This weekend in Ada County, ID

Idaho Running Day brings together runners of all levels with four distances to choose from, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The course follows the Boise Greenbelt from Lucky Peak Reservoir toward Southeast Boise, offering river scenery along the Boise River. The event centers around Lucky Peak State Park, with the start and finish set at Sandy Point Park. Participants come from across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, encouraged by prizes provided by local partners. Every runner receives a medal created locally by the race team, a high quality athletic shirt, real time chip timing results, and a post race celebration.

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.

Explore 150 years of Boise history and architecture on a 90-minute guided stroll that highlights the buildings and stories that define the city’s downtown. The route begins and finishes in front of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center on Grove Street in downtown Boise. Designed for both visitors and Idaho residents, the tour traces how the area developed and the people who influenced its character. Tickets are $10 for Preservation Idaho members and $15 for non-members, with $8 admission for children 13 and under. Prices are subject to tax and credit card processing fees. Tours are held rain or shine, so dress for the weather and consider bringing sunscreen, an umbrella, and water.

Kids ages 5 to 12 can be dropped off for hands-on clay time in a welcoming studio setting. Sessions are open to beginners through advanced young artists and are priced at $40. Guided by ceramic artists and teachers Mindy Curran and Ben Alexander, participants explore the basics of handbuilding, try the pottery wheel, and learn glazing, with the focus rotating so multiple visits provide a fuller experience. Children typically leave with one or two functional or decorative pieces they created themselves. The reservation includes reclaimed clay, instruction, use of tools, wheels, and glazes, plus kiln firing. Wear clothing that can get messy or bring an apron, and note that long nails are not recommended for working with clay. Pre-registration is required, and arriving without registering may result in not being able to participate. Trimming and glazing cannot be completed on freshly made work, so an additional session is needed to finish those steps. At times this class overlaps with a figure painting session in the same space, and models wear kid-appropriate attire. Attendees are asked to be considerate of other classes.

Celebrate one year of Nordstrom Rack at The Village at Meridian with fresh arrivals from favorite brands all weekend. Shoppers can also enter a drawing for a $150 Nordstrom Rack gift card. No purchase is required to enter or to win, and buying something does not improve the odds of winning. The sweepstakes includes two drawings, one each day, running from store opening until close at Nordstrom Rack at The Village at Meridian. Selected entrants must reply to the notification within three days. Eligibility is limited to U.S. residents aged 18 or older. Odds vary based on the number of entries. The total approximate retail value of all prizes is $300. Refer to the participating store for the official rules, including details on entry, notification, and prizes. Void where prohibited. Sponsor is Nordstrom, Inc.

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.

The Treasure Valley Chapter of IDEA presents an equine body work clinic with Shelley Thomas at Khaleesi Acres in Eagle. Admission is $10 and can be paid by cash, check, or Venmo at the door, and lunch is provided. A chapter membership meeting will follow the clinic.

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.

Enjoy a screen-free family paint class designed for families with children ages 7 and up. A friendly instructor leads everyone step by step, so no prior art experience is needed and each participant can finish a painting to take home. To meet safety, space, and staffing requirements, every attendee must reserve and pay for their own seat, including both adults and kids, and spectators are not allowed. Guests under 21 must use the north entrance to access the alcohol-free family room, and no alcohol is permitted in that room at any time. Follow posted signage upon arrival. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get settled, as those arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be able to paint.

Weekly Star Wars: Unlimited play at ABU Games in Boise features rotating formats. Most weeks use Standard constructed play, while the first Saturday of each month shifts to a Booster Draft. Each event runs three Swiss rounds. For the premier constructed format, entry is $10. Prizing uses a modified pack-per-win structure, every participant receives one 3 card OP Booster, promotional items may be available, and there is a chance to win a Carbonite Booster for every eight players in attendance. For the Booster Draft format, entry is $14. It also runs three Swiss rounds with modified pack-per-win prizing. Players who do not win a match still receive a booster pack, and all participants receive one 3 card OP Booster. There is also an opportunity to purchase a discounted Standard SU: Unlimited Upgrade Pack.

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.

ABU Games hosts a community centered Flesh and Blood Armory event featuring three rounds of play in the Classic Constructed format. Entry is $7. Prize support follows a modified pack per win structure with GEM Packs given out at random, and every participant receives at least one pack. While the format may occasionally shift, Classic Constructed is the usual choice. Attendees can test their deck building, enjoy competitive matches, and connect with fellow FaB players. All experience levels are welcome.

A community hosted Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament comes to All About Games, noted as the shop’s only video game competition. Entry involves a $5 venue fee paid to All About Games and a $5 tournament fee paid to the tournament organizer, with Venmo preferred for the latter. Players are encouraged to bring a full setup to help matches flow efficiently. Because it is organized by a community member, store staff details may be limited. For more information, check the Idaho Melee Discord server, and complete registration through Start.gg.

Draw from life with a raptor as your model during a monthly, self-directed art session. Professional falconer Lenn Eckman from the Idaho Raptor Institute introduces a feathered guest such as a falcon or an owl, and for now the featured bird is Ellie the Barn Owl. Participants of any age and skill level are welcome. Bring paper or canvas and your preferred materials, and avoid dusty media like chalk pastels to protect the birds. Personal music with earbuds and layered clothing are fine to bring for comfort. A limited selection of supplies will be available to try. Please keep voices low to accommodate the birds’ sensitivity to sound. Advance registration is required. The fee is $10 for those 17 and under and $25 for adults.

This networking gathering brings together birth workers, doulas, and surrogacy professionals throughout the Treasure Valley to build community and discuss collaborative care. For more information, contact by email. A ticket link will be shared soon.

Weekly organized play for the Gundam Trading Card Game features three Swiss rounds with a $6 entry. Every participant receives one booster pack and an OP Pack just for taking part, and additional prizes are awarded based on round wins. Bring your own deck and enjoy a welcoming, competitive atmosphere.

Every villain has a past and a persona, sometimes misunderstood, sometimes defiant, and sometimes not a villain at all. Marking the 11th anniversary of Château des Fleurs, this Halloween celebration blends a touch of wickedness with an evening of style, flavor, and revelry. Admission includes a vixen‑inspired dinner, entry to the Wicked Runway Walk fashion show with the chance to take part, a costume contest, interactive cards that help you discover your inner villain, striking photo backdrops, and dancing to a DJ. Attire is encouraged to channel iconic dark glamour, such as Maleficent‑style looks, an Evil Queen aesthetic, a Cruella‑inspired ensemble, or a romantic gothic vibe. Tickets start at $99, and sales tax, gratuity, and processing fees are included in the price.

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.

Friday Night Magic Commander features two rounds designed for a relaxed, social experience. Entry is four rare Magic cards of any value that have the gold set symbol. Every participant receives rare card prizes, with two to four rares awarded based on performance. Weekly Friday Night Magic also includes Standard and Modern. Standard has a $10 entry, three rounds, and a pack awarded for each round win, plus an FNM Foil Promo Pack for first place and a non foil FNM Promo Pack given to a randomly selected participant. Modern offers a $1 entry with three rounds, the same pack-for-round-win prizing, and the same promo pack awards.

Charles Wesley Godwin performs with The Allegheny High at Revolution Concert House. Tickets are available, and marking Interested on the event page offers a chance to win a free pair of tickets.

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.

A new weekly group for teens focuses on building social skills alongside DBT. Participants can connect with peers while learning practical strategies they can use in everyday life. Enrollment is ongoing and open to new participants at any time.

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.

This One Piece trading card game organized play session features three Swiss-paired rounds with a $7 entry fee. All participants receive a booster pack and an organized play pack regardless of results, and additional packs can be earned based on round wins. Players should bring their own deck.

Open to LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14 to 20, this Youth Alliance for Diversity gathering offers a welcoming place to learn, connect, and build a sense of belonging. Participants can spend time with peers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or straight allies, sharing support and forming friendships. Supportive adult figures are present to offer guidance and help maintain a secure, affirming space.

REZN headlines a concert with lowheaven and Corpse Dust in the Shrine basement. This event welcomes all ages.