Issue 1  |  Fri Oct 23, 2026  |  5 minute read Happy Halloween week, Boise. Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, which means the whole weekend is fair game. Haunted cell blocks, a night game on the blue turf, a ski swap and a few spooky symphonies. Here is what is up for Oct 26 to Nov 1, with a link on every pick. The quick version ● Halloween is a Saturday. Costume plans from Friday night through Sunday brunch are fully justified. ● Football on Halloween night. Broncos host Texas State at 8 pm on the blue. ● Ski Swap is back. The 75th one, Fri through Sun at Expo Idaho. ● Last call for scarecrows. The Scarecrow Stroll wraps Mon Nov 2. ● Fall back. Clocks go back an hour early Sun Nov 1. The big three Photo: Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fright Nights at the Old Pen Fri Oct 30 (all ages, 13+ suggested) and Sat Oct 31 (18+ only), 7-11 pm, last entry 9 pm  |  Old Idaho Penitentiary, 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd Haunted cell block, haunted infirmary, food trucks and music. Cemetery tours are sold out; general admission is still open. Details Photo: Bsuorangecrush, Public domain Broncos vs. Texas State Sat Oct 31, 8 pm  |  Albertsons Stadium Halloween night home game for Boise State. Wear your costume under the coat. Details 75th Annual Ski Swap Fri Oct 30 10 am-10 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun Nov 1 10 am-3 pm  |  Expo Idaho, 5610 N Glenwood St Used and new skis, boards, boots and gear. Sunday free with 2 canned foods; 12 and under free. Details Halloween weekend Halloween at the Capital City Public Market Sat Oct 31, 10 am-2 pm  |  The Grove Plaza, 827 W Main St Trick-or-treat the vendor booths, kids crafts, pumpkin contest and live music. Free. Details Boise Philharmonsters: A Spooky Symphony Sat Oct 31, costume contest 1:45 pm, concert 2-3 pm  |  Centennial High School, 12402 W McMillan Rd Boise Phil plays Danse Macabre, Jaws, Harry Potter and more. See their site for tickets. Details The Rocky Horror Picture Show Sat Oct 31, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm (18+)  |  Egyptian Theatre, 700 W Main St Shadow cast, costume contest and a prop bag. Outside props not allowed. Details Music and stage Rival Sons Fri Oct 30, 8 pm  |  Knitting Factory, 416 S 9th St Domestic Bliss Tour. Details Plini Sat Oct 31, 8 pm  |  Knitting Factory, 416 S 9th St Instrumental prog guitar, An Unnameable Desire Tour. Details Eat and drink Brotherly Love Open now  |  Warehouse Food Hall, 370 S 8th St New Philly cheesesteak spot with 6 and 12 inch sandwiches, wit or witout onions. Details Flower Child Daily 11 am-9 pm  |  The Village at Meridian, 3395 E Longwing Ln First Idaho location of the healthy fast-casual chain. Bowls and wraps. Details DK Donuts, now in Kuna Mon-Sat 5 am-5 pm, Sun 6 am-3 pm  |  1200 N Meridian Rd, Kuna Third store for the State Street donut shop. Donuts, breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Details Free and cheap Halloween Parade and Party (ages 0-5) Fri Oct 30, 10:30-11:30 am  |  Downtown Library, 715 S Capitol Blvd Costume parade and trick-or-treat through the library, then crafts. Free. Details Halloween Festival at Hillcrest Fri Oct 30, 4-5 pm  |  Library! at Hillcrest, 5246 W Overland Rd Spooky activities and treats for all ages. Free. Details Photo: Kevin (thekevinchang), Flickr, CC BY 2.0 Scarecrow Stroll (final week) 9 am-5 pm through Mon Nov 2, last entry 4 pm  |  Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd 30 community-made scarecrows plus fall color. Vote for a favorite. The garden lot is closed, so park at the Table Rock Trailhead behind the Warden's House. See their site for tickets. Details One cool thing Fall back Sunday Sun Nov 1, 2 am  |  Everywhere Daylight saving time ends. Clocks go back an hour, so you get an extra hour of sleep after Halloween night. Details Know someone who is always bored? Forward this to them. They can sign up free in ten seconds. Keep up with Boise That is the week. Stay warm, set your clocks back, and tell us what we missed. Just hit reply, a real person reads every one. See you out there, Jeff Times and prices can change. Check before you go. Header photo: Boise skyline by Lordchadwick79, CC0, with our blimp added. This is the web version of our free newsletter. Sign up at boisewhatsup.com. Unsubscribe Harvest and Barrel LLC, 1116 S Vista Ave #154, Boise, ID 83705

Boise What's Up is an independent local guide. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the businesses we list. Free listings cannot be bought. Paid ads are always labeled "Sponsored." Hours and deals can change, so please confirm with the business before you go. To request a correction or removal, email boisehappenings@gmail.com and we will act within 2 business days.