Posted in Idaho
September 14, 2016
11 Unique Fall Festivals In Idaho You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Idaho plays host to to hundreds of festivals all year long. Fall is no exception, but it’s something particularly special – because it’s the perfect time for a festival, really! Perfect weather, vibrant colors, and pumpkin-flavored everything make this the dreamiest season of them all. Fortunately, the Gem State’s calendar is bursting at the seams with unique events, celebrations, and festivals that truly capture the magic and charm of autumn and the community that is truly Idaho.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The most unique small town in the world is celebrating its colorful history alongside the new season with tours, reenactments, games, and workshops that will allow you to explore your own creativity and be inspired by the incredible architecture and beauty of the bustling Silver Valley.
It wasn't until 1970 that Idaho's human population finally exceeded that of its expansive sheep flocks. In honor of the annual move from ranches to the valley every year, this renowned celebration features five days of family-friendly events including performances, culinary classes, wool workshops, Championship Sheepdog Trials, a Sheepherder’s Ball, and the ultimate Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep trailing down Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho. There's a reason this festival was named one of the top 10 in the country!
Oktoberfest's German beginnings are no match for the enthusiasm of Idaho's capital city and central hub of local breweries and distilleries. Traditional food and drinks, epic live music, contests, prizes, and more await you downtown!
Idaho's annual Spud Day is held in a small town that lives and breathes our state's renowned tuber: Shelley, Idaho, home of the Russets. The epic mashed potato pit and tug-of-war competition is just one event highlight, but you'll also be able to get your spud on with potato sack races, a parade, and so much more.
This unique festival is perfect for outdoor-lovers. Set in Idaho's City of Rocks, you'll explore some of the Southern Idaho's toughest climbs and most beautiful views with awesome company, food, and an incredibly scenic tent city. What makes it so special? You'll be out experiencing the changing season up close and personal with live music, movies, and activities to keep you entertained when not scrambling up granite.
Classy and delicious, dozens of restaurants will bring their best to this one-day event. Each fantastic dish is paired with wine from a local winery, which means you'll leave happy and with some new favorites and friends.
The only one of its kind in Idaho, this film festival features both local and classic horror movies, just in time to kick off the Halloween season.
Every year, a final tribute to summer and a spectacular kickoff into fall takes place near downtown Boise. Here, in Ann Morrison Park, dozens of whimsical hot air balloons fill the sky in a five-day kaleidoscope of color that can only be described as…well, indescribable. Food, activities for kids, a nite-glow event, and even tethered rides make this a must-do event every year.
A parade, log-cutting and scaling competitions, carnival, and horse pull all come together in a spirited event that highlights Northern Idaho's vibrant timber industry.
For the last 23 years, Schweitzer has celebrated the end of summer with regional microbrews, amazing food, and incredible live music. The beer tastings - which is the activity that started it all - and other events are all enjoyed in the heart of some of Idaho's most picturesque mountain scenery and has evolved into a weekend-long event that offers something for all ages. Gondola rides and bouncy houses included.
Tucked away in small town Idaho is an incredible medieval festival that is unlike any other in the state. Jousting, reenactments, amazing food, knightly dubbings, and lavish costumes that would put the Round Table to shame will make this event one to remember... and go to again and again!
The Farmstead is perhaps the Treasure Valley's most beloved corn maze locale, but every year, this farm kicks it up a notch by offering quintessential fall activities, contests, and photo ops across multiple special event days alongside their daily hay rides and pumpkin patch offerings.
I’m ready for some fall-pumpkin-family goodness – how about you? If you’ve already missed some of these events, don’t worry! They’ll come back around next year!
Are there any other awesome festivals going on this time of year in Idaho?
