BOISE, Idaho — It's one of the busiest weekends in the Treasure Valley; from country music legends performing on The Blue for the first time in over 20 years, to one of the longest-running rodeos in the west, even a Guinness World Record attempt, there's no shortage of things to do.
That's why we've got 13 ideas this week.
For more ideas, check out our summer events guide.
GARTH BROOKS CONCERTS
WHERE: Albertsons Stadium
WHAT: Garth Brooks makes his return to Idaho's capital city nearly 20 years after his last performance in the Gem State.
After Saturday night's show sold out within an hour, Idaho Governor Brad Little called Brooks, asking him to add a second show, which he later did.
Brooks will play on The Blue at Albertsons Stadium for two nights. On Friday, fellow country music star Blake Shelton will join him on stage to perform their brand new single called "Dive Bar."
Brooks' wife, country music star Trisha Yearwood, will host 'Trisha's Tailgate' on Saturday afternoon before the concert.
COST: $79.95 and up
GORONGOSA EXHIBIT AT ZOO BOISE
WHERE: Zoo Boise
WHAT: After nearly 10 years of planning, fundraising and building, Zoo Boise's newest attraction, the Gorongosa National Park Exhibit, is now open to the public.
The expansion highlights the zoo’s conservation efforts across the globe while educating users on efforts to aid the animals and the people who live in Mozambique, Africa.
Several new animal species, including African wild dogs, spotted necked otters, warthogs, a Nile crocodile, even vervet monkeys
A portion of each admission fee at Zoo Boise goes toward the conservation fund, which also supports projects here at home, including restoration efforts in the Boise Foothills.
And for the remainder of July, guests are encouraged to use a free shuttle service provided by Boise Parks and Recreation to get to and from the zoo. The shuttle will pick passengers up near the softball fields in Ann Morrison Park (Ann Morrison Blvd. entrance) and take them directly to the zoo. Signage is posted to point users to the shuttle stops.
Shuttles will run between Ann Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park every 15 to 20 minutes, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission to the zoo each day is at 4:30 p.m.
COST: $6 - $10
BOISE BENCH BLOCK PARTY
WHERE: W. Bank Drive, Boise, 83705
WHAT: Live music, performances by local theater companies, dance companies, mini yoga classes and dance classes, artists, local vendors.
COST: Free
TREE CLIMBING AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
WHERE: Idaho Botanical Garden
WHAT: Get a 'tree's-eye' view of the world by climbing on ropes, harnesses, and equipment designed specifically for climbing trees.
No experience is necessary and gear is provided.
Must be at least 10-years-old to participate.
SNAKE RIVER STAMPEDE
WHEN: Tuesday, July 16 - Saturday, July 20
WHERE: Ford Idaho Center
WHAT: Now in its 104th year, the Snake River Stampede continues to live up to its slogan, "the wildest, fastest show on Earth."
Over 700 competitors will vie for $445,000 in winnings, one of the largest purses for a PRCA rodeo.
KTVB Family day kicks off on Saturday with a matinee rodeo at noon, with the finals starting at 7:30 p.m.
COST: $13 - $42
NAMPA CELTIC FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
WHERE: West Park, Nampa
WHAT: Celtic-inspired games, music, dancing, and food for the whole family.
NAMPA ULTIMATE WATER GAMES
WHERE: Nampa Rec Center
WHAT: A variety of water games for kids ages 6 - 14 years-old.
WEEKEND WILDLIFE PUBLIC PROGRAM - CRAYFISH
WHERE: MK Nature Center
WHAT: Bring the family down to the MK Nature Center in Boise and catch crayfish with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans that populate Idaho's waters.
This open-house style program is designed for families with kids ages 3-13.
COST: Free, but donations will be accepted
BRING YOUR DOG TO THE BALLGAME
WHEN: Sunday, July 21 (and every Sunday home game), 5:15 p.m.
WHERE: Hawks Memorial Stadium
WHAT: Bring your dog down to the stadium and watch as the Hawks take on the Salem-Kizer Volcanoes.
COST: $8 - $35
TATER DASH & MUD RUN
WHEN: Saturday, July 20
WHERE: Twin Oaks Farms in Eagle
WHAT: a 5.2-mile obstacle course on 180 acres of prime farmland featuring 79 obstacles.
COST: $65 per person through Friday, July 19, $70 on Saturday. Each ticket includes a $10 food and drinks voucher.
IDAHO LOTTERY 30TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEN: Friday, July 19, 4 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Payette Brewing Company
WHAT: Celebrate the Idaho Lottery's 30th anniversary by participating in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest gathering of people scratching scratch tickets in one location.
There will also be food trucks, live music, prizes, and free Lottery scratch tickets.
COST: Free
COMMUNITY DOG WASH FUNDRAISER
WHERE: Broadway Vet
WHAT: Bring your dirty dog to Broadway Vet in Boise for a bath.
COST: $10 suggested donation per dog, 100% of the proceeds will be given to Fuzzy Paws Rescue and the Idaho Food Bank.
The owners of Broadway Vet will match all donations made.
MIDNIGHT DRAGS AT FIREBIRD
WHERE: Firebird Raceway
WHAT: Midnight Drags racing returns with unlimited grudge racing under the lights at Firebird Raceway on Highway 16.
The event is open to any muffled car or truck.
COST: $3 - $10 for admission. $25 to enter your car or truck into the race and $7 for your seasonal race number if haven't gotten one this season.
