IDAHO: Pack Your Bags for Idaho’s Upcoming Can’t-Miss Events

Craters of the Moon CREDIT Visit Idaho

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. Formed during eight major eruptions over thousands of years, this unique landscape of lava flows and cinder cones resembles the moon’s surface, which made it the perfect training ground for NASA’s Apollo 14 mission. Anniversary events will be held May through September, and will include a focus on the park’s cultural Native American history, wildlife, research, geology and the night sky.

For an authentic rodeo experience, come celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Caldwell Night Rodeo with a full week of events, August 10-18, 2024. This professional rodeo features 600-plus contestants and seven thrilling nightly events held under the arena lights.

Idaho is home to the largest concentration of Basques per capita in the U.S. When it comes to celebrating their unique heritage and culture, the Basques know how to throw a party. Jaialdi, the six-day festival held every five years in Boise, returns in 2025 with authentic Basque food, music, games, performances and more.
For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

Experience Real Winter Magic in Caldwell, Idaho

Caldwell Night Rodeo CREDIT James Babb

Every year, the city of Caldwell transforms into a real-life winter wonderland from the weekend before Thanksgiving until the first week of January.

 
Over 1 million LED Christmas lights decorate the city, painting its streets in glowing reds, purples and blues. The more than 1 million holiday lights cover trees, buildings and bridges all over town, painting the city in a mesmerizing glow. Children, families and couples skate under the lights on a huge outdoor skating rink, and a singing Christmas tree stands tall on the corner of Indian Creek Plaza. Visiting Caldwell in the winter is a reminder of just how magical this season can truly be.

Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell is your holiday headquarters. Take the family to enjoy ice skating at Idaho’s only, and the seventh in the USA, ice skating ribbon. The ribbon is great for skaters of any ability with skate rentals available.
For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.

Native American Culture Celebrated in Southeast Idaho

Christmas in Caldwell
CREDIT Southwest Idaho Travel Association

During the second week of August, Native Americans gather from all across North America in Fort Hall, Idaho, for the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival. Held annually since 1964, the festival is rated one of the best powwows in Indian Country. The amazing handmade regalia worn during the drumming and dancing competitions and the grand entrance are filled with symbolism often handed down over generations. Activities include handgames, art shows and parades, with opportunities to purchase Indian handcrafts and food. Don’t miss the Indian Relay Races – a heart-pounding horse competition where teams compete bareback.

For more information on Southeast Idaho, please visit IdahoHighCountry.org.
* GREAT AMERICAN WEST: AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND, Davidson Communications, Caroline Davidson at caroline@davcomm.com.au
* ROCKY MOUNTAIN INTERNATIONAL, Kim Snape, PR & Communications Manager at ksnape@rmimarketing.com