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.
- Fall for History Festival, Wallace (Sept. 14-17)
Wallace ID Chamber/Facebok
Wallace ID Chamber/Facebook 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.
- Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Ketchum (Oct. 5-9)
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook 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!
- Old Boise Oktoberfest, Boise (Sept. 17)
Oktoberfest Old Boise/Facebook
Oktoberfest Old Boise/Facebook 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 Spud Day, Shelley (Sept. 17)
Ivan the Intrepid/YouTube
Ron Kikuchi/Flickr 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.
- Idaho Mountain Festival, Almo (Sept. 22-25)
Idaho Mountain Fest/Facebook
Idaho Mountain Fest/Facebook 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.
- Eagle Food & Wine Festival, Eagle (Sept. 24)
Eagle Food & Wine Festival/Facebook
Eagle Food & Wine Festival/Facebook 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.
- Idaho Horror Film Festival, Boise (Oct. 13-15)
Idaho Horror Film Festival/Facebook 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.
- Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, Boise (Aug. 31-Sept.4)
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic/Facebook
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic/Facebook 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.
- Orofino Lumberjack Days, Orofino (Sept. 15-18)
Facebook/Orofino Lumberjack Days
Orofino Lumberjack Days 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.
- Schweitzer Fall Fest, Sandpoint (Sept. 3-5)
Schweitzer Mountain Resort/Facebook
Schweitzer Mountain Resort/Facebook 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.
- Idaho Renaissance Faire, Emmett (Oct. 5-6)
Idaho Renaissance Faire
Idaho Renaissance Faire 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!
- Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival, Meridian (Sept. 23-Oct. 29)
The Farmstead/Facebook
The Farmstead/Facebook 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!
Wallace ID Chamber/Facebok
Wallace ID Chamber/Facebook
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.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival/Facebook
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 Old Boise/Facebook
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!
Ivan the Intrepid/YouTube
Ron Kikuchi/Flickr
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.
Idaho Mountain Fest/Facebook
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.
Eagle Food & Wine Festival/Facebook
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.
Idaho Horror Film Festival/Facebook
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.
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic/Facebook
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.
Facebook/Orofino Lumberjack Days
Orofino Lumberjack Days
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.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort/Facebook
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.
Idaho Renaissance Faire
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/Facebook
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.
Are there any other awesome festivals going on this time of year in Idaho?
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