October in Boise and the Treasure Valley is bursting with fall magic, spooky thrills, and festive fun for all ages. Whether you’re chasing chills through haunted houses like Requiem or The Haunted World, wandering through golden pumpkin patches at Lowe Family Farmstead or Cherry Hill Farms, or dancing the night away at Halloween parties like The Wicked & Wild Bash, this month has something for everyone. From family-friendly trunk-or-treats and paint parties to concerts, comedy shows, and fall festivals, our Ultimate Guide to October Events will help you make the most of every crisp autumn day. Let’s dive into the best ways to celebrate the season!

Halloween

Haunted Houses

The Haunted World

The Haunted World in Caldwell, Idaho is the largest indoor and outdoor haunted attraction in the state—and one of the biggest in the western U.S. Spanning over 40 acres, this terrifying experience has been perfecting the art of fear since 2000. Visitors can expect 1.5 to 2 hours of spine-chilling entertainment, featuring immersive haunted houses, eerie trails, and elaborate sets designed to rival major national haunts like Universal Studios and Knott’s Scary Farm. Known for its intense scares and theatrical horror, The Haunted World promises sweaty palms, racing hearts, and an unforgettable plunge into your worst nightmares.

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Pumpkin Patches / Straw Mazes

Shindig Farms

Shindig Farms in Nampa, Idaho is a lively, family-friendly destination packed with fall fun and festive charm. Known for its towering 8-foot straw maze, sprawling pumpkin patch with over 20 varieties, and thrilling attractions like a giant slide, zip line, and mechanical bull, Shindig Farms offers something for everyone. On Saturday nights in October, the maze transforms into a haunted adventure for those seeking spooky thrills. Visitors can also enjoy duck racing, corn cannons, swing rides, and a playful kids’ area. With weekday and weekend passes, group discounts, and seasonal events like Lost in Christmas, Shindig Farms is a must-visit for autumn adventures in the Treasure Valley.

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Trunk or Treats & Halloween Events

YMCA Halloween Freaky 5K and Monster Mile: October 25

The YMCA Halloween Freaky 5K and Monster Mile, presented by Micron, is one of Boise’s most spirited and family-friendly fall events. Held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Ann Morrison Park, this festive fun run invites participants of all ages to dress up in their wildest costumes, neon gear, and glow accessories for a morning of movement and celebration. Choose between the Freaky 5K, starting at 10:00 AM, or the Monster Mile, beginning at 10:10 AM—both winding through the scenic Boise Greenbelt.

Before the race, enjoy a costume contest with prizes, and stick around afterward for the Micron Trunk or Treat festivities. Whether you run, walk, push a stroller, or crawl across the finish line, this event is all about community, creativity, and Halloween cheer.

More Trunk or Treats & Halloween Events

DOGTOBERFEST: October 4, 1pm-5pm
Witches & Wine Paint Party: October 8, 6pm-8pm
Witches Night Out: October 8, 6pm-9pm
Harvest Fest: October 11, 10am-4pm
Trunk or Treat with Track Shark: October 11, 5pm-7pm
Villains In The Village: October 22, 6pm-8pm
37th Annual Trick-or-Treating Block Party in Downtown Nampa: October 23, 4pm-7pm
12th Annual Trunk or Treat!: October 23, 6pm-9pm
Halloween Latin Party: October 24, 9pm
Boise Halloweekend Bar Crawl: October 25, 4pm-10pm
Boo at the Halloween Latin Party – Knitting Factory – Boise Zoo: October 25-26
Halloween Disc Golf Tournament: October 26
Trick or Drink- Boise Halloween Bar Crawl: October 31
2025 Scarecrow Stroll: October 4 – November 2
Trunk or Treat at the Star Barn: October 25, 3pm-5pm
JUMP-or-Treat: October 25, 5pm-8pm
YMCA Halloween Freaky 5K and Monster Mile: October 25, 10am
Night of a Thousand Pumpkins: October 25, 6pm-9pm
BSU Orchestra Spook-Tacular: October 29, 7:30pm
Spooky Safari: October 30, 6pm-8pm
Henry’s Halloween – A Rock Opera Ballet: October 30, 7:30pm
THE WICKED & WILD BASH: BOISE’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN PARTY: October 30, 9pm

Family Events

Elmo & Friends Say Hello is bringing the magic of everyone’s favorite neighborhood to Boise! Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and more beloved characters for an interactive live show filled with singing, dancing, and playful surprises. This heartwarming event invites families to follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, on a delightful game of hide-and-seek while engaging with the Sesame Street crew in a celebration of friendship and fun.

More Family Events

Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show: October 18-19
Story Pirates: October 21, 7pm

Festivals & Events

The Boise Fall Home Show, happening October 24–26, 2025 at Expo Idaho, is one of the Treasure Valley’s premier events for homeowners, DIYers, and design enthusiasts. Produced by Spectra Productions, this three-day showcase features over 150 stunning displays all in one convenient location. Attendees can explore the latest in home remodeling, landscaping, interior design, new products, and get expert advice from industry professionals.

More Festivals & Events

Zach Rushing: October 1, 8pm
Bingo Loco (early show): October 3, 6pm
Bingo Loco (late show): October 3, 10pm
Low Roller Reining Classic: October 3-11
Bert Kreischer – Permission To Party: October 4, 7pm
Idaho Senior Lifestyle Expo: October 4, 10am-4pm
PNW Woodworking & Maker Expo: October 4-5
Oktoberfast Porsche Show: October 5, 12pm-4pm
Canyon County Fall Home Show: October 10-12
SRRSCCA Autocross: October 10-12
Low Roller Reining Classic: October 3-11
The Girls Day Out Expo: October 4, 10am-4pm
Idaho Senior Lifestyle Expo: October 4, 10am-4pm
Idaho Capital City Kennel Club Dog Show: October 10-12
Health and Wellness Fair: October 11, 9am-3pm
Ashley Gavin – Hype Man: October 12, 8pm
Idaho Renaissance Faire: October 11-12
Nampa Chamber of Commerce State of the City: October 15, 11:30am
NPC Idaho Cup: October 17-18
ZACH WILLIAMS REVIVAL NIGHTS TOUR: October 18, 7pm
Treasure Valley Flea Market: October 18-19
Sheng Wang: October 24, 7:30pm
Prof: October 25, 8pm
Idaho Reined Cowhorse Association: October 25-November 2
The BoVi Film Festival: October 26
Kameron Marlowe: October 26, 8pm
Adam Sandler – You’re My Best Friend Tour: October 27, 7:30pm
Ski Swap: October 31-November 2

Stay Active

YMCA Harrison Classic Kid’s Race: October 5, 3pm-5pm

The YMCA Harrison Classic Kid’s Race is a beloved Boise tradition returning on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM along scenic Harrison Boulevard. Celebrating its 40th year, this one-mile fun runis designed especially for kids ages 1 to 14, offering an inclusive, family-friendly experience where everyone is a winner. Participants receive a t-shirt, medal, and healthy snack, and are encouraged to run solo or with a parent.

More Stay Active Events

9th Annual Boise, ID Run for Resilience Ostomy 5K: October 5, 12pm
15th annual SueB 5k Memorial 5: October 5
City of Trees Marathon: October 11, 8am
Northwest Dance Fest: October 17-19
YMCA Halloween Freaky 5K and Monster Mile: October 25, 4:30pm

Arts & Music

SHUCKED, the Tony Award®–winning musical comedy, is coming to Boise’s Velma V. Morrison Center from October 21–26, 2025, as part of the Zions Bank Broadway in Boise series. Hailed by The Wall Street Journal as “flat out hilarious,” this corny, clever, and heartwarming show features a book by Tony winner Robert Horn(Tootsie), music by Grammy® winners Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction by Broadway legend Jack O’Brien (Hairspray).