The Wait is Almost Over! Your Ultimate Treefort Festival Guide
The countdown to Treefort Music Fest is almost over! From March 26-30, 2025, downtown Boise will transform into a lively celebration of music, art, and community. With over 420 artists set to perform across multiple venues, the festival offers an eclectic mix of sounds that will turn the city into a music lover’s paradise. But Treefort is much more than just concerts—it’s a multi-faceted experience filled with unique “forts” catering to different interests. Storyfort captivates book lovers with live readings and discussions, Yogafort provides a space for wellness and movement, Hackfort dives into cutting-edge technology, and Comedyfort delivers top-tier stand-up performances. Food and drink enthusiasts can savor local flavors at Alefort, while families can enjoy interactive entertainment at Kidfort. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime attendee, planning ahead is key—grab your passes, map out your must-see events, and explore the best ways to navigate the festival-packed city.
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ARTIST LINEUP
Treefort Music Fest 2025 in Boise will feature an eclectic lineup, showcasing a wide range of genres and styles from over 420 artists. Here's a brief overview of some of the highlighted performers:
Remi Wolf: An indie pop artist known for her energetic sound and genre-blending style.
SOFI TUKKER: A dynamic electronic duo famous for their infectious, dance-driven beats.
Shakey Graves: A rootsy, folk-rock singer-songwriter with a raw, emotive sound.
Bright Eyes: An indie rock band fronted by Conor Oberst, known for their introspective lyrics and emotive performances.
Amyl and the Sniffers: A high-energy punk rock band from Australia.
Confidence Man: An Australian electronic duo combining pop, dance, and electro-funk.
Jessica Pratt: A folk singer-songwriter with a unique, haunting voice and poetic lyrics.
Built to Spill: An indie rock band with complex melodies and intricate guitar work.
Hot Mulligan: A pop-punk band with a blend of catchy melodies and emotional depth.
Youth Lagoon: An indie project blending dreamy electronic beats with introspective lyrics.
The Linda Lindas: A punk rock band made up of young musicians, known for their energetic performances.
The Wood Brothers: A blend of folk, blues, and rock with soulful harmonies.
AND MANY MORE!
FORTS
The Treefort Music Festival features a variety of unique "forts," each offering a distinct experience. Musicfort delivers an exciting lineup of performances, while Filmfort showcases independent cinema. Kidfort provides family-friendly workshops and entertainment, and Foodfort offers culinary events with top chefs. Storyfort brings literary experiences, and each fort creates its own vibrant atmosphere, blending creativity, culture, and community for an unforgettable festival experience.
Storyfort
STORYFORT will feature a stellar lineup of authors, with a mix of literary legends and emerging voices. From March 26-30, attendees can enjoy a variety of panels, intimate readings, and immersive experiences, free and open to the public (though some events may be age-restricted or contain content not suitable for young children). Here's a look at the authors and artists featured at Storyfort 2025:
Laura Albert aka JT LeRoy (San Francisco, CA): Best known for Sarah and The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, Laura is also a writer for Deadwood and an advocate for gender-variance issues.
Ariana Reines (New York, NY): A celebrated poet and playwright, her latest works include Wave of Blood and The Rose.
Lamb (Salt Lake City, UT): An emerging American writer.
Harris Lahti (Warwick, NY): Author of Foreclosure Gothic, Harris's stories have appeared in magazines like BOMB and Southwest Review.
Francesca Kritikos (Chicago, IL): Author of SWEET BLOODY SALTY CLEAN and Exercise in Desire, her works span poetry and fiction.
Brian Allen Carr (Indianapolis, IN): Author of Opioid, Indiana and Bad Foundations, Brian's work has earned critical acclaim.
Claire Hopple (Asheville, NC): A writer and editor at XRAY, Claire has authored six books and had her stories published in Wigleaf and Vol. 1 Brooklyn.
Raegan Bird (Blacksburg, VA): Co-founder of Blue Arrangements, Raegan’s fiction has appeared in New York Tyrant and Joyland.
Nathan Dragon (Blacksburg, VA): Nathan is the author of THE CHAMP IS HERE and co-founder of Blue Arrangements.
Megan Nolan (New York City, NY): Author of the bestseller Acts of Desperation, Megan's second novel Ordinary Human Failings was shortlisted for several awards.
Bud Smith (Jersey City, NJ): Author of Teenager and Double Bird, Bud returns to Storyfort with his latest works.
Peter Vack (New York City, NY): Actor, filmmaker, and poet, Peter's debut novel SILLYBOY adds to his multi-talented career.
These authors and more will bring engaging literary events to Storyfort, offering a deep dive into their worlds and stories during the festival.
Artfort
ARTFORT offers a vibrant celebration of the visual arts with live performances, interactive experiences, and stunning installations throughout the festival. Free and open to the public (though some experiences may require a festival pass), Artfort allows attendees to immerse themselves in live dance performances, circus acts, and on-site live mural creations. While no wristband is required for most Artfort events, getting a 5-day pass is recommended for full access.
Featured artists and groups include:
BALLET22 (Oakland, CA): Breaking gender norms in ballet by showcasing men, trans, and non-binary artists “en pointe,” with a focus on LGBTQIA+ representation.
BOISE CIRCUS GUILD (Boise, ID): A non-profit supporting local circus arts, offering shows and educational support for artists.
SECTOR SEVENTEEN (Boise, ID): Aerosol artists ELMS and MAWK ONE, known for their murals blending graffiti, realism, and abstraction, will be creating a live mural at Julia Davis Park.
Additional performances will feature AF Dance, Gem State Ballet, Muff Jones, Off Center Dance, and more, with more artists to be announced.
Comedyfort
COMEDYFORT is bringing the laughs with a stellar lineup of stand-up comedians from across the country. From March 27-30, shows will take place at Mad Swede Brew Hall and Boise Contemporary Theater, both all-ages venues (though some content may be for mature audiences). Tickets are available through a 1-day or 5-day Festival Pass or individual show tickets, with more details released closer to the event.
Headliner: Rory Scovel (Los Angeles, CA)
Rory Scovel, known for his unique comedic style, will headline on Saturday, March 29th at The Egyptian Theatre (18+). His special Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex, and a Few Things In Between was named one of the year’s best comedy specials by Pitchfork.
Other Featured Comedians:
Dina Hashem (New York City, NY): Known for her dry humor and deadpan delivery, Dina’s debut special Dark Little Whispers is available on Amazon Prime.
Wally Baram (Los Angeles, CA): A Mexican-Syrian comedian with a unique perspective on adulthood, her credits include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Shrinking.
Sophie Hughes (Boise, ID): A Boise native and 2024 Comic of the Year, Sophie brings a mix of personal anecdotes and sharp punchlines to her performances.
Milan Patel (Los Angeles, CA): Known for his absurd act-outs and deadpan delivery, Milan has performed at the Netflix Is A Joke Comedy Festival and is featured in upcoming animated shows.
Catch all these hilarious performers and more during Comedyfort 2025 at Treefort!
Treefort Music Festival features a variety of unique "forts," including stages and hubs for music, film, food, comedy, kids, and more, offering something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Foodfort
FOODFORT is a culinary branch that brings together local, regional, and national chefs for a delightful experience filled with delicious meals, mini-plates, and insightful talks from culinary experts. Here's what to look forward to this year:
Key Events:
An Evening with Lee Anne Wong (Wed 3/26, 6-8pm at The Lively)
Join chef and restaurateur Lee Anne Wong for a multi-course dinner featuring her infamous dumplings. Enjoy perfect drink pairings while listening to Chef Wong share her culinary experiences. This intimate meal is a must-attend, so grab your tickets early as dinners sell out fast.Street Eats (Thu 3/27, 6-8pm at Zoo Boise)
Street Eats is back for its third year, featuring 14 local chefs who’ll prepare special small plates to sample. Your ticket includes zoo admission, and drinks will be available for purchase.
Additional Info:
Foodfort dinners are not included with Treefort wristbands, and additional tickets must be purchased.
Stay tuned for demos, talks, and more culinary experiences to be announced.
These unique dining experiences offer a chance to enjoy amazing food while learning from top chefs and industry professionals.
Make sure to get your tickets early to avoid missing out on these tasty events!
Filmfort
FILMFORTbrings the best in contemporary independent cinema to Boise, offering three days of diverse, boundary-pushing films. Whether you're a film lover or need a break from the music, Filmfort has something for everyone. Here’s what to look forward to:
Event Details:
Dates: Thursday, March 27 through Saturday, March 29, 2025
Locations: The Flicks, Idaho Film Society, and Boise Centre
Admission: Films are included with a 1-day or 5-day Festival Pass or a Filmfort Badge ($39.99), available for purchase now. Some content may not be suitable for younger audiences (18+ recommended).
Featured Shorts:
The Girlies (9 mins)
Directed by Natalie Couture. A chaotic and hilarious tale of unexpected challenges faced by a group of friends.Cabaret Spectacular (12 mins)
Directed by Thomas Meyer. A fussy bachelor seeks love in the midst of eccentric tropical nights and poker tournaments at a vibrant resort.Room Tone (10 mins)
Directed by Michael Gabriele. A sound technician goes to extreme lengths to capture silence while his coworkers' antics sabotage his efforts.Zero at the Bone (20 mins)
Directed by Erin Grant. Two sanitation workers, after witnessing a robbery, are drawn into a strange journey with an enigmatic drifter in a post-apocalyptic world.
Filmfort Badge is available now for just $39.99! Stay tuned for more feature films and special events to be announced.
Kidfort
KIDFORT offers a range of fun activities for kids of all ages, from live performances to workshops and hands-on creative experiences. This year, Kidfort is full of exciting events that will keep both children and adults entertained. The best part? Every Kidfort event is FREE and open to the public!
Event Details:
Location: The Nest Stage, Julia Davis Park
Dates: Throughout Treefort Music Fest (March 27–March 30, 2025)
Admission: FREE for all!
Kidfort Activities:
Campfire Music Collective
Enjoy live music and learn from Campfire Music Collective, a Boise-based group teaching families to connect with music through their "Song Cycle Method."
Cory Strop & The Tater Tot Tycoons
Enjoy songs for kids and families, crafted by Cory Strop, a Boise singer-songwriter. Fun tracks include “Evil Bananas” and “Baby Skunk (Sprayed My Weiner Dog).”
Fluff Hardware Crafting Session
Get creative with Fluff Hardware’s bead craft station! Kids can make keychains, necklaces, bracelets, or zipper pulls with Treefort-themed charms.
Mini Mural with Emme Nye
Join visual artist Emme Nye in creating an interactive, reusable mural! This favorite Kidfort activity encourages young imaginations with sustainability and bright colors.
Dance Party at TRICA
Let the kids dance the day away at TRICA’s Kidfort Dance Party!
More performances and activities will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
Kidfort Special Programs:
Treefort Cadets (Ages 12–15)
Youth interested in the music industry can join Treefort Cadets, a program that lets teens get hands-on with Treefort’s behind-the-scenes action. Spots are limited and $65 each, which includes a 5-Day Treefort wristband.
Youth Variety Showcase
Kids and teens in grades 1-12 can apply to perform at the Youth Variety Showcase during Treefort! The showcase is a chance to display talents like dancing, singing, comedy, and more. All performers get a free 5-Day GA wristband.
Important Notes:
Treefort Music Fest allows kids under 12 to attend for free when accompanied by an adult.
Kidfort is a guaranteed blast for kids and parents alike, with activities throughout the festival that everyone can enjoy!
For full details on all the forts at Treefort, visit their website here.
Be Part of the Action
Want to be a part of the Festival action?! There are plenty of ways to get involved! Whether you want to volunteer, perform, or help run the event, you can find an opportunity that suits your interests. From supporting the festival as a sponsor to joining the social media or photo teams, there’s something for everyone. If you’re a young person, there are programs for ages 12-18, including the Treefort Cadets and Youth Engagement Program. Additionally, you can apply for the Window Walk or participate in Non-Profit Row. Whatever your role, Treefort welcomes your involvement!
Ways to Get Involved:
Volunteer
Submit to Perform
Sponsor
Venue Manager
Treefort for Good 501(c)(3)
Social Media Team
Select Photo Team
The Cadets (Ages 12-15)
Youth Engagement Program (Ages 15-18)
Window Walk Applications
Non-Profit Row
For more information on how to participate, visit Treefort Website here.
Download the Treefort Festival App
The official Treefort app lets you stay up-to-date with the latest news, get notifications, discover new artists, and easily favorite them as you explore. When available, you can even add them to your schedule and share them with friends. Plus, look forward to even more features coming soon!
❯ Build your personalized schedule
❯ Navigate your way around Treefort
❯ Get real-time venue info with the Treefort Lineometer™
❯ Heart all your favorite bands
Download the app here to start planning your Treefort adventure!