Friday to Friday

The neighborhood where I grew up (gravel roads, a bazillion trees, hills ideal for flying down on bikes and a candy store and haunted woods only a short walk away) would hold huge outdoor picnics each fall, where a huge bonfire was built and logs were circled around so we could eat, laugh, and get to know each other better. The smell of Autumn in the air reminds me of the roasted corn, Kielbasa sizzling on sticks, fully torched marshmallows, Mrs. Rivas playing her Elvis music, playing kick the can out in front of the house, and friendship.

That’s why it’s great to see Treasure Valley events heating up as the months grow cooler. We still need to gather like that, and there are plenty of opportunities. Connection is why I wrote the Appetite for Idaho book, with stories about the Friendly Neighbors Club, the people of Featherville, and why you should never believe a Lava Hot Springs legend. You can get these stories here. In the meantime, go and make your own Idaho memories this week. Connect, eat, enjoy!

~Amy

Allstate Tailgate Tour
Fri., Oct. 17, 4 p.m.
Boise State Broncos Albertsons Stadium 1910 University Drive, Boise
BSU fans can get in on family-friendly activities and the It’s Good Sweepstakes for a chance to win big ($100,000 and a trip for four to the 2015 Allstate Sugar Bowl!) For more info, visit allstatecfb.com. FREE
208-426-4737

Murder Mystery Party
Fri., Oct. 17, 4:30 p.m.
Ada Community Library, Lake Hazel Branch 10489 Lake Hazel Road, Boise
There’s murder in the air at the library when you look for different clues every day of this week during Teen Read Week. Friday’s the party to reveal the killer, which may or may not be paranormal. Secret lives of other party guests also discovered. Go, see, and allow the shock to register. For ages 12-18. FREE
208-297-6700

Renaissance Faire
Fri., Oct. 17, 5-9 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Renaissance High School 1307 E. Central Drive, Meridian
Where can you find bounce houses, pie eating, pumpkin bowling, street performers, arts, crafts, and costumed characters? Drive down E. Central Drive on Friday or Saturday and find out.
FREE
208-350-4380

World Music Celebration
Sat., Oct. 18, 2-6:30 p.m.
Ada Community Library, Lake Hazel Branch 10489 Lake Hazel Road, Boise
Face painting, lawn games, a petting zoo, live performers, and food trucks from the West End Food Park, all at the library’s first outdoor market and arts fair! See the Fleet Street Klezmer Band and the Scottish Country Dancers, too! FREE
208-297-6700

Pumpkins & Ponies
Sat., Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cathedral of the Rockies, First United Methodist Church 717 N. 11th St., Boise
Grateful for the harvest bounty? Let’s celebrate by letting kids pick free pumpkins, ride the carriage rides for free, play games, eat good food, and enjoy live music! Garden produce, baked goods, hotdogs, chips and beverages will be available for purchase. FREE
208-343-7511

WaterShed Weekend Harvest Day
Sat., Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Boise WaterShed 11818 W. Joplin Road, Boise
It’s FALL, one of the most beautiful seasons of ALL! Hay rides, scrumptious food, music by John Thomsen, live animals for the kids to see and maybe even pet…and it’s all FREE
208-489-1284

Boise River Bash
Sat., Oct. 18, 4 p.m.
Boise WaterShed 11818 W. Joplin Road, Boise
Another GREAT WaterShed event as the Boise River Enhancement Network (BREN) celebrates the Boise River! Meet up with the newly elected Boise River Enhancement Network Coordinating Committee and chat with river enthusiasts. Get the latest on enhancement projects and check out the hands-on Free kids activities, cider and hay rides, hors d’oeuvres, beverage tasting and live entertainment. Open to the public. For more info, visit facebook.com/events/1462767417312701. FREE 208-489-1284

Rake Up Boise
Saturdays. Continues through Nov. 15
Want to teach your children to help others, or need some bonding time with the sig. other or friends? Assist disabled Boise residents winterizing their yards at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services. For more info or to volunteer, visit nhsid.org/what-we-do/rake-up-boise. FREE

NNU Jazz Revival
Tue., Oct. 21, 8 p.m.
Flying M Coffeegarage 1314 Second St. S., Nampa
It’s Jazz. It’s NNU. It’s at the Coffee Garage.
What more do you need? GO!
208-467-5533

Witches Night Out
Wed., Oct. 22, 6-8:30 p.m.
Village at Meridian 3600 E. Fairview Ave. at North Eagle Road, Meridian
For the witch in all of us. (Oh, come on. There’s no use denying it at this late date).
Don your pointy hat and little black dress for a chance to win a prize and enter the raffle for a Witches Wardrobe, with goodies from The Village at Meridian stores. Proceeds benefit the Idaho Humane Society and the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. FREE
208-888-1701

Nampa Art Guild 29th Centennial Juried Art Show
Wed., Oct. 22, 7-8:30 p.m. and Oct. 23-29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nampa Civic Center 311 Third St. S., Nampa
Over 100 entries by local and regional creatives in differing genres and mediums, all up for sale and pride of ownership. Opening reception on the 22nd. Art on display in the lobby daily through Oct. 29. FREE
208-468-5555

Legacy Courtyard Grand Opening
Thu., Oct. 23, 4 & 5:30 p.m.
Garden City Library 6015 Glenwood St., Garden City
Love your library? Patrons, donors and the public join in the celebration of Garden City’s newest landmark’s grand opening. Ribbon-cutting, refreshments, live music, and even some poetry reading happening. FREE
208-472-2941