I know, it’s still spring, but with the hot weather this weekend — it’s not too early to start planning the food you’ll enjoy this summer. Food festivals aren’t a hard sell, but they can sneak up on you. Take your pick of these, send them to your group chat, and make a plan to go with pals! Personally, I will not let the long lines at the Greek Food Festival deter me this year.
🗓️ May 30 - 31
With 42 of these festivals under their belt, the community at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church know how to throw this party. There’s dancing and church tours, and so much beautiful food. See you there, baklava fans.
🗓️ June 8
The Idaho Botanical Gardens transforms into a dizzying vino lover’s paradise. General admission is $80, but if you can keep your wits about you, the whole day can be packed with wine and cheese.
🗓️ June 11 - 14
Boise is surrounded by communities with fairs and festivals that capture their individual characters, but Emmett’s has to make this list because of the cherries. They’re indescribable!
🗓️ June 14
For Father’s Day weekend, head to Expo Idaho for this self-explanatory festival. There will be music to go along with the bacon and brews at this festival run by Sockeye Brewing. Tickets are $45 and limited!
🗓️ July 29 - August 3
Circle this one a few times! Jaialdi (pronounced “hi-yal-dee”) is one of the biggest Basque festivals in the world. It began in the 1980s and has followed a five-year schedule since. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this six-day festival will be the first since 2015. Expect it to be accordingly festive!
🗓️ August 9
One of Boise’s best summer events because the food is that good and the community is that loving. There aren’t many Black-focused events in Boise, so this one is a joy to support. It has a long history, and returned to its home at Julia Davis Park in 2022.
