game on TV, purchase hot grub from local food trucks — and shop while you drink. About 25 local vendors will create a miniature Saturday Market atmosphere. Kids are welcome ($5 in advance or at the gate). The same goes for adults ($12) without the taster cup. On that note? A bar selling cocktails ($7-$11) will be on-site, too.

2. Comedy show

Funny man John Mulaney will headline a major comedy concert at 8 p.m. Friday at Idaho Central Arena, 233 S. Capitol Blvd. The majority of seats in the 4,500-capacity room are gone, but you can still find a limited number for $59.50-$149.50 (plus fees) at Idahocentralarena.com. “For my money, he’s the funniest person in America,” Seth Meyers, host of “Late Night” on NBC, once told The New York Times. Mulaney has wide appeal, whether riffing on becoming a dad or commenting on his battles with drug addiction and sobriety.

3. Live music

Here are highlights in local concert clubs.

David Wilcox: 7 p.m. Friday, Sapphire Room, The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise. $20 general, $25 preferred. eventbrite.com.

Aaron Watson: 8 p.m. Friday, Knitting Factory, 416 S. 9th St., Boise. $25. Ticketmaster. Opening: Jon Stork.

Adam Calhoun and Demun Jones: 8 p.m. Friday, Revolution Center, 4983 N. Glenwood St., Garden City. $28. Ticketmaster.

Josiah Johnson / Shaina Shepherd: 8 p.m. Friday, The Olympic, 1009 W. Main St., Boise. $15 at eventbrite.com. $20 at the door.

Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs: 8 p.m. Saturday, The Olympic, 1009 W. Main St., Boise. $12 at eventbrite.com. $15 at the door. Opening: Ryan Curtis.

Femme Von Follies: Neo-classical burlesque accompanied by The Ashley Rose Band. 9 p.m. Saturday, Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St., Boise. $20 at eventbrite.com.

Tribute concert to Alan Braga: Featuring Blue Roux and Chip Ruberry’s Thursday night jammers, the Mojo Boogie Band and the Blues Addicts. Donations welcome for a memorial fund in Braga’s name. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Watson’s Mystery Cafe and Spirits, 8001 W. Fairview Ave., Boise.

The Murlocs: 8 p.m. Sunday, Neurolux, 111 N. 11th St., Boise. $18. TicketWeb. $20 at the door. Opening: Paul Jacobs.

4. Warren Miller party

Like the Supreme Court once opined: “I know it when I see it.” So let’s lovingly call Warren Miller movies exactly what they are: Ski porn! Winter-sports fans lust for the Miller film tour every year, because it means one thing: Chairlifts are about to start running. Get in the mood with Miller’s 73rd annual shred flick, “Daymaker,” presented by the Bogus Basin Ski Club. The powder-worshiping celebration will take over the Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Screenings will feature door prizes, including a Bogus Basin winter ski pass. Grab tickets for $18 (or $15 matinee) at egyptiantheatre.net. A portion of the proceeds benefits Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education (BASE), Bogus Basin Ski Patrol, Bogus Basin and the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation.

5. Bogus brew

Bogus Basin has unveiled its first-ever collaboration beer: Above the Clouds IPA, created with Garden City brewery Western Collective. Get your first taste of this sessionable brew at the official Above the Clouds release party. It goes from 5 p.m. to close Saturday at Western Proper, 610 W. Idaho St., in downtown Boise. Got a season pass? Show it, and you’ll get $2 off your beers. Did you attend the aforementioned Warren Miller movie? Same discount. They’ll also be raffling coolers, season passes and more. And just a reminder: Bogus Basin opens on Saturday.

This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 11:34 AM.