Why October Is One of the Best Months in Treasure Valley

October brings a crispness to the air and a vibrancy to the valley that makes it one of my favorite times of year in the Treasure Valley. The leaves are turning, harvests are fresh, and the community is out enjoying festivals, haunted tours, art nights, and outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re new to the area, planning a fall visit, or already living here and looking for local things to do, October offers a perfect mix of family-friendly events, seasonal traditions, and Idaho scenery. Here are my top 10 picks for October 2025.

1. Visit Pumpkin Patches and Navigate Corn Mazes

Lowe Family Farmstead Pumpkin Festival

Spend an afternoon at Lowe Family Farmstead picking pumpkins, riding wagons, navigating the corn maze, and enjoying classic fall treats. Their annual Pumpkin Festival is a staple of October and a favorite for families across the Treasure Valley.

Flaming Acres Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival

Flaming Acres opens its gates for fall with pumpkins, photo opportunities, farm games, and festive décor. It’s an easy weekend outing and a great place to soak up the season.

2. Attend Spooktacular Evenings at Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise transforms into a Halloween-themed experience during October with special evening events. Expect trick-or-treating, spooky lighting, costumed animals, and family-friendly haunted trails.

Be sure to check the Zoo Boise events calendar for specific dates and times, as these evenings tend to sell out.

3. Explore Autumn at Idaho Botanical Garden

Fall Harvest Days

Every Saturday in October, the Idaho Botanical Garden hosts Fall Harvest Days featuring wagon rides, live music, local vendor booths, and seasonal crafts. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy autumn with the whole family.

Scarecrow Stroll and Workshops

Wander through garden paths filled with whimsical scarecrows and take part in fall-themed workshops such as seasonal planting or garden art classes.

4. Hike the Foothills and Chase Fall Colors

Ridge to Rivers Trail System

October is prime time to explore Boise’s Ridge to Rivers trail system. Trails like Camel’s Back, Hulls Gulch, and Table Rock offer panoramic views and some of the best fall foliage in the valley.

Simplot Hill at Sunset

For photographers and sunset lovers, Simplot Hill is hard to beat. As the sun sets, valley lights begin to glow against golden and red leaves, creating a perfect fall backdrop.

5. Cheer on Boise State Football

Fall in Boise wouldn’t be complete without Boise State Broncos football at Albertsons Stadium. From the famous blue turf to the energetic crowd, game day is an experience even non-football fans enjoy.

Tickets and schedules are available through the Boise State Athletics website.

6. Experience Downtown Art Nights and Freak Alley

Freak Alley Gallery

Take a stroll through Freak Alley, the Pacific Northwest’s largest open-air mural gallery. The artwork is always evolving, making it worth revisiting throughout the year.

First Thursday Art Events

Downtown Boise comes alive during First Thursday with gallery strolls, live music, food trucks, and local artist showcases. October’s cooler evenings make it an ideal time to explore.

7. Celebrate Fall at Local Festivals

Idaho Cider Fest

Sample locally made ciders, enjoy live music, and soak up fall vibes at the Idaho Cider Fest in downtown Boise. It’s a favorite event for adults looking to celebrate the harvest season.

Eagle Plein Air Festival

From October 4–11, artists paint en plein air throughout Eagle. The festival wraps up with a gallery exhibit showcasing the finished works, making it a great blend of art and community.

8. Take Scenic Drives and Harvest Road Trips

Orchard Stops and Farm Tours

Head out through Canyon County and surrounding rural areas to find farms offering fresh apples, cider, squash, and other fall produce straight from the source.

Fall Foliage Routes

Scenic drives through the foothills and backroads showcase Idaho’s fall colors at their peak. Pair a drive with stops at pumpkin patches or harvest festivals for a full-day adventure.

9. Go on Haunted Tours and October Frights

Old Idaho Penitentiary Haunted Nights

Seasonal haunted tours at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary bring history and chills together. Night tours, ghost stories, and eerie settings make this a classic October experience.

Botanical Garden Scarecrow Stroll at Night

Experience the Scarecrow Stroll after dark with spooky lighting and immersive fall atmosphere, blending fun and frights in a beautiful setting.

10. Support Local Markets and Harvest Pop-Ups

Boise Farmers Market

The Boise Farmers Market continues into October, offering fresh produce, baked goods, cider, crafts, and local specialties. Fall flavors are at their peak.

Eagle Saturday Market

Eagle’s Saturday Market stays active with fall vendors, artisans, live music, and a strong sense of community.

Tips to Get the Most Out of October in Treasure Valley

• Dress in layers, mornings are chilly while afternoons are mild.
• Go early, many events are best enjoyed before crowds gather.
• Check event calendars often, dates and venues may change.
• Mix and match activities, pair a hike with a market or festival.

Final Thoughts

October in the Treasure Valley is a celebration of season, community, and nature. Whether you’re here for a weekend visit or settling in long term, these fall activities capture what makes Idaho living so special.

If you’re thinking about relocating or just want to learn more about life in Boise and the surrounding areas, I’d love to help.

📲 Call or text Curtis Chism at 208-510-0427
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