Free events in Ada County, ID

Take part in an open BattleTech session focused on mech combat and shared fun. Step into the role of a MechWarrior in the thirty first century, piloting a monumental war machine passed down through generations, and battle to advance the power of the noble Great Houses across countless hot zones on distant worlds. Participation is free, and both newcomers and veteran players are welcome. The galaxy awaits.

Experience a free session of open tabletop gaming. Bring your own board game or pick from demo copies available on site, then connect with fellow players to form groups and enjoy a variety of titles.

Enjoy a free, casual evening centered on Pauper, the 60-card Magic format built entirely from commons. Try out different decks, learn the nuances of the format, and connect with a growing community that values budget-friendly competition, with many top tier lists available for about $50. ABU Games offers a welcoming atmosphere for players who want to focus on fun. This unsanctioned, constructed open play gathering takes place weekly and is a great fit for anyone interested in 60-card constructed Magic without extra overhead. Activities are held in the Dominaria Gaming Hall at ABU Games.

Trivia night at Pit Stop Sports Bar and Grill Meridian in Meridian welcomes all skill levels. Participation is free and designed for anyone who likes games and prizes. The evening features two games, each with three rounds modeled on well known game shows. Rather than straight question and answer, rounds mix in word scrambles, image based puzzles, and other creative twists.

Game Night Live Trivia brings a laid-back challenge to Corner Hustle Neighborhood Bar in Eagle, ID. There is no need to be a trivia expert, and there is no cost to participate. The format features two games, each with three rounds inspired by well-known game shows. It goes beyond simple question and answer trivia, offering jumbled word puzzles, image-based rounds, and other fun twists, plus chances to win.

A casual karaoke night with opportunities to sing, dance, and enjoy performances from others. Light snacks are provided, and attendees may bring additional snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to share. Admission is free.

Disney Lorcana league night gathers dedicated Illumineers for a rotating mix of free casual play and paid tournaments, with both formats contributing to league points and prizes. Casual sessions offer open play for all skill levels. Starter decks are available for purchase, instruction is available for newcomers, and players may bring constructed decks to test and refine. Tournament sessions use a Swiss style one on one format with a $9 entry fee. A booster pack is awarded for each win with at least one pack guaranteed, and a random participant receives a Disney themed treat. Participants can arrive early or stay after to fit in casual games or browse trade binders.

The MOVE Studio welcomes the community as part of JUMP's Open Studios, offering a free, hands-on chance for ages 5 and up to explore movement and creativity. This session centers on discovering personal flow, celebrating movement, and building community across all ages and abilities through fitness, yoga, dance, performance, and cultural expression. Participants can get familiar with the studio's equipment, learn how to get involved in studio projects, choreograph a dance, practice yoga, meet fellow movers, and try something new such as a Fire Dragon Stick. The program also encourages ideas for personal or community projects, with free opportunities for individuals, groups, teachers, and students to use JUMP studio spaces and tools to give back, bring joy, pursue a passion, learn new skills, and foster connections. Open Studios rotate through different JUMP spaces during the week, and the MOVE Studio is located on level 5.

Meridian Main Street Market features local artists, food makers, live music, and a variety of food trucks at Meridian City Hall Plaza. Families can enjoy games together, relax in shaded seating, and bring their pets. The Meridian Library Bookmobile is part of the experience. Opportunities for vendors, volunteers, and sponsors are available through the market.

At The Castle Gardens, this free, public festival brings together local venues and event professionals to support planning for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and other celebrations. Attendees can explore vendor booths and enjoy live music, entertainment, and food and drinks while connecting with photographers, caterers, florists, planners, decorators, rental companies, DJs, and additional local specialists. Vendors featured on the SuiteVenues platform will showcase standout products and services designed to make planning and booking easier. It is well suited for anyone with an event to plan within the next 24 months.

A relaxed monthly meetup at The Community Center in Boise welcomes LGBTQ folks in polyamory, with polycurious people invited to participate respectfully. This free gathering begins with brief introductions, where attendees share their name, pronouns, and answer a light get to know you question. The rest of the time is set aside for open socializing and peer support. Inspired by the NeuroQueer Collective, relaxed coloring and painting supplies and snacks are available, along with unstructured conversation. Participants are welcome to come and go during the session.

This is a free open play session for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. New and experienced players are welcome. Bring your own deck to trade and battle, and receive a promo pack for attending. During weeks with scheduled competitive events, such as Prereleases, League Challenges, or League Cups, this session is replaced. Check the schedule for those updates.

Curious about the areas normally closed to the public at the Old Idaho Penitentiary? This special access event opens select buildings and cells that are usually off limits, with guides stationed throughout to answer questions and share the site’s history. Admission is $15 per person, and Idaho State Historical Society members receive free entry. It is recommended for ages 13 and up due to graphic content and obstacles like low visibility and uneven ground. Many paths include stairs and rough surfaces, so the tour is not fully accessible. The number of people allowed in each space is limited, so lines may form. Please bring a printed or saved receipt confirmation to use as your ticket. Old Idaho Penitentiary tickets are nonrefundable and non transferable. This program is part of the Locktober lineup for 2026.

The season wraps up with the final Idaho Brocante Antique Home and Garden Fair, an outdoor marketplace with free admission. Browse antique and vintage treasures alongside home and garden goods from local sellers, all gathered in one place. Brocante is the French word for flea market, and this fair takes its cue from Parisian open air markets. Inspired by those traditions, founder Erinn has curated a standout mix of Treasure Valley vendors for a lively end of season hunt for unique finds.

Enjoy a no-cost gathering for Pokemon card fans. Play friendly, low-pressure battles with other Trainers, and everyone is welcome regardless of age or experience. If you prefer collecting, stop by to trade cards with fellow fans, and you might discover someone willing to swap for a Pokemon card you have been looking for.

JUMP’s Creative Studios welcome the public to Open Studios: PLAY, a free experience for ages 5 and up. Designed for kids, teens, and adults, this studio time invites participants to explore new creative skills and hobbies in a multimedia setting where technology and imagination come together. In the PLAY Studio, anyone can experiment with storytelling, music, set design, or podcasting and watch ideas develop from concept to creation. During each session, attendees can get acquainted with PLAY Studio tools, learn how to participate in Studio Projects, use studio resources to work on personal or community efforts, view examples made by other community members, connect with fellow multimedia enthusiasts, take part in hands-on activities, and hear about the Dreamweaver Film Collective. Regular participation includes opportunities for training that provides access to more advanced tools during studio time. The studios also support community-minded projects by providing access to spaces and equipment at no cost for individuals, groups, teachers, and students who want to give back, spread joy, pursue a passion, learn something new, or build connections. Open Studios run Tuesday through Friday in a different studio each day, with the PLAY Studio featured on Tuesdays and the MAKE, SHARE, and MOVE Studios presented on other weekdays.

Enjoy free open play for Warhammer 40,000. All experience levels are invited. Connect with fellow Warhammer players, set up matches, and showcase your army.

Settle in for board game night with a reserved back play area and access to a library of more than 150 titles, free to play. Bring the family for classics like Monopoly, gather friends for card favorites such as Fluxx or Cards Against Humanity, explore social deduction with Werewolf, or dive into heavier Euro games that focus on economy building, worker placement, and city creation. If a game from the library becomes a new favorite and you choose to purchase a copy, a 10% discount is available. A few creators with prototype RPGs and board games are also seeking testers, offering a chance to try something fresh and share feedback.

Culture for Change Foundation offers a beginner-friendly sewing series that builds skills from first steps to finished projects. This weekly, 10-session course meets with the same small group to create a supportive learning environment where participants can grow in confidence and work toward abilities useful for alteration careers. All experience levels are welcome, and capacity is limited to 10 learners, with a donation reserving a spot. Sewing machines and materials are provided. The program supports a larger vision to develop a community sewing center with advanced classes and expanded pathways into the workforce. If you register, please plan to attend so another learner does not lose the opportunity.