Wondering What to Do in Treasure Valley This May? Here Are the Top Events and Activities to Add to Your Calendar

If you’re new to the Treasure Valley—or just looking for ways to make the most of spring—May is the perfect month to explore everything this growing region has to offer. From music festivals and community markets to family-friendly events and beautiful outdoor spaces, May in Idaho brings a unique blend of fresh air, local flavor, and cultural celebration.

Whether you’re relocating to Boise, settling into a new home in Meridian or Eagle, or just passing through, this list of the top 10 things to do in Treasure Valley in May 2025 will help you plan an unforgettable month.

As someone who helps families move here every season of the year, I can tell you—May is one of the best times to get out, connect, and experience the heart of this community.

Outdoor Adventures & Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

Explore the Boise River Greenbelt

Location: Runs through Boise, Garden City, Eagle | Open Year-Round
Link: Boise Greenbelt Info

The Boise River Greenbelt is the city’s crown jewel—offering more than 25 miles of tree-lined pathways along the Boise River. Whether you’re biking, jogging, walking the dog, or pushing a stroller, the Greenbelt is the ultimate spot for getting outdoors in May.

In spring, the weather is perfect: not too hot, not too cold. The trees are blooming, the birds are active, and the whole pathway comes to life. If you’re relocating to the area, exploring the Greenbelt is a must-do to get a feel for the community and its natural beauty.

Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden – Fairy & Gnome House Exhibit

Location: 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID | Dates: May 3–31, 2025
Link: Idaho Botanical Garden

This month-long annual tradition invites local artists and school groups to create miniature fairy and gnome houses that are placed throughout the garden’s paths. It’s whimsical, creative, and magical—especially for kids and families.

Set against the lush backdrop of the Boise Foothills, the Idaho Botanical Garden is beautiful year-round, but May is prime time. The weather’s great, the flowers are in bloom, and this exhibit adds a playful twist to your visit.

Step Back in Time at the Old Idaho Penitentiary

Location: 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID | Open Year-Round
Link: Old Idaho Penitentiary

History buffs and curious explorers will enjoy touring this historic prison, which operated from 1872 to 1973. With exhibits ranging from escape attempts to solitary confinement, the Old Pen offers an immersive and slightly eerie experience you won’t find anywhere else in Idaho.

In May, the crowds are smaller than in summer and the grounds are in full bloom, making it an ideal time to explore the historic sandstone buildings and grounds at your own pace.

Can't-Miss Events and Festivals in May 2025

Experience Local Talent at Boise Music Week

Location: Various venues across Boise | Dates: May 7–18, 2025
Link: Boise Music Week

A Boise tradition since 1919, Boise Music Week is a city-wide celebration of music, dance, and performing arts. It features dozens of events including high school performances, Broadway-style musicals, and orchestra concerts—all free to the public.

This year’s featured musical is "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," running at the Morrison Center. Whether you’re into classical, jazz, choral, or contemporary performance, Music Week gives you a front-row seat to the talent that makes Treasure Valley a cultural hub.

Join the YMCA Famous Idaho Potato Marathon

Location: Starts in Boise, runs along the Greenbelt | Date: May 17, 2025
Link: YMCA Potato Marathon

This iconic Idaho race celebrates everything we love about local culture—including our world-famous potatoes. The event features a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, plus a family-friendly "Spud Run."

Whether you’re racing or just cheering folks on, it’s an energizing event that brings the community together along the beautiful Boise River Greenbelt. Bonus: every participant gets a potato at the finish line. You can’t make this stuff up.

Rock Out at the Outlaw Music Festival

Location: Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, Nampa | Date: May 20, 2025
Link: Outlaw Festival Tickets

If live music is your thing, Outlaw Music Festival is the biggest concert event in Treasure Valley this May. Featuring legends like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp, this one-night-only festival draws crowds from all over the Northwest.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and soak up the music under the stars at the Ford Idaho Center’s outdoor amphitheater. Food trucks, craft beer, and a laid-back Idaho vibe make this a bucket-list event.

Weekly Markets That Make You Feel Like a Local

Meridian Main Street Market

Location: Meridian City Hall Plaza | Dates: Every Saturday in May
Link: Meridian Market Info

This vibrant outdoor market features local produce, handmade crafts, food trucks, and live music—a true community experience in the heart of downtown Meridian.

Grab a coffee, stroll the booths, and connect with local makers and small business owners. This is also a great spot to meet neighbors if you’ve just moved to the area.

Nampa Farmers Market

Location: Lloyd Square Park, Downtown Nampa | Dates: Every Saturday in May
Link: Nampa Market Info

Nampa’s market is one of the oldest and most established in the Valley, and for good reason. It offers farm-fresh produce, artisan breads, baked goods, local honey, handmade soaps, and everything in between.

Pro tip: arrive early for the best selection of produce, or stick around for live music and food truck bites under the spring sunshine.

Eagle Saturday Market

Location: Heritage Park, Downtown Eagle | Dates: Every Saturday in May
Link: Eagle Market Info

Nestled in the walkable downtown core of Eagle, this boutique-style market features high-quality vendors, local produce, floral arrangements, fine art, and giftable goods. It’s smaller than Boise’s or Nampa’s markets, but feels more curated and relaxed.

If you’re looking to discover the charm of Eagle or want to find a Saturday activity that’s equal parts chill and local, this is the spot.

Capital City Public Market

Location: The Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise | Dates: Every Saturday in May
Link: Capital City Market

Boise’s flagship farmers market, this is where art, culture, food, and small business meet. From handcrafted pottery and jewelry to organic produce and gourmet snacks, the Capital City Market showcases the diversity and creativity of Treasure Valley.

Parking can be tight, so consider biking, scootering, or using a ride-share service. It’s worth the trip.

Why May Is the Best Month to Explore Treasure Valley

May is that sweet spot where the Treasure Valley shakes off the last bit of winter and bursts into color. The foothills are green, the flowers are blooming, and people are itching to get outside after a long indoor season.

If you’ve just moved here—or are thinking about relocating—there’s no better month to experience what makes this region so livable.

From riverside paths and mountain views to music under the stars and family-friendly markets, May in the Treasure Valley offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and community.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of May in the Treasure Valley

If you're new to the area or just want to feel more connected, use this month to get out and explore. Whether you’re into live music, local art, food festivals, hiking trails, or just chatting with vendors over coffee at a Saturday market, there’s something in May for every interest and every age group.

And if you’re planning a move—this is also the perfect month to tour neighborhoods, attend open houses, and explore which part of the Treasure Valley fits your lifestyle best.

📞 Call or Text Curtis at (208) 510-0427
📧 info@chismteam.com
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