The Treefort Music Festival starts this Wednesday and This Is Boise has the complete guide to what’s new and what to look out for this weekend!

Get ready for a five-day celebration of music, art, and community. The Treefort Music Fest 2024 features an incredible lineup of 500+ artists performing across multiple stages, including local favorites and international headliners.

Treefort Music Fest, an annual event held in Boise, Idaho, has established itself as a prominent cultural and music festival since its inception in 2012. This year’s festival place from Wednesday, March 20, through Sunday, March 24, 2024, Treefort Music Fest spans five days and encompasses a wide range of activities and performances.

The festival was initially conceived to showcase emerging and regional music talent, but it has since expanded to include a variety of “forts” — areas dedicated to different cultural and artistic expressions such as Artfort, Hackfort, Foodfort, Filmfort, and Yogafort.

Treefort Music Fest operates on a pass-based system, providing several options for attendees based on their preferences and availability. 5-day passes, single day passes, and under 21 passes are available. You can also purchase a main stage pass, specific venue tickets (limited availability), and entrance to some forts. Visit the Treefort Music Fest website for more details on passes and availability.

For Treefort Music Fest 2024, the Cyclops Stage has been relocated to the Grove Plaza in downtown Boise, putting the free, public access stage in the heart of downtown. This move enhances the stage’s accessibility and visibility. It’s an ideal setting for the publicly open stage.

No pass? No Problem. There are plenty of free things to do that are open to the public.

Here’s a quick guide to the free things you can dive into, enriching your festival experience without thinning your wallet.

Attending Treefort Music Fest is an adventure that requires some planning and preparation to make the most of the experience. Here are essential things you need to know and bring to ensure a comfortable, enjoyable, and hassle-free festival experience:

Dates and Times: Treefort Music Fest runs from Wednesday, March 20, through Sunday, March 24, 2024. Note the start and end times of performances each day to plan your schedule accordingly.

Venue Locations: Familiarize yourself with the layout of downtown Boise and the locations of various stages and venues. Some venues might require more travel time between them, so plan your movement to catch your must-see acts.

Weather: Boise in March can be unpredictable, with the potential for chilly evenings. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changes.

Accessibility: If you or someone you’re festival-ing with has accessibility needs, check out which venues are accessible and plan accordingly.

Transportation and Parking: Downtown parking can be challenging during Treefort. Consider alternative transportation options like biking, public transport, or ride-sharing. The Treeline Bus offers a free shuttle service, making it easier to move between venues.

Treefort Pass or Tickets: Have your pass or tickets ready, whether it’s a digital copy on your phone or a physical ticket.

Your legal ID, cash, or Debit/Credit Card: Many venues will check ID, especially for age-restricted events. Having cash on hand or a card is essential for vendors that might not accept digital payments.

Portable Phone Charger: With long days and reliance on your phone for schedules and communication, a charger is a must to keep your device powered up.

Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the festival. Most venues will have water refill stations.

Earplugs: Protect your hearing – Treefort can get pretty loud.

Comfortable Appropriate Footwear: Treefort = steps! Expect a lot of walking between venues, so wear shoes that will keep you comfortable.

Reusable Metal Cup: If you’re planning to enjoy a cocktail or beer/cider at Alefort, you should bring a reusable metal cup if you have one. There will be cups available for purchase, but they can get spendy pretty quickly.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather and dress accordingly! Layers are suggested to adjust easily to changing temperatures. Prepare for potential rain as well.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Even in March, sunny days can be intense, especially for outdoor stages and activities.

Backpack or Fanny Pack: A small bag is useful for carrying essentials like snacks, water, sunscreen, and everything in this list.

Bike Lock (if biking): If you’re traveling by bicycle, be sure to secure your bike with a sturdy lock.

Download the Treefort App (link here): The official app is a lifesaver for not missing anything you want to see or do. It includes a full guide to Treefort schedules, maps, and festival updates, helping you stay organized and informed.

Explore Freely: While having a plan is great, be open to being spontaneous and stumbling upon something you didn’t know about. Treefort is known for its vibrant array of performances and installations, so allow yourself the flexibility to explore new music and experiences.

Keep your energy up: Keep snacks on hand and take time to eat full meals. Foodfort and various local vendors/food trucks offer a range of options to keep you going.

Stay Safe and Respectful: While Treefort is usually a happy occasion, expect crowds and potentially some grumpy folks. Stay hydrated, and respect personal space to ensure everyone has a positive experience.