10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Attend Boise, Idaho's Treefort Festival

While Seattle and Portland are considered the main music hubs of the northwest, Boise’s music presence can be heard for miles. The sludgy psychedelia of Sun Blood Stories, psych-soul grooves of Thick Business, brassy funk of Lounge on Fire, and nostalgic experimental-pop of Ancient Psychic continue to be staples of Treefort’s showcase of Boise’s eclectic community of artists. Intermixed with the festival’s touring acts, the locals not only hold their own, but often become highlights for out-of-towners and Boiseans alike.

Despite being massively supported by community volunteers, Treefort is by no means a small-time festival. Over the festival’s five-year existence the larger venues have had the pleasure of hosting internationally successful acts like TV on the Radio, Run the Jewels, of Montreal, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, and Dan Deacon. Many of Treefort’s famous alumni have enjoyed their time in Boise so much, that they’ve returned for more shows, in several cases within the same year of their first time. Many bands from elsewhere in the northwest have found a loyal fanbase in Boise as well. Portland acts like Radiation City, AU, and Like a Villain have returned to large, enthusiastic crowds since their Treefort debuts.

Much of Treefort’s promotional material claims the festival has "something for everyone," and this is most certainly the case. For those with interests in technology, Hackfort provides workshops, a variety of TED-style talks, and open discussions on programming, 3D printing, virtual reality, apps, and more.

Unfortunately, a mix of late night music and too much beer can lead to rough mornings. Yogafort to the rescue! Beginning in the morning, before the festival’s main events, Yogafort provides classes on yoga, dance, and meditation accompanied by soothing music. This guarantees a peaceful start to the day and continues on into the early evening

From fiction to slam poetry to journalism, Storyfort hosts a variety of readings, discussions, and performances for anyone who an interest in the creative use of language. With plenty of attention given to local writers and students, Storyfort gives wordsmiths of all ages an opportunity to share their work in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Despite the name, Treefort Music Fest, isn’t just about seeing concerts. Performances of all types can be found at Treefort, some impromptu, others meticulously planned. Ballet Idaho’s Daniel Ojeda and Project Flux’s Lydia Sakolsky-Basquill have both choreographed dance performances for the festival. Musician and composer Seth Olinksy has conducted his mammoth composition "Band Dialogue," consisting of over 50 musicians from the festival’s many bands, three years in a row. No matter what someone comes to see at Treefort, they’ll end up seeing something entirely new to them.

Next to the main stage, visitors can find a large gathering of food trucks with burgers, tacos, pizza, rice bowls, sandwiches, wraps, mac ‘n cheese, and pretty much anything else you can think of. This outdoor food court is open to everyone, festival pass or not, so anyone in the area can go down and soak up Treefort’s atmosphere.

One of the purposes of Treefort is to introduce out-of-towners to Boise, and the downtown area is the perfect place to start. If you’re looking for a dine-in experience, Treefort is located in the best place for it. With all the venues scattered in Boise’s downtown, you’ll never be far from the city’s best local restaurants. Bleubird, Bittercreek Ale House, and Bar Gernika can be found within a couple blocks of whatever Treefort event you’re heading to or from, while shops like The Record Exchange are there to give you your local shopping fix. These businesses, of course, love the extra business they receive from festival goers. Many of them up their local marketing game while others partner with Treefort or provide special deals for those with festival passes. This helps stimulate Boise’s economy and helps "put it on the map," so to speak.

As you might find printed on the posters, fliers, and "trail guides" throughout town, Treefort is a "festival of discovery." This is perhaps the festival’s most important element. While the bands you are excited to see might draw you in, you’re bound to be exposed to plenty of new, unique experiences. Whether you utilized the Treefort app to investigate unfamiliar acts and events beforehand, or you stumbled into a venue during an unknown band’s set, there will always be plenty to surprise you. If you consider going to this beautiful festival, be prepared to have your mind repeatedly blown.