Boise Pride Festival 2025
- September 6-7, 2025
- Boise, ID
In 2025 Boise Pride takes a leap forward. After years of squeezing thousands of visitors into Cecil D. Andrus Park, the festival is relocating to Ann Morrison Park for its 36th annual celebration on September 6–7. The move gives organisers almost twice as much space to set up stages, vendor booths and community areas, and underscores just how much Pride has grown since its modest beginnings in the late 1980s. Boise’s Pride Festival started in 1989 as a small march through downtown; today it is the largest lgbtq+Q+ event in Idaho, attracting locals and travellers from across the Pacific Northwest and providing a platform for visibility and advocacy as well as a joyful party.
The festival’s mission has always been to celebrate the diverse identities of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, while also raising awareness of the issues that still need attention. Over the decades Boise Pride has been a lifeline for people in a largely conservative state, showing residents and visitors alike that there is a vibrant queer community here. Vendors, non‑profit groups, politicians and allies set up booths to share resources and raise awareness, while drag performers, musicians and dancers remind everyone that Pride is about self‑expression and fun. The 2025 move to Ann Morrison Park, a sprawling green space along the Boise River, will give these elements room to breathe and let the festival accommodate bigger crowds and more activities.
The weekend officially kicks off on Friday night with ticketed parties that set the tone for the days ahead. A retro‑inspired launch party at a downtown venue will feature sets by the dance duo The Knocks, live performances from Dragonette and cameos from Drag Race favourites. There is also ATTENTION, a 21+ dance party that blends high‑energy house music with drag performances and has become a favourite among Boise’s queer nightlife crowd. These paid events are optional – the core festival on Saturday and Sunday remains free – but they provide a way to support the organisation and enjoy a more intimate experience before the crowds descend.
Saturday at Ann Morrison Park is when the festival truly comes alive. Dozens of local artisans, food trucks and community organisations set up shop along the park’s tree‑lined paths. Visitors can browse handmade jewellery, pick up a new Pride flag, sample huckleberry ice cream from a food truck or learn about local services. The park’s wide lawns make space for multiple performance stages, so live music and drag shows can run concurrently without competing for attention. Boise has a reputation for cultivating indie music, and past festivals have featured a mix of local bands, queer singer‑songwriters and touring headliners. Because the festival is volunteer‑run and non‑profit, each performance feels like a gift from the community to itself.
The family‑friendly spirit of Boise Pride is one of the reasons it has become such a beloved summer tradition. A Kids’ Zone with bounce houses, face painting and crafts gives younger visitors their own safe space to celebrate. Teen programming, including games and discussion circles, allows queer youth to connect away from the adult crowds. Throughout the weekend the festival hosts wellness workshops, HIV testing and information sessions on mental health resources, underlining that Pride isn’t just about one weekend but about caring for the community year‑round. For those who prefer adult‑only spaces, a beer garden and a 21+ VIP area overlooking the main stage provide a shaded place to catch up with friends and watch the performances.
On Sunday morning the focus shifts to the Pride Parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. in downtown Boise. Marchers representing community groups, drag houses, schools and small businesses wind their way through the streets with rainbow flags and homemade signs. The parade is a highlight for many participants because it allows them to visibly claim their place in Idaho’s capital. The exact route changes slightly each year, but organisers have promised a bigger procession in 2025 thanks to the increased capacity of the new festival site. The march feeds directly into the park, where festival‑goers can continue the celebration as the day heats up. Families often stake out spots along the route early, and local residents decorate balconies and storefronts with Pride colours to cheer the procession on.
The move to Ann Morrison Park also improves access. The park sits on the Boise River Greenbelt, a network of bike and walking paths that connect to downtown hotels and neighbourhoods. Visitors can rent bicycles or scooters to avoid parking headaches. Ada County’s public bus system runs special Pride shuttles throughout the weekend, and there is ample space at the park for accessible seating and rest areas. Because August and September can still be hot in Idaho, the festival plans to add more shaded tents, misting stations and hydration stations to keep everyone comfortable. Organisers are encouraging attendees to bring reusable water bottles and to pack sunscreen, hats and comfortable shoes for the long days on the grass.
For travellers who want to make a weekend of it, Boise offers plenty to explore beyond Pride. The downtown district has a thriving culinary scene, from Basque tapas bars on the historic Basque Block to modern breweries serving craft beer and kombucha. The Boise Art Museum and Idaho State Capitol are within a short walk of the festival site, and the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains begin just north of town. Many visitors take advantage of the festival to float the Boise River, hike the trails at Camel’s Back Park or day‑trip to the wineries of the Snake River Valley. Because Pride draws tens of thousands of people, hotels near the park – including eco‑friendly boutique properties and national chains – tend to fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book lodging early.
Even though the weekend festival is the centrepiece of Boise Pride, the organisation works year‑round. Throughout the rest of the year they organise educational talks, outreach events in rural towns, and support groups for youth and trans community members. The festival’s board has also promised that the move to Ann Morrison Park is just the beginning; they hope to add more cultural programming, art installations and interactive workshops in the coming years. By expanding the festival’s physical footprint, they hope to expand its impact as well, fostering deeper connections among different parts of Idaho’s queer community and bringing more allies into the fold.
In a state that often makes headlines for challenging lgbtq+Q+ rights, Boise Pride stands as a beacon of resilience and joy. The 2025 festival’s combination of a new riverside home, bigger crowds, and a packed schedule of performances, parties, education and advocacy reflects the confidence of a community that knows its value. Whether you are a long‑time Boisean or a first‑time visitor, spending the weekend of September 6–7 at Ann Morrison Park offers a chance to celebrate how far Idaho has come and to imagine where it might go next. Bring your friends, your family and your most vibrant outfit, and get ready to cheer at the parade, dance at the stages and share in a celebration that continues to grow brighter every year.
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