It’s illegal in Boise. But ‘bigger than ever,’ this festival will celebrate it
Because Idaho lawmakers love seeing potential tax dollars flood into Oregon, I’d bet the Burnt River Farms that ours will be the last state to legalize weed.
But that won’t prevent Boiseans from making the quick trip to Ontario to purchase bud, edibles, prerolls, vapes, concentrates, tinctures, topicals — even Treasure Valley Cannabis Co. hoodies.
It won’t stop them from celebrating pot in a flagship city park, either.
Boise Hempfest will return for its 10th year in Julia Davis Park on Saturday and Sunday. Describing itself as the Gem State’s largest cannabis education festival, the “nonprofit-driven community event” promises to be “bigger than ever.”
Growing like hydroponic flower, Boise Hempfest will be two days instead of one. That’s a first.
“Founded to promote awareness, responsible dialogue and education around cannabis and hemp, Boise Hempfest has grown into a cornerstone event for Idaho residents seeking information, connection, and community engagement,” according to a press release. “The 2026 milestone event expands its reach with two full days of programming, vendors, entertainment and interactive experiences.”
Torching up a blunt in the park, of course, would be unwise. Gov. Brad Little signed a bill last year that mandated a $300 minimum fine for low-level marijuana possession. Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, it made the mandatory minimum financial punishment worse for a joint than for, say, attempted strangulation, the Idaho Statesman reported.
Gosh, that seems a little foaming-at-the-mouth. After all, Boise Hempfest is “a free, family-friendly space where people can come together to learn, connect and celebrate,” founding director Serra Frank said in a prepared statement.
Event highlights, according to the release:
- Vendor Village: “A wide variety of local businesses, artisans and educational organizations.”
- Munchies Market: “The largest food court in event history, offering diverse food and beverage options.”
- Main Stage Entertainment: “Live music, performances and speakers across both days.”
- Kid Land & Art Land: “Dedicated spaces for family-friendly activities and creative expression.”
- Cannabis Cove: “A focused area for cannabis education, discussion and advocacy.”
- Community Engagement: “Nonprofits, educators and advocates sharing resources and information.”
Festivalgoers should expect petition endeavors aimed at mellowing out Idaho’s legal phobia about marijuana. There also will be updates about House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR4) — a “critical issue,” according to the release.
HJR4 is a “proposed measure that would amend the Idaho constitution to restrict the legalization of cannabis through citizen-led initiatives. If passed, HJR4 would shift decision-making power exclusively to the Idaho Legislature, removing the public’s ability to bring cannabis policy directly to the ballot.”
Just typical power-grabbing Idaho lawmaker chicanery, right?
Fear not, cannabis enthusiasts. This press release reads like a call to arms. Or at least an extra-determined bong rip. Running 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Hempfest is, well, fired up!
“With thousands of attendees expected,” it says, “the 10th anniversary event is set to be the largest and most impactful Hempfest to date.”
