News

Boise, ID – May 16, 2025 – The Idaho Botanical Garden’s signature summer concert series, Great Garden Escape, returns for 2025 with a renewed focus on accessibility, atmosphere, and authentic connection. The series runs Thursday evenings in June and late August through September, intentionally pausing during the hottest weeks of summer to offer guests a more comfortable and enjoyable experience—one that sidesteps the high heat and seasonal smoke that can settle into the Treasure Valley. Held from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, each evening offers live performances set against the beauty of the Garden’s blooming grounds. Whether you come with friends, a picnic, or simply the need to unplug, Great Garden Escape promises a weekly tradition of presence, relaxation, and shared joy. “This series is more than a concert—it’s an invitation to breathe deeply, connect with your community, and enjoy the simple joy of an evening in the Garden,” said Erin Anderson, Executive Director…

Boise, ID – June 2, 2025 On the evening of Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Idaho Botanical Garden will unveil an unique vision for what a fundraising event can be. With the return of its annual Farm to Table(aux) soiree, the Garden invites guests into "Beastly Botanicals"—an immersive, theatrical experience where the natural and surreal entwine.  Unlike traditional benefit dinners, Farm to Table(aux) has built a reputation as a bold fusion of art, performance, and philanthropy. This year’s theme, "Beastly Botanicals," promises an enchanted exploration into the darker, wilder side of nature. Attendees will be surrounded by towering flora, carnivorous plants, jewel-toned beetles, and mysterious creatures, all brought to life through a meticulously curated production that spans visual installations, live performances, and culinary storytelling.  “This isn’t just another gala—it’s a portal into a world of living art, storytelling, and shared purpose,” said Erin Anderson, Executive Director of the Idaho Botanical…

Boise, ID – April 1, 2025  – Shade City Brewfest is back and groovier than ever. Set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Idaho Botanical Garden, the fourth annual event brings together craft beer lovers, sustainability advocates, and the greater Boise community for a one-of-a-kind celebration that’s as environmentally responsible as it is fun. Presented by Lost Grove Brewing, Treasure Valley Canopy Network, and the Idaho Botanical Garden, Shade City Brewfest is Boise’s premier sustainable beer festival. With a focus on environmental impact and waste reduction, the event sets a new standard for what it means to gather responsibly. In 2024, the festival welcomed thousands of guests and produced just one bag of trash—a nearly zero-waste achievement made possible by intentional planning. All food packaging was either compostable or reusable, and the event offered water refill stations, compost drop-offs, and clearly marked waste sorting areas. “We’re…

Boise, ID – April 16, 2025 – The Idaho Botanical Garden is proud to announce that it has officially been accredited as an arboretum by ArbNet, a global organization that supports and promotes tree-focused gardens. This milestone, made possible through the dedicated efforts of Sarah Croak, our collections assistant, marks an exciting new chapter for the Garden and its treasured tree and shrub collection. “Becoming an accredited arboretum is a natural evolution for the Idaho Botanical Garden,” said Erin Anderson, Executive Director. “Our tree collection has always been a fundamental part of what makes the Garden special. This accreditation affirms our commitment to curating a diverse, resilient, and beautiful landscape that reflects both our regional identity and our responsibility to future generations.” Arboretum accreditation is more than just recognition—it represents a deepened commitment to the thoughtful cultivation and curation of trees and shrubs. Just as with our accredited Penstemon collection,…