Fourth of July Events
With Independence Day happening this weekend, many cities are hosting events, and fireworks shows this weekend to celebrate The Fourth. Independence Day celebrations are happening all over Idaho and the Treasure Valley, so there’s bound to be an event near you.
City of Boise Fireworks Show
Taking place at Ann Morrison Park at 10:15 p.m., join the city for a socially distanced celebration of America’s Independence. The park will be closed all day to vehicle traffic, but people are welcome to walk or ride bikes into the park.
For health reasons, there won’t be any food or drink vendors this year. However, outside food and drink are permitted in the park, but leave the glass bottles at home.
City of Caldwell Patriotic Weekend Celebration
The City of Caldwell hosts an Independence Day celebration Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, join residents for a community parade that begins at Memorial Park (one of the parks highlighted in our Boise Area Parks Guide). Saturday’s festivities also include vendors, a car show, and activities for the kids.
On Sunday, join the city at Brothers Park for a firework show that happens around 10:15 p.m.
Also, Indian Creek Plaza is hosting an Independence Day Celebration where people can cool off with splash pads, take a dip in a dunk tank, or have a foam fight in a foam pit.
Melba “Olde Tyme” 4th of July
The event takes place on Saturday, July 3rd, and is billed as a fun-filled family day. The day kicks off with a fun run at 7 a.m. At 9 a.m., the arts and crafts fair and concession stands open. The community parade takes place at 10:30 a.m. Other events include a “fairway of children’s games,” a fried chicken lunch, antique tractor pull, car show, and more.
And of course, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without fireworks which will take to the skies at dusk.
Star Hometown Celebration
This weekend, the City of Star is hosting its Hometown Celebration. Saturday’s events include a fun run, parade, pie auction, fishing derby, and Saturday market. On Sunday, beginning a 3 p.m., the city will host kid’s games and a dunk tank. Live music commences at 5 p.m. with local artist “The Front” headlining the event with a concert at 8 p.m.
The weekend concludes with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
Boise Hawks
The Boise Hawks are hosting a “Red, White, and Hawks” Independence Day Event at Memorial Stadium. Following the game between the hometown Hawks and the visiting Raptors, fireworks will light up the skies above Memorial Stadium.
Independence Day in Meridian
Returning this year are fireworks to Storey Park and the Meridian Speedway. Beginning at 4 p.m. on the Fourth, food trucks will be on hand at the park to serve up tasty snacks and local cuisine.
Fireworks will light up the skies above the track around 10:20 p.m.
Mountain Fourth of July Events
Brundage Mountain is hosting a 4th of July Music Festival from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the resort’s base area.
McCall will hold its annual fireworks show over Payette Lake on July 4th.
Festivals and Events
Southwest Idaho is home to various festivals and events beyond the July 4th festivities mentioned above. Here’s a sampling of events coming up this month:
Vintage Market Days of South Idaho
According to the organizer’s website, Vintage Market Days “is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more.”
The event runs July 2nd through July 4th at Expo Idaho.
Red Chair Lavender Festival
Lavender is in full bloom at the Red Chari Lavender Festival, happening July 3rd, and 4th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival features live music, food featuring lavender, local vendors and artisans, local craft beers and wines, demonstrations, and classes.
Idaho Talent Fest
Idaho Talent Fest happens July 10th, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Nampa Civic Center. The event is a fundraiser for the Idaho Chapter of the FSHD Society and features performers vying for a top prize of $1,000.
Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs
Happening July 10th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lloyd Square Park in downtown Nampa, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an event to raise funds for the Amity Dog Park and a second dog park in Nampa. Good, live music, vendors, and beer will be on tap for a good cause.
Snake River Stampede
“The wildest fastest show on earth” returns to the Ford Idaho Center July 20-24 as the Snake River Stampede Rodeo makes its annual Treasure Valley appearance.
Zoo’s Line is it Anyway
On July 21st, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., “comedy meets conservation,” as improv comedians take the stage and do animal-themed improv comedy created on the spot by audience suggestions. The show raises funds for the zoo’s conservation efforts as 100% of the proceeds to go toward this mission.
Family Fun
There are a few more family-friendly events that caught our eye this month.
Eagle Fun Days Celebration
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the City of Eagle, Eagle Fun Days is an excellent weekend of fun for the whole family. On Friday, July 9th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Guerber Park, there will be field games, bounce houses, food vendors, as well as other fun activities from local partners. After the festivities conclude at Guerber Park, head to Eagle Island State Park for a Fireworks show that begins at 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 10th, features a day of fund events kicking off with a run and pancake breakfast. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., vendors and live music take over downtown Eagle. There will also be a car show, wet and wild parade, cornhole tournament, firetruck pull, and Rocky Mountain Oyster feed.
Christmas in July Fair
On Saturday, July 10th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian, the first annual “Christmas in July” craft and vendor fair occurs. It’s an opportunity to jump-start holiday shopping as local artisans, and small businesses will provide handcrafted items and merchandise.
And Santa will be on hand to greet children between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event will also feature food trucks and kid-friendly activities.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Many people have heard the story about Titanic and its fateful trip across the Atlantic. This exhibition tells the story of the Titanic through artifacts recovered from the ocean floor. The show goes through August 15th at the Discovery Center.
The Canyon County Fair
The Canyon County Fair makes its triumphant return to Caldwell near the Caldwell Night Rodeo. Running July 29th through August 1st, the Canyon County Fair brings rides, food, exhibits, and entertainment to southwest Idaho.
The Last Word
As you can see, a lot is going on in the Boise area of Idaho in July. While we can’t showcase all of the events going on, these certainly hit the highlights and offer an array of entertainment for the whole family.
Main Photo Credit: iStock.com/artisteer