The heat is on and so is the air conditioning, which will be working hard at dozens of schools by the end of the month. But just because summer is ending for a lot of us doesn’t mean the fun has to! August has a ton to offer in the City of Trees, so let’s get into it.
🌸 First Things First
I’m knocking on all things wooden when I say this, but so far this summer the Treasure Valley has had zero days with an Air Quality Index above 100, which marks the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. So go into the rest of this guide with that in mind, and let’s get out there while we can!
The Lights Are Bright on Caldwell
City Cast Boise podcast producer Evelyn Avitia has heard the hype about Lovely Hollow Farm in Caldwell, and she’s here to say it’s worth it. The farm has a flower cutting garden and multiple events every week, so it’s a perfect addition to a Canyon County winery tour. (Speaking of, that’s a great August-into-fall activity.)
The Caldwell Night Rodeo can win over people who don't care about rodeos — Evelyn being a prime example. (Evelyn Avitia / City Cast Boise)
Then, starting on August 12, one of the Treasure Valley’s biggest events starts. The Caldwell Night Rodeo runs that entire weekend, and it’s considered one of the best rodeos in the nation. If you can make it, it’s worth the effort — the production does not disappoint.
Big Boise Weekend Festivals
August may mean back-to-school, but it also means the Boise Soul Food Festival. That’s on August 9 in Julia Davis Park, and it’s a spotlight on the Black community — which is a rarity in Boise. Plus, it’s bite for bite the best food of any festival on the calendar. Go and try a little of everything (one of the organizers told us a few years ago to just bring Tupperware knowing you’ll have leftovers), and you’re likely to find a new business you’ll become obsessed with.
Another landmark festival takes place in August: The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic. Just like a massive Darth Vader hot air balloon, this one always sneaks up on me. But it’s a treat — the balloons fill up the valley’s sky with whimsy, and the first day activities are always tailored to kids.
Friend of City Cast Boise Matthew Melton (he’s also a newly minted City Cast Boise Neighbor 🫶🏻) is a fan of the Boise Comic Arts Festival, one of the public library system’s biggest annual events. Best of all, it’s free!
What to Eat and Drink in August
Don’t let the heat drive your appetite away! This is the perfect time to test out that patio you’ve been meaning to try, and split a dish or drink with a friend and enjoy the summer air.
Here are some of the most refreshing things I’ve had lately:
- Oldspeak’s chilled huckleberry tea.
- Nahm’s mango salad (Thai basil sangria optional but recommended).
- Percy’s “Sea Witch” cocktail: Gin-based, with sake, a nori simple syrup, lime, ginger, and a nori sheet — so crisp, so good.
- Hap Hap Lounge’s kalimotxo (although of course Bar Gernika is the original).
- Pho Le’s summer or vegetarian rolls.
