Starch Madness, Dinosaurs and Downtown Events Fill Boise’s March Calendar
Boise, ID – March 9, 2026 – Big Sky basketball, a new dinosaur exhibit and packed weekend events keep downtown Boise buzzing.
Boise is stepping into the second week of March with packed arenas, family-friendly exhibits and a steady stream of downtown events.
Starch Madness Returns to Downtown
The 2026 Big Sky Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships tipped off March 7 at Idaho Central Arena and continue through March 11. The tournament brings 20 teams to Boise for five days of postseason play, with automatic NCAA bids on the line.
Session games are underway today, March 9, drawing fans into the downtown core and giving restaurants and hotels a midweek boost. The event has become a March staple for the city, reinforcing Boise’s reputation as a reliable host for major conference championships.
Dinosaurs Roar at the Discovery Center
Families looking for something different this week can check out the Discovery Center of Idaho’s new Dinosaurs on the Move exhibit, which opened over the weekend. The immersive experience features life-size animatronic dinosaurs and hands-on learning about fossils, evolution and prehistoric life.
The exhibit is expected to run for several weeks, giving schools and spring break visitors plenty of chances to step back into the Mesozoic era without leaving downtown.
Busy Weekend for Arts and Community Events
Boise also saw a full slate of community gatherings from March 6–8. The ICCKC Stand-Alone Rally and Obedience Trials brought dog competitors to the area, while Treefort Music Hall and the Knitting Factory hosted touring acts Saturday night.
With basketball crowds in town and a steady calendar of performances and special events, March is shaping up to be one of the livelier stretches of the season in the Treasure Valley.
Sources
https://bigskyconf.com/news/2025/8/19/mens-basketball-starch-madness-staying-in-boise-through-2031.aspx
https://www.ticketsmarter.com/e/big-sky-mens-basketball-tournament-session-3-tickets-boise-3-9-2026-idaho-central-arena/3323580
https://liteonline.com/boise-events-march-6-8-2026/
https://www.mikebrowngroup.com/local-events/2026-03-07/