“Year in Preview”
Journal No. 2
What better way to get you psyched for this year than for us to spill the beans about what’s happening downtown at Indian Creek Plaza in 2025. Although we host nearly 300 events annually, there are a handful that we label signature events. They are the ones that bring a lot of foot traffic downtown to support our local businesses. These events are what we put most of our energy toward as well as our advertising efforts. Basically, these ones are a real party! This year we have some new events to introduce and some of your favorites that have been around a few years. Here's the short list, but the descriptions are found below.
Caldwell Culinary Week March 12-22
Cars & Coffee March 29
Rugged Idaho Expo April 18-19
Cinco de Mayo May 5
Mother’s Day Market May 10
Taste of Caldwell Wine Festival May 17
Farm-to-Fork Market Every Tuesday Night, Begins May 20
Tuesdays on the Creek Every Tuesday Night, Begins May 20
Wild West Brewfest June 28
Super Soaker Showdown July 2 & August 7
Creekside Family Fun Day July 19
Caldwell Night Rodeo Kickoff August 9
Taste of Caldwell Harvest Festival September 6
Indian Creek Festival September 19-20
Dogtoberfest October 4
Winter Wonderland November 21-23
“Experience Culinary Excellence in Caldwell”
Immerse yourself in the flavors as local eateries present specially crafted menus and beverages at $5, $15, $35 and $50 price points. There is something for everyone. Embark on a delectable week-long journey through downtown while savoring exquisite offerings from some of your favorite eateries. Join us to find out for yourself what culinary experiences are putting Caldwell on the map. You’ll have opportunities to join interactive classes and learn latte art as well as sit in on a cookbook club meeting.
What you’ll find during Caldwell Culinary Week includes specially curated menus with opportunities to try brand-new dishes from your favorite eateries. You can also visit that new spot you’ve heard so much about or maybe it’s the simplicity of experiencing a fresh twist of a familiar favorite. Why limit yourself to one experience? You have all week!
“A Cup and Classics Along the Creek”
Cars and Coffee is returning to Indian Creek Plaza on the morning of March 29th from 9-12. Presented by Idaho Central Credit Union, we’re teaming up with Track Shark for another round of the best automotive classics, exotics and muscle the valley has to offer. And, yes, there will be plenty of coffee! Grab a cup from one of our favorite downtown coffee houses: Flying M or Bond & Bevel.
Cars and Coffee is a free event and welcomes families, car enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike to come and experience the excitement firsthand. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or simply appreciate the beauty of meticulous customizations, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and join us for a cup and some classics along the creek.
“Outfitting Adventure”
Treasure Valley’s own Rugged Idaho Expo was created to make sure you’re fully outfitted for your next Idaho adventure. Whether it’s camping, grilling, fishing, or hunting, you’ll find everything you need for the next time you get outside.
Rugged Idaho Cornhole Tournament | Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a little healthy competition! Grab a partner (or we’ll find one for you) and sign up for some good, clean cornhole fun. Hard to beat a warm Spring afternoon: cold beer in one hand, bean bag in the other. Not a pro-level cornholer? No worries, we have two brackets, so pick the “Just for Fun” category. Think you’re the best bean bag tosser this side of the Mississippi? We’ll see about that! Pick the “Competitive” category and find out what you’re made of.
“Fiesta on the Plaza”
In the U.S. today, this holiday has become an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate Mexico’s unique culture, and that’s just what we do here in downtown Caldwell. Every year, the Plaza comes alive, bursting with vibrant colors, flavorful spices and live music. And, yes, there will be tacos!
We look forward to this fiesta on the plaza every year because it represents nearly half of our community here in Caldwell. This is an event that brings us all together in one place to dance, eat and enjoy our whole community with family and friends.
Taco Truck Taste-Off | Did someone say tacos? Start prepping your taste buds now, amigos, because we’ve tracked down the best taco trucks in the valley to go head-to-head in a friendly competition. You are the judges, so come hungry and ready to crown the next winner of Taco Truck Taste-Off.
“Market, Music and Moms”
Indian Creek Plaza transforms into a bountiful outdoor market. Come sip mimosas, enjoy live music and stroll around historic downtown Caldwell for this popular annual event. Invite all the girls to peruse a curated collection of the valley’s 50 best artisans on display for you to shop for all the moms who enrich your life. Don’t worry, we won’t tell if you pick up a few things for yourself, too. We’re pretty good at keeping secrets.
“Celebrating Caldwell’s Undiscovered Wine Region”
Sunny Slope Wine Region in Caldwell is known as “Idaho’s Wine Country,” so we created an event featuring the area’s best wineries for you to enjoy all in one place. With over fifteen different family-owned and operated vineyards and wineries to choose from, this event is sure to satisfy every palate level. If you’re just growing in your knowledge of wine or you’ve been a connoisseur for decades, this event is perfect for you. Chat it up with the knowledgeable and passionate farmers as you sip the fruits of their labor. Come ready to have your taste buds surprised as you enjoy this region’s rare taste, nationally recognized and gaining popularity among the nation’s leading vineyards. The hot, dry days paired with the cool, breezy nights create a robust grape, unique only to the Snake River Valley. Come taste the difference for yourself.
“Taste the farm-to-fork difference”
Caldwell is home to Idaho’s most diverse crop base, and we are proud of our roots (quite literally). For generations families have produced award-winning fruits, vegetables, grains and spices. Get the freshest produce to create excellent meals at home or find the perfect handmade gift from local artisans at our Farm to Fork Market. With over 30 vendors every week, make your way downtown every Tuesday evening to stock up on local produce, relax and listen to live bands from Tuesdays on the Creek on the plaza nearby. Watch the sun set over the creek while eating dinner at one of your favorite eateries. There’s something for everyone.
“Sunsets and Songs”
Spend your Tuesday nights on the Creek in downtown Caldwell. This 20-week event series includes live music from both local and touring artists. Each week we curate for you talented and engaging musicians sure to get you up off your seat and dance with your special someone. That’s right, gents, show her off! Enjoy music from various genres, grab some grub to go from one of the plaza’s incredible eateries and make some memories as the sun sets over the meandering creek. Held in conjunction with Farm to Fork Market, peruse the food and craft vendors while you listen to great music.
“Brews, Music and Beards”
With over 40 breweries pouring drinks on-site, there’s something for every beer palate. From pale ale to stout and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Sample from a dozen different breweries throughout the night (don’t worry, we’re not talking pints!). Why pick just one when you can try 12?!
Beard and mustache competition: This one’s for all you gents who’ve been blessed with bountiful facial hair. That’s right, we’re looking at you, ‘Sasquatch!’ Some gents have been preppin’ all year for this one. We’ve got combers, waxers and even some ironers out there waiting to be crowned Wild West Brewfest’s next beard king.
“Let’s Get Soaked!”
Get ready for an epic showdown on the plaza! We're bringing the thrill of summer to life with our Super Soaker extravaganza. Join us as we team up with our local fire department to unleash a tidal wave of fun. Caldwell Fire Department is bringing their massive fire engine to create the ultimate splash. It’s the kiddos against the firefighters: Let the battle begin!
Bring your own Super Soakers and keep filling them up in our mini pools, strategically placed throughout the plaza to keep the battle going. Take part in the most epic water war imaginable. It's time to gather your squad, tag your friends, and gear up for an afternoon of non-stop laughter and excitement.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure. Bring your A-game and let the splash-filled mayhem begin. Get blasted!
“Let’s Get This Party Started!”
The plaza transforms into an ole honky tonk, packed with cold beers, live country music, and all the dancing your boots’ll allow. That’s right, cowboys, time to show her off! We’ve teamed up with Caldwell Night Rodeo for this rowdy, fun-filled night of celebrating Idaho’s best rodeo (not biased here). Seated as one of the nation’s Top 20 professional rodeos and also ranked within the Top 5 large outdoor rodeos, CNR has really made a name for itself and we want in on the action. Come celebrate year 101 of this epic rodeo down here on the plaza.
Now you just have to decide one thing: You part of the “Rowdies” or “Civies?” (If you know, you know).
“Family Fun in the Sun”
Come on down to the plaza and check out our first annual fun day, created for the entire family to enjoy. Oil up your chains and pump up those tires to get ready for a Bike Parade! Decorate your bikes and go all out. This one’s gonna be fun!
Vendors will set up family-inspired booths with a bonus expo area highlighting Caldwell’s most entrepreneurial youngsters. They’ll be set up to sell their wares, so come on down and show these future business owners of America some love! Every year it’s surprising to see how talented these kiddos are. We’ve had bakers, carpenters, gardeners and outdoorsman showing off their hard work and building their budding businesses.
Oh yeah, did we mention bounce houses?! Wouldn’t be a family day without some good, clean, jumpin’ fun.
“Savor The Season’s Harvest”
Caldwell is celebrated for its locally grown produce and farm-to-fork dining, so we picked a day - smack dab in the middle of harvest season - to showcase the area’s best. We invite you to join in on this harvest party and experience a genuine taste of Caldwell. Savor a dozen curated food and drink pairings in this gourmet event, featuring the area’s finest farm-to-fork chefs, restaurateurs, and artisans.
Our deep agricultural roots span generations, and we’re excited to share that heritage with you.
Here on the plaza, we know how to throw a party, so of course, there’s gonna be live music. Also, try your luck at Chicken Drop Bingo (our twist on a 50/50 raffle) and connect with local chefs and artisans.
“It’s a Party Down by the Creek”
Caldwell’s story didn’t always include our beloved Indian Creek. In fact, these waters were flowing for decades beneath layers of roads and buildings. The city’s initial Indian Creek Festival began in 2003, celebrating the creek’s initial uncovering. What was once a small gathering in a parking lot has now become a two-day festival that spans blocks in our beautifully revived downtown.
This is one of our favorite events of the year, so we packed the weekend with family-friendly activities. Some highlights include a Fireman’s breakfast, car show, dance competition, tug-of-war spanning the creek (someone’s gettin’ wet!) and the crowd favorite: Cardboard Kayak Race. Come see what these folks can do with some old boxes, duct tape and a little bit of paint.
“Pints and Pups”
Only one day a year we break our own rules. Any rule breakers out there, this is your moment! Typically, K-9s aren’t allowed on Indian Creek Plaza, and I’m sure you’ve seen all our signs saying so. But, for this event only, we put all that signage in storage for the afternoon and welcome all your 4-legged besties to the party. Not only are they invited, but they ARE the party! We cater to all things dog for our annual Dogtoberfest.
We’re going full Bavarian on this one and putting our own twist on the centuries-old German Oktoberfest. What better way to celebrate doggo than to have a cold beer in one hand and a leash in the other. This is a great opportunity for those water lovin’ pups to enjoy our splash pad for the afternoon.
Some event highlights include “Running of the Wieners,” so pack up those Dachshunds and bring them on down to the plaza. They’re just so fun to watch!
Dress up your pup in their finest threads ‘cause there’s a costume contest. Go all out!
Think you have the forearm strength of a 19th-century Bavarian farmer? Prove it! We’re having a Stein Holding Contest, so get those arms prepped and ready for the occasion.
“Caldwell Transformed Under a Million Lights”
A truly magical time to be in the heart of Treasure Valley. Come and see how downtown Caldwell transforms into a setting straight out of a Hallmark movie. Walk around downtown, illuminated by over a million Christmas lights, while sipping hot cocoa. Join family and friends on our ice ribbon, surrounded by lighted trees and cozy fire pits, and try your hand at ice skating. You just might be a pro!
Get all your Christmas shopping done at our market featuring over 60 local artisans. We’ll have everything you need for everyone on your list this year.
Don’t forget to bring the kiddos down for holiday pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They’re the real deal, guys; just arrived from the North Pole for this very event. Tour downtown while nestling under a banket on a horse-drawn carriage: Perfect for the whole family or a date night.
SEE YOU ON THE PLAZA !
SEE YOU ON THE PLAZA !
