One of my absolute favorite things to do during the summertime is grab a few friends, go out to eat, and find some place to listen to live music. Luckily, in Boise, it often feels like we’re the live music capital of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking to spend some summer days jamming out to some great artists, we’ve got some pretty solid spots lined up for you!
1) First Thursday
First Thursday is a perfect time to hit the dinner and live music double whammy! Put on by the Downtown Boise Association, First Thursday takes place (as I’m sure you can guess) on the first Thursday of every month. It includes stellar discounts at many restaurants and shops all across downtown, and live music at the Grove Plaza on 8th and Front Street. Who says you can’t have fun on weeknights?
2) The Lusk District/Greenbelt
A bike ride through the Lusk District, right across Capital Boulevard from campus and onto the Greenbelt, you’ll find no shortage of live music. From small shows and street performers in Ann Morrison Park, to many restaurants, breweries, and food truck parks that hug the Greenbelt that host music. Hop on your bike on a summer evening and follow your ears to the music!
3) Alive After 5
Heading back downtown is Alive After 5. Alive After 5 is a free summer concert series on select Wednesdays at the Grove Plaza. While First Thursday often has local acts, Alive After 5 offers touring bands from across the country. Complete with a stage and great vibes, Alive After 5 will definitely get you excited for Treefort coming in the fall!
4) Idaho Botanical Garden
One of the best parts of being a student at Boise State? We’re less than 10 minutes away from the Idaho Botanical Garden and their Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series. These concerts run throughout the summer and are perfect if you’re looking for more of that bigger, festival feel right here in Boise
5) Music on the Mountain
We first briefly mentioned this spot in our article about festivals happening in Boise, but Music on the Mountain at Bogus Basin is worth mentioning again. A brief, hour-long drive from downtown Boise, you’ll find live music on most weekends up at the Treasure Valley’s most popular ski resort. Talk about music with a view!
5 ½) Your own private concert
Thanks to technology, you can listen to music of any kind, anywhere, and pretty much anytime that you want. If listening to music on your own is more your style, here are some songs that other Broncos have on their outdoor summertime playlists, as well as a whole catalog of things to listen to on our Spotify page!