October begins with pumpkin painting, big machines, a glow party and plenty of fall community fun. These nine weekend ideas cover Boise, Caldwell, Meridian, Pocatello and Idaho Falls, plus a music outing just across the border in Ontario, Oregon. Pick one close to home or build a day around the outing your family is most excited about.
Weekend: October 2–4, 2026. All times below are Mountain Time. Check organizer updates and ticket availability before leaving home. Food, vendor purchases and some activities cost extra.
1. The Glow Party at Idaho Falls Zoo
When: Friday, October 2, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Idaho Falls Zoo, 2725 Carnival Way, Idaho Falls
Music, dancing and glow items make this an evening option for families who want something after dark. The organizer advertises DJ Marv and complimentary glow items and soda. This is a ticketed event; check current prices and availability.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
2. Fall Festival at Green Acres
When: October 2–4; Friday festivities start at 5 p.m.
Where: 767 S. Pioneer Street, Boise
Free entry, free pumpkin painting, food trucks and live music along the Greenbelt. Some activities have their own schedules or fees, and food and purchases cost extra. The Saturday and Sunday music lineups begin at 11 a.m.; check the organizer’s activity schedule before choosing your visit.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
3. Hay Day in Caldwell
When: Saturday, October 3, 1–5 p.m.
Where: Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S. Kimball Avenue, Caldwell
A new harvest celebration with antique tractors, hands-on agricultural activities, local vendors and live music. Families can explore Caldwell’s farming traditions and enjoy an afternoon downtown. Check with the organizer about any activity fees; food and purchases cost extra.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
4. Downtown’s Great Pumpkin Fest
When: Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Pocatello
Pair a fall stroll with local shopping and the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Contest. Festivities take place throughout downtown, so check the organizer’s map or updates before heading out. Bring a budget for food and shopping.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
5. Meridian Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Idaho Avenue and 2nd Street, Downtown Meridian
The Chamber’s downtown celebration includes live music, food, vendors, family activities and contests. The youth strudel eating contest is listed for ages 8–14 at 11 a.m. This is a mixed community festival with beer service and adult contests as well as family activities. Check the organizer’s schedule and any costs.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
6. Dozer Day Southern Idaho
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 3–4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. each day
Where: Dennis Technical Education Center, 3324 S. Milwaukee Street, Boise
For kids who love big machines, Dozer Day offers opportunities to operate construction equipment with a professional operator at their side. Activities are geared toward ages 2–12, with participation based on a safe fit in the equipment cab. Online general admission is $12 plus $2.26 in fees per ticket; the ticket price increases by $3 on the day of the event. Parking is free onsite. Tickets are sold separately for Saturday and Sunday. Select the right date and review the organizer’s entry requirements before purchasing.
View our event listing · Organizer details and tickets
7. Nuestros Corridos Concierto in Ontario
When: Sunday, October 4, 3–5 p.m.
Where: Meyer McLean Performing Arts Theatre, 676 S.W. 5th Avenue, Ontario, Oregon
A seated music outing just across the Idaho border at Four Rivers Cultural Center. The organizer lists admission at $10 for adults and $5 for students and people 65 and older. Review program details and ticket availability to decide whether it suits your family.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
8. YMCA Harrison Classic Kids Run
When: Sunday, October 4; age-group starts begin at 3 p.m.
Where: Harrison Boulevard, Boise; drop-off at 17th and W. Good Street
This one-mile run/walk is open to ages 1–14. Have children dropped off by 2:45 p.m.; starting waves run from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is $30 plus the registration service fee. Parents may run or walk with their child without registering themselves. Review packet pickup and parking instructions before race day.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
9. Venardos Circus in Meridian
When: Final weekend, October 2–4; select a performance time
Where: The Village at Meridian, 2233 N. Records Way, Meridian
The traveling production combines acrobatics, comedy, music and theatrical circus entertainment. Performances continue through October 4, with showtimes, ticket prices and availability varying by date. Reserve the performance that works for your family through the official ticket page.
View our event listing · Organizer details and updates
Make the weekend work for your family
For an easy daytime outing, look at pumpkin painting in Boise, Hay Day in Caldwell or the downtown festivities in Pocatello. For an evening plan, consider the Idaho Falls Zoo Glow Party or a circus performance. Book ticketed outings ahead when possible, bring layers for outdoor events and leave time for parking.
Find more options and individual event information in our Community Calendar.