Street closure time. This ‘epic party’ is coming to downtown Boise in June
When it comes to downtown entertainment destinations, Boiseans usually think of the bar district at Sixth and Main streets. Or the patio-packed “restaurant row” on 8th.
But don’t forget about BoDo.
The commercial district on the south side of Front Street has cranked up its visibility in the past year. Big time.
With summer approaching, it’s time to show off the changes — at a BoDo Block Party.
The Warehouse Food Hall, 370 S. 8th St., and Treefort Music Hall, 722 W. Broad St., will present a daylong event Saturday, June 24. BoDo Block Party is a free, all-ages event and will run from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“We’re closing off 8th Street between Front and Broad for an epic party that celebrates everything great happening on the BoDo block,” a Warehouse media release explains. “Expect live performances every hour, on the hour, on stages on the street, inside Treefort Music Hall, and in the newly unveiled Hap Hap Lounge.”
BoDo Block Party will feature food and drink vendors, family-friendly games, and fan experiences with Idaho Steelheads hockey players. Performers will include Smokey Brights, Afrosonics, DJ Mighty Deltaone and more.
And when that’s coming to a close? There are two afterparties to hit.
Quirky funk-rock band Thumpasaurus and opening act Lobo Lara will perform at 9:15 p.m. at Treefort Music Hall. The first 250 tickets will be free with registration, which begins at 10 a.m. Thursday at Eventbrite. After that, it’s $15 advance, $20 at the door.
Boiseans will be able to check out the rooftop Hap Hap Lounge (21 and older only) above Treefort Music Hall at another afterparty.
This isn’t just fun for fun’s sake. This is a marketing extravaganza designed to introduce Idahoans to an increasingly dynamic section of downtown Boise.
“While you’re at the block party,” the media release suggests, “head into The Warehouse Food Hall and indulge in over a dozen food and beverage options, and be sure to stop in and see all the neighbors of the BoDo district.”
Get wild! Climb aboard that giant horse statue outside P.F. Chang’s and ride ‘em, cowboy! (OK, maybe not that wild.) Opened in 2005, P.F. Chang’s is a veteran anchor of BoDo entertainment. But that old stallion has watched plenty of newcomers materialize recently.
The massive Warehouse Food Hall was launched last July, offering a variety of restaurant brands. Clucks Nashville Hot Chicken, 345 S. 8th St., opened a restaurant last year, too. Treefort Music Hall followed this year, as did movie multiplex BoDo Cinema, 760 W. Broad St.
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 4:00 AM.