Race to Robie Creek (April)—Billed as the “toughest race in the Northwest,” this 13-mile run is an uphill battle both literally and figuratively: Runners climb more than 2,000 feet in elevation during the race; and the 2,400 racing spots available are usually filled within 30 minutes after registration opens. robiecreek.com
Anime Oasis (May)—For more than a dozen years, local anime addicts, cosplay connoisseurs and manga maniacs have gathered at Anime Oasis to celebrate the popular Japanese cultural export. Anime Oasis runs sunup to sundown for three days and is so full of panels, games, films, music and more, that even with no sleep, it would be nearly impossible to see everything. But it’s tanoshii to try. animeoasis.org
Bike Week (May)—We love our bikes so much we dedicate a whole week (actually nine days) to celebrating our two-wheeled transports. It is said that Boise got its name from a Frenchspeaking guide who, when his party saw the forested valley, exclaimed, “Les bois!” or “The trees.” Explorers discovering Boise today might say, “Las bicyclettes!” boisebikeweek.org
Modern Art (May)—For one day, the retro-cool Modern Hotel turns
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its rooms over to artists and encourages them to let their creativity flags fly. Guest rooms are transformed into minigalleries filled with the work of visual artists, performers, writers, singers, dancers. One might be an all-white room where you’re invited to lie on the bed but say nothing for five minutes; another might be a circus-themed room filled with carnival games to play… all you have to do is make your way through the halls and walkways past the 3,000-plus people who attend each year. themodernhotel.com
Deli Days/Jewish Cultural Festival (June)—Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel is reported to be the oldest synagogue in continuous use west of the Mississippi River. Its congregation is dedicated to community-mindedness, generosity and willingness to advocate for marginalized groups. As if they weren’t already the best neighbors ever, they go and throw Deli Days, two days of incredible homemade deli deliciousness accompanied by musical entertainment and dancing. Beteavon, Boise. And toda, CABI, for everything you do for the Boise community. cabi-boise.org
i48 Film Festival (June)—This long-running competition gives auteurs 48 hours to make a short film: conception, writing, filming, editing—everything must be done in those two days. Besides causing anxiety attacks for a few aspiring filmmakers, i48 also reveals, in living color across the big screen, the breadth and
wealth of talent living in this little burg. Plus, they win prizes. idaho48.org
Ironman 70.3 Boise (June)—For non-athletes, the Ironman 70.3 triathlon seems like insanity personified. Even for athletes, it’s extreme, but it’s also one of the most elite, exclusive competitions around. Participants swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles up and then down mountainous topography, finishing up with a 13.1 mile run. 1.2 + 56 + 13.1 = 70.3 punishing miles only men and women of steel can complete. ironman.com
Boise Twilight Criterium (July)—The heat is intense during this annual men’s and women’s road-cycling race, which attracts world-class cyclists who represent dozens of professional and semiprofessional racing teams. Not
only is the Boise Twilight Criterium hosted in July, but watching the riders zip around and around downtown Boise at mind-boggling speeds is one of the hottest events of the year— literally and figuratively. Ask any of the 20,000-plus spectators. boisetwilightcriterium.com
Savor Idaho (June)—Hosted by the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission, Savor Idaho puts the spotlight on Gem State wineries and restaurants with a widely attended outdoor event at the Idaho Botanical Garden each June. savoridaho.org
Boise’s Funniest Person (July)—Asking amateurs to get on stage and tell jokes is as cringeworthy as watching Harley Brown speak at the 2014 Republican Governor’s Debate (zing!). Boise’s Funniest Person takes the cringe out and ups the worthy by pairing newbies with comedy pros, and it’s one of the best new events on the books… no kidding. boisesfunniestperson.com
Snake River Stampede (July)—The Snake River Stampede, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2015, makes spending four days at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa like a trip to Disneyland for cowboys and girls (there’s even a hotel or two nearby). The Stampede is chock full of events like breakfasts, truck shows, rope-and-run and slack competitions, and, of course, good ol’ bronc bustin’. Plus, each night is dedicated to raising awareness for important causes like breastcancer research or recognizing important people, like men and women in uniform. snakeriverstampede.com ANNUAL MANUAL 2014-2015 | 31