Bike decorating, a weed-pulling hangout, jazzy gallery night, free ballroom classes, Boise’s big parade, pancakes with a purpose, Barbie on the big screen, and more. 
Happy Tuesday, Boise. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Boise Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
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Bike decorating 🎨
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Garden workshop 🌱
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Dance retreat 💃
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
River District breaks ground: After more than a decade of empty lots, Boise’s West End has finally broken ground on a 10-acre River District development—complete with 220 homes, retail space and a new College of Western Idaho campus — read the full story.
Adaptive pool parties at Ivywild: Boise hosted an adaptive swim session for individuals with disabilities and their loved ones on June 26 and has another coming up from 7 to 9 pm on July 17 at Ivywild Pool — learn more.
Improv comedy showdown: ComedySportz returns to The Green Room on July 5th (this Saturday) with two teams battling for laughs and audience-decided victory — grab your tickets.
The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.
Highlights this week
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Lawmakers dismantled a school grant program
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Meet the hawks who patrol Roaring Springs
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Get 20% off at Boise Mushroom Company this week
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Learn native garden care at Lowell Garden
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Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment
🫶 We got your back
Scoops of sunshine: Black Market Gelateria is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.
Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Yen Ching Restaurant—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.
See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? Artisan Optics isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.
Kickflip ready: Drop in for decks, wheels, and gear that won’t bail on you—Prestige Skateshop keeps everything locked in so you can focus on landing that trick instead of worrying about snapped axles.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🚲 Bike Decorating @ Hidden Springs Branch Library | Tuesday (7/1) at 10:30 am – Break out the paint, streamers, and glitter—it’s time to turn your two-wheeler into a rolling work of art for Independence Day. Families, kiddos, and bike buffs of all ages are welcome; just bring your bike and unleash your red-white-and-blue creativity. Who knew pedal power could double as a parade float?
🌱 Weed & Learn @ Lowell Elementary | Wednesday (7/2) at 6:30 pm – Get your green thumb on with Ada Soil & Water pros as they guide you through invasive weed ID and removal in the native plant beds. Snacks fuel the digging, and garden gossip keeps the convo blooming—all you need to bring is a sense of discovery. Warning: side effects include new plant parent bragging rights.
🏔️ Zouk Mountain Retreat 2025 @ Zouk Boise | Thursday (7/3) at 8:30 am – Escape city life for a luxe cabin weekend of salsa and bachata workshops led by international pros Leandro & Nayara. With 8+ hours of classes, nightly socials by the river, hearty meals, and hikes to hidden hot springs, it’s the summer retreat your dance shoes have been begging for. Bonus: private coaching sessions and nature therapy included.
🖼️ 21st Annual Juried Artist Exhibition @ Art Source Gallery | Thursday (7/3) at 5 pm – Art Source Gallery’s landmark juried show returns with fresh 2D and 3D works from Pacific Northwest creatives, all up for grabs—so bring your wallet and your art-loving pals. Mingle over wine and snacks as the Midnight Jazz Cats spin live tunes, and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Who says gallery hops can’t feel like a block party?
💃 Free First Thursday Open House @ Fred Astaire Dance Studios | Thursday (7/3) at 7 pm – Dip your toes (or your toes-in-heels) into ballroom bliss with free swing demos, beginner-friendly group classes, and guided social dancing. No partner? No problem—come solo or squad-up with friends for an evening of foot-stomping fun. BYO dance floor swagger!
🎉 Idaho 4th of July Parade @ Cecil D Andrus Park | Friday (7/4) at 5 am – Watch the streets of downtown Boise come alive with marching bands, colorful floats, and hometown pride rolling down Jefferson and Bannock. Whether you’re a parade pro or a first-timer, this free spectacle is a can’t-miss morning tradition. Heads up: line up early for prime curbside views. Visit boise4th.com for tips on where to cheer and how to join the fun.
🥞 VEA 4th of July Pancake Breakfast @ Cecil D Andrus Park | Friday (7/4) at 7 am – Start Independence Day with fluffy pancakes crowned with fresh berries, sizzling sausage, and your choice of coffee or OJ—veterans and active duty eat free! Mingle to live patriotic tunes, connect with local vets and community leaders, and fuel up for the parade. All proceeds support veteran entrepreneurs, so every bite does good. Stick around after 10 am for the Idaho 4th of July Parade downtown.
This weekend
🎬 Barbie (2023) @ The Egyptian Theatre | Saturday (7/5) at 2 pm – Step into a world of pink perfection where existential crises are the plot twist of the century. This PG-13 comedy brings Barbie Land’s bright, bubbly chaos to the big screen—sans glitter meltdown. Grab your popcorn and see if Ken can keep up with the real star of the show!
🎆 Independence Day (1996) @ The Egyptian Theatre | Saturday (7/5) at 5 pm – Alien invasions, world-shaking pyrotechnics, and Will Smith saving the day—what’s not to love? Celebrate America’s big weekend with this sci-fi action epic that defined ’90s blockbuster mayhem. Warning: you might never look at fireworks the same way again.
🎵 Yachtley Crew @ Knitting Factory | Saturday (7/5) at 8:30 pm – Kick back and cruise into the sunset with the seven-piece champions of smooth grooves. From Jimmy Buffett’s Mailboat Records to sold-out residencies on the Strip, Yachtley Crew delivers all your yacht rock dreams—no sea legs required. Seas the night and sing along to every soft-rock anthem!
🥁 Cosmic Pulse Community Turns 2 @ Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park | Sunday (7/6) at 2 pm – Get ready to tap into the heartbeat of Boise as Cosmic Pulse marks its second birthday with an all-ages drum circle under the trees. Think paint, potluck vibes, and plenty of rhythm—no experience needed, just bring a snack and your favorite beat-maker (we’ve got extras if you don’t!). We’ll flow from warm-ups to community-driven vocals, then wrap with a gratitude ritual to honor the circle that keeps growing.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/1 Charley Crockett @ Idaho Botanical Garden – 7 pm
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7/1 Moonshine Bandits @ Shrine Social Club – 7 pm
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7/1 Jimmy Lawrence Trio @ Chandlers – 7:30 pm
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7/2 Lyle Lovett and his Large Band @ Idaho Botanical Garden – 7 pm
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7/2 Creeping Death and more @ Shrine Social Club – 7 pm
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7/2 The Alphabet Mafia @ Liquid Laughs Underground – 7 pm
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7/3 Wham! Bam! Thank You Glam @ Humpin’ Hannah’s – 5 pm
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7/3 Mike Rosenthal @ Chandlers – 5 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Nicholas Johnson (Silvercreek Realty Group) – 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 1988 | 3486 sqft
Floating high above Boise’s finest scenery, this Foothills stunner serves up 180 degrees of Table Rock-to-downtown views—no binoculars required. Tucked away on a hush-hush drive, the architecture flexes with angles and light, while custom cabinetry and marble baths add a splash of “ooh la la” to every room. Oak floors keep things grounded, even when your jaw drops.
The kitchen’s got appliances that would make a chef weep with joy, and the living spaces are basically a front-row seat to the valley’s greatest hits. Three patios mean you can chase the sun (or hide from it) all day, and trailheads lurk just outside for spontaneous adventure. Boise bragging rights included.
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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