Diana DeJesus

September 14, 2023

Treasure Valley Oktoberfest Extravaganza: A Roundup of Bavarian Bliss

Diana DeJesus

September 14, 2023

Boise and the Treasure Valley are gearing up for an exciting Oktoberfest season, and you won't want to miss out on the fun. From traditional German music to mouthwatering food and, of course, plenty of beer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a quick overview of the Oktoberfest events happening in the Treasure Valley this year:

1. Das Alpenhaus Oktoberfest 2023

Date: September 22nd and 23rd
Location: Boise
Details: Get ready for an authentic Bavarian experience with live music, traditional food, and a variety of German and Austrian beers. Check out the Ultimate Guide A to Z Z for more details.

2. October Fest at Idaho Botanical Gardens

Date: October 21st, 10 am to 3 pm
Location: Boise
Details: Put on your best Oktoberfest attire and head to the Idaho Botanical Gardens for beer, brats, and live music by Bacon Drive. It's a festive celebration you won't want to miss.

3. Oktoberfest Downtown Meridian

Date: October 7th, 10 am - 10 pm
Location: Downtown Meridian
Details: Meridian's Oktoberfest promises a day full of fun, including live music, contests, races, and delicious food. Get ready for a vibrant celebration.

4. Oktoberfest at Nampa Civic Center

Date: September 29, 2023
Location: Nampa
Details: Celebrate German culture, food, and music at the Nampa Civic Center. Enjoy live music by the Boise Valley Edelweiss Band, games, food, and more. Get your tickets early!

5. Oktoberfest Party at High Desert Harley-Davidson

Date: September 30th, 11 am - 3 pm
Location: Meridian
Details: High Desert Harley-Davidson is hosting a lively Oktoberfest party with beer, brats, pretzels, and, of course, Harley's. Join the fun! .

6. Payette Brewing Oktoberfest

Date: September 15th, 5 pm - 10 pm
Location: Boise
Details: Enjoy the Oktoberfest spirit at Payette Brewing, featuring traditional German fare, music, and, of course, plenty of beer.

7. Oktoberfest Volkswagen Cruise-in BBQ

Date: October 1st, 12 pm - 4 pm
Location: Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park, Boise
Details: If you're a Volkswagen enthusiast, don't miss this event with beer, brats, and a cruise-in at the park. Get ready for a fantastic fall Sunday!

8. Old Boise Oktoberfest 2023

Date: September 23rd, 2 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Boise
Details: Old Boise Oktoberfest is back with music, brats, and a great time. Get ready for a festive day of celebration.

These Oktoberfest events are your ticket to celebrating German culture, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment.

Be sure to check out the Ultimate Guide A to Z for more details on each event. Prost to a memorable Oktoberfest season in the Treasure Valley! 🍻🥨🎶

Diana DeJesus

September 16, 2020

Food, Blogs

Guac Your World: 5 Best Boise Spots for Guacamole

Diana DeJesus

September 16, 2020

Food, Blogs

It’s National Guacamole Day! All about the guac today. Looking for some of Boise’s best guac? Look no further. Checkout these guacamoles that should be crossed off your Boise Bucket List

276 W Bobwhite Ct (at Parkcenter Blvd.)

Follow on IG: Barbacoa Boise

Barbacoa is home to one of the best tableside guacamole I’ve had in Boise. From mild to spicy, this guac is made to your desire. It also pairs well with one of their many delicious craft cocktails.

Tin Roof Tacos

115 S Broadway Ave, Boise, ID

Follow on IG: Tin Roof Tacos

Guacamole for a cheap? Yup, that’s what you get at Tin Roof Tacos. Just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean it’s skimping out on the flavor. Chips & Guacamole for only $3. Can’t beat that!

The Matador

8th Street Downtown Boise

Follow on IG: Boise Matador

Want more than just guacamole to add to your tasting pleasure? The Matador includes a side of tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, and queso fresco.

Jalapeno’s on Broadway

1555 S. Broadway Ave.

Follow on IG: Jalapenos On Broadway

Filled with flavor , Jalapeno’s homemade guacamole is one for the guac lovers. With two servings -- 8oz and 16oz -- you have enough guac to share amongst friends.

Calle 75 Street Tacos

Downtown Boise: 11th Street Downtown

Village at Meridian

Follow on IG: Calle75 Street Tacos

House-made guac is where it’s at. Calle 75 has some you won’t want to miss

Any spots are missing from this list? Love to hear from ya!

Diana DeJesus

November 21, 2018

Things to Do

Top 12 Holiday Activities to Cross of Your #BoiseBucketList

Diana DeJesus

November 21, 2018

Things to Do

If you are like me a two years ago, I didn’t know what to do when it came to my first holiday season in Boise. For those who are new to Boise, or if you’re looking for a few new ideas, here’s my Top 12 Holiday Activities to Cross Off Your Boise Bucket List:

1. CAPITAL TREE LIGHTING ON THE GROVE PLAZA

Date: November 23rd, from 5pm -6:30pm.

Get ready to snuggle with your loved ones as you enjoy the holiday tree lighting. It’ll be held at The Grove, and festivities begin at 5pm. Entertainment by Red Light Challenge and the Boise Men’s & Women’s Choruses.

For full details, please visit: https://downtownboise.org/events/downtown-holiday-tree-lighting

2. SAINT ALPHONSUS FESTIVAL OF TREES

Date: November 21st - November 25th

Last year, I attended this wonderful event and I highly recommend it. For so many reasons. All funds raised will support the expansion of Saint Alphonsus. You get to walk around and be surrounded by all of the holiday splendor that makes you feel warm inside. Let’s not forget the hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday decor For more information, please visit: https://www.saintalphonsus.org/ways-to-give/boise/festival-of-trees/.

3. IDAHO FOOD BANK EMPTY BOWLS

Date: Friday, November 23rd; 10am to 1:30pm

The Empty Bowls is where you get to choose from hand-painted bowls from professional and amateur painters, students, and studios. After you select a bowl, you can then enjoy a hot bowl of soup generously donated by one of the local Boise restaurants.

Over 3,000 bowls to choose from, and bowls start at $10.00. It’ll be held at the Boise Center. *Parking WILL BE FREE on Friday.

Recommendation: ARRIVE EARLY! I made the terrible mistake of attending around 12pm. The line was long, wrapped around Main Street.

4. BOISE CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE EGYPTIAN THEATER

I’m movie geek and fanatic, so when Boise Classic Movies released its holiday schedule, I screamed with joy. Maybe not scream, but definitely got giddy.

This year, the list of classic movies range from action to romcom to the classic holiday movies:

Love Actually
Christmas Vacation
It’s a Wonderful Life
A Christmas Story
Home Alone
White Christmas
Elf

Some of the movies showings include beer and wine (21+). I believe these will all sell out, so grab your tickets early. Plus, you get to watch it in the coolest place here in Boise: The Egyptian Theater. For more info, please visit: https://boiseclassicmovies.com/deals/.

5. ICE SKATING AT THE VILLAGE OF MERIDIAN

Date: November through January 2019

I’ll admit — I’m not the best when it comes to ice skating. BUT for the holiday season, I’ll put on some ice skates.

The Village of Meridian now has an ice skating rink in Fountain Square. Its open from November thru January. Ticket prices start at $5.00.

Enjoy a night of ice skating, then grab hot chocolate at Village Coffee, and sit by a warm fire. For more info, please visit: https://www.thevillageatmeridian.com/event/Ice-Skating/2145514930/.

6. WINTER GARDEN AGLOW AT THE IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Date: Thursday, November 22 – Monday, January 1; 6pm; Botanical Garden

The Garden isn’t only for the warm months. The Idaho Botanical Garden becomes a dazzling display of lights during the holiday season. Over 400K lights, to be exact.

On select nights, you can even see Santa and enjoy the sounds of local choirs.

Tickets start at $8, and children under 4 are FREE.

For more info, please visit: https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/event/winter-garden-aglow-2018/2018-11-22/.

7. THE NUTCRACKER AT IDAHO REGIONAL BALLET

Date: Friday, December 14th and go through Sunday, December 16th.

When I was growing up, my parents brought my siblings and me to see the Nutcracker. My sister especially loved it because she was into ballet. When I close my eyes and think of Christmas, seeing the Nutcracker is part of that vision.

Luck for us, we have a chance to see the Nutcracker live at Idaho Regional Ballet. Come celebrate the holiday season with Idaho Regional Ballet and Lisa Moon’s staging of The Nutcracker. This marvelously imaginative production has become a holiday tradition for Treasure Valley families. Over 100 dancers in the cast and guest artists, Benjamin Griffiths and Leta Biasucci, courtesy of Pacific Northwest Ballet will grace the stage to Tchaikovsky's beloved score.

Snag your tickets early because these showings HAVE SOLD OUT! Not kidding. You may purchase your tickets HERE:

8. #WhatsYourAwesome DOWNTOWN CARRIAGE RIDES WITH WASHINGTON TRUST BANK

Date: Every Friday and Saturday from November 24th – December 16th, 4pm – 8pm

You’d think you’d have to travel to New York City to enjoy a classic carriage ride. Or, at least that’s what I see in the movies.

Starting in late November, you have the chance to enjoy a FREE carriage ride in downtown Boise. Yes, I said FREE. Washington Trust Bank is providing free carriage rides and hot cocoa to the Boise community throughout the holiday season!

Pickup is in front of the Washington Trust Bank 9th Street downtown Boise.

9. CLAUS N PAWS DAY AT ZOO BOISE

Date: Saturday, December 1st from 10am – 5pm

Want to have a fun FREE day at the zoo? On Saturday, December December 1st starting at 10am, you and your family can enjoy all the zoo offerings. Santa Claus will visit the zoo for photo ops.

10. WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHT DISPLAY IN DOWNTOWN CALDWELL

Date: November thru January 15th, 2019

If you haven’t driven to Caldwell for its Winter Wonderland Light Display, you’re definitely missing out! I attended this last year, and I’m so happy the time has come where I can go again. You have the beautiful light display in downtown Caldwell. For more information, please visit: https://www.cityofcaldwell.org/play/city-of-caldwell-events/winter-wonderland#ad-image-0.

11. IDAHO STATE CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Date: Monday, November 26th

Last year, I attended the Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree lighting right after work, and it was absolutely worth it. There was free hot cocoa and cookies for everyone. After the tree lighting, you can head inside and explore the Idaho State Capitol building. Holiday decorations are something that’s magical – amazing, even. With the vibrant reds and the deep greens to the holiday wreaths, you can get lost in the sea of beautiful holiday decorations. The Idaho State Capitol building does not disappoint. The interior of the Capitol building is absolutely amazing!

For more info, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2196687820351778/.

12. VIEW THE LIGHTS AT THE SCENTSY COMMON GROUND

Head to the Scentsy Common Grounds in Meridian to experience over 23-miles of amazing holiday lights. The public is welcome to explore the grounds during the holiday season to view the lights up close & personal. You can also see the beautiful Christmas Tree in the lobby from 9am to 5pm (business hours).

Do you have a traditional holiday activity that didn’t make the list? Feel free to email me at info@boisebucketlist.com. Make sure to use the hashtag #boisebucketlist on Instagram at a chance of being featured! Enjoy crossing these activities off your list.