Food trucks and outdoor concert venues thrive in our hospitable climate. Find food trucks at: Farmers Markets in Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell; night-life streets in Boise; brewery locations in Eagle, Garden City, and Boise; and art in the city events in Boise, Eagle, and Meridian. Outdoor concert venues include the Western Idaho State Fair at Expo Idaho, parks, the Canyon County Fair, the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, the Idaho Botanical Gardens, and the food truck gathering place, Green Acres.
Food Trucks
Food trucks are a staple of Boise and other city Farmer’s Markets. Wander produce booths and locally made product displays while eating deliciousness from a made-on-the-spot food vendor. Creativity abounds in the styles of the trucks and the tastes of their foods. American, French, African continent, and pizza options abound. Enjoy the community conversations that blossom while people wait in line!
2. Green Acres Food Truck Park
Founded in Boise in 2021, this permanent location for a rotation of food trucks is a happy hang-out place for food and music. The day we visited, the vendors include: Kanak Express; Bochi Bochi; Basilios Tacos; Darjeeling Momo; Rib Shack Barbecue; and The Fizzy Cow. Kanak Express is a relative of brick-and-mortar Kanak Attack restaurant and catering company.
The Food Warehouse combines the best of both worlds – food truck choices with indoor and outdoor eating options. Some nights you’ll even find a band playing indoors. Variety abounds at the Warehouse. A recent Friday dining experience eating at Bao Boi Concepts allowed me to meet Chef Frank who was inspired by a food truck he had eaten at in another state – yummy results!
4. Food Trucks around town
Some food trucks operate only out of trucks. Others aim to open restaurants – as MELTZ did and Tazztee’s hopes to do. Located west of Orchard on Emerald Street, Tazztee’s Mexican food lives up to its name. "Boise Food Trucks" is a “bridge between food truck operators and the hungry public.” The site has a helpful map for locating dozens of food truck locations.
Outdoor Concert Venues
1. Green Acres Food Truck Park
A daily schedule of music and musicians is found on their website. Bring sunscreen or find shade. 2024 includes more tables and chairs, more shaded areas, and hours of music listening enjoyment. Find a new musician to follow. Explore the rotation of food booths that will tickle your tastebuds. Hang out with family and friends. This venue is family and pet friendly.
The Great Garden Escape summer concert series provides an intimate music setting with a variety of acts in the shade of the garden. Outlaw Field draws people willing to sit in the sun to see favorite big-name performers such as Jon Batiste (June 6, 2024) and Norah Jones (July 26, 2024). Food trucks and beverage options are available at both concert venues.
3. Julia Davis Park, Gene Harris Bandshell
In 2001, the Julia Davis Park bandshell (built in 1928) was rededicated as the Gene Harris Bandshell to honor famed jazz pianist Gene Harris. Enjoy this outdoor concert and performance site during art events in the park, during Treefort’s annual week of music, and during Opera Idaho special performances such as the upcoming FREE outdoor concert on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
Meridian Symphony Orchestra (in the March issue of the Meridian Lifestyle Magazine) performances happen at Kleiner Park which is home to playgrounds, picnic areas, a senior community center, and outdoor concerts. Meridian Parks and Recreation hosts the Bri Kleiner Park Live FREE concert series. Grab your lawn chair, blanket, and dancing shoes to enjoy an evening of music. Every other Friday: June 7 and 21; July 5 and 19; August 2 and 16.