Boise is Idaho's capital and largest city, and there is a lot available in our lovely town!

Boise is a beautiful city known locally as the “City of Trees,” and is the capital and largest city in Idaho. While located in a ‘red state’, Boise city is a ‘blue pocket’ not unlike Austin is in Texas. Events catering to the queer community are found every weekend and often throughout the week. In addition, the Boise area has many other cultural and outdoor activities in close proximity to downtown and the university, from hiking and skiing to museums and music/performance venues to craft breweries and local wineries. With the Boise River running between the University and downtown, there are also scenic views and walking opportunities on our 25-mile greenbelt along the river. As one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States, Boise’s offerings continue to grow by the day, and we frequently feature on top ten lists in the country for everything from livability to music to health.

You can read about some of what Boise has to offer at this link to an article discussing some features of Downtown Boise

In March, weather in Boise is transitioning from Winter to Spring. While snow is possible, snowfall accumulation is usually light (if it stays on the ground at all) during this time, making travel to Boise typically possible without weather delays. Temperatures in early-mid March average around 53F (12C) during the day and 33F (1C) at night. Moderate wind is common during the Spring season as well. March averages about 9 days of precipitation, with about 1.4” (3.5cm) of precipitation during the entire month. It is occasionally possible to have some brief thundershowers, but most precipitation rarely lasts more than a few hours. It is rare to have a day without at least partial sunlight during this time.

Due to our location on the Western edge of the Mountain Time Zone, daylight hours in Boise trend later than many areas in the country.  As the conference is happening just before Daylight Savings Time begins locally (be aware that clocks move ahead on Sunday, March 12), sunrise will be around 7:00am (07:00) local time, with sunset around 6:45pm (18:45) local time.

If you want to add some non-conference activities to your time in Boise, there are many things to do in and around Boise State and Downtown Boise, most within walking distance of campus and hotel venues. Some options include:

Boise River Greenbelt: The Boise River runs through the heart of the city, forming the northern border of the campus and features 25 miles of walking and biking paths along both sides of the river. 

Boise State University Campus: Feel free to explore campus, from our newly built Art Center building on the western edge of campus to Albertson's Stadium, home of our famous blue turf, on the eastern edge of campus.

Freak Alley: Located just off our downtown restaurant row, this is an alley that features a variety of murals and art along the building walls by local artists. Each year, more is added, and it's worth a look and maybe a photo shoot.

Bars and Restaurants: There are ample options for food and drink around downtown and along Broadway Ave (to the east and south of campus). Most sit-down eateries close by 10pm (though some do stay open later), and there are late-night eats downtown near areas where bars are found. 

Queer Spaces: There are two queer bars in Boise, one located in the heart of downtown (the Balcony Club), and one located a few miles west in nearby Garden City (Somewhere Bar). In addition, there are several gay friendly bars and coffee shops in downtown, including the Flying M Coffee Shop, which also features its own quirky gift shop and is a queer-friendly hangout and space.

Julia Davis Park: Located just across the Friendship Bridge from Boise State's campus, Julia Davis Park features our local Zoo, several museums, and a lot of green spaces, walking paths, and other recreation. Even without going inside the Zoo, during the day you will likely see the giraffes' heads poking up from their area at the back of the Zoo, visible from just across the river from campus.

Parks and Recreation Nearby: Boise is an outdoor person's paradise. Within a 10-minute drive, there are trailheads to 100s of miles of foothill trails, though conditions vary during Winter and Spring, and it is good to check ahead before trying to use trails if it has rained or snowed. In March, the ski resorts are also still open, and just 15 miles (45 minutes) north of Boise is Bogus Basin Ski Area. Within a two-hour drive are several other mountainous areas with ski resorts and outdoor recreation, and an hour south of Boise is the Birds of Prey natural reserve and the Bruneau Sand Dunes.

While Idaho frequently makes news for it's right-wing politics and anti-LGBTQ sentiments, the city of Boise itself has many legal protections not available to all Idahoans. Boise is an official "Welcoming City" for people of all walks of life. 

The Boise State Gender Equity Center provides an LGBTQ+ resource list for local and national resources available to members of the queer community