Downtown Idaho Falls is the place. It’s packed with arts, culture, brunch, gourmet pastries, fresh baked goodies daily, local and organic foods, vegan offerings, boutique shopping, and local jewelers. The list goes on and on and it’s better experienced in real life. Downtown Idaho Falls offers the best entertainment, local shopping and food in the region.
It also boasts the largest centralized cultural district in Eastern Idaho. This includes a slew of visual and performing arts venues and opportunities for youth and adults. The historic Colonial Theater, which just celebrated its 100th birthday in 2019, is the center of nightlife in downtown Idaho Falls, with professional off-Broadway shows performing live on stage to local dance and theater productions. The Idaho Falls Arts Council has nimbly discovered how to host events here such as gallery openings and art classes, not to mention the live professional shows safely. Topping it all off, public art adorns many alleyways throughout the neighborhood and pieces of art that serve as resting spaces – or benches – are scattered amongst the sidewalks.
We are sure there’s something on the list for every visitor and local.
-
Idaho Falls Farmers Market: A great three-season tradition in Idaho Falls. An open-air market that brings the best of Idaho’s bounty each Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. It offers in-season greenery and produce throughout the spring, summer and fall. Located on Memorial Drive.
-
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM): Located on the Riverwalk overlooking the Snake River, TAM is home to five galleries, an interactive art center, classrooms and an eclectic gift shop. TAM provides vital opportunities to ensure the arts are a basic component of every child’s education. TAM offers tours, classes, and workshops for children and adults. Free family days are offered quarterly with unique and interactive art projects available for the entire family. Every first Saturday of the month is free admission and every first Tuesday offers free senior citizen admission.
-
PugssLane: Pugsslane, located on B Street, is a place for artists to have their work displayed in the public eye. New art is regularly painted on the alley walls, leading to constant new discoveries. Created from a local woman’s dream to bring the hidden talents of Idaho Falls to the spotlight, PugssLane is a must-see experience.
-
Museum of Idaho (MOI): The Museum of Idaho is the Gem State's largest science and history museum. The MOI houses thousands of artifacts and hosts world-class traveling exhibits. In addition to bringing the world to Idaho Falls, they also offer a host of education programs from young and old and preserve the stories of the locals.
-
The Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC): The Idaho Falls Arts Council presents 20 professional shows each season, most of which are at the Colonial Theater. The Carr Gallery and Hall Gallery feature eight visual arts exhibitions every year that highlight local and national talent. Every August, IFAC organizes a free arts festival on the Riverwalk called Youth Jam, where families and youth can interact with creative art media and enjoy live performing arts. The newest addition to the council’s efforts includes the ARTitorium on Broadway, an innovative interactive art center for families that focuses on the marriage between art and technology.
Downtown Idaho Falls is a place where an hour is not enough time to experience it all but can give you a taste of what the community values. Whatever time of day the experiences are quality and plentiful. We hope you join us in Downtown Idaho Falls!
Click here to read more of Destination Idaho Falls.