Homecoming Weekend Near Greenleaf: October 2-4, 2026

The first full weekend of October is the biggest of the month near Greenleaf. College of Idaho homecoming, Boise State homecoming football, Hay Day at Indian Creek Plaza, the Meridian Oktoberfest, and the Idaho Cider Fest all land October 2-4, most of them within 20 minutes of 20602 Academy Rd. Here is how to fit the best of it in.

College of Idaho Homecoming and Family Weekend: October 2-4

The College of Idaho in Caldwell celebrates its homecoming and family weekend October 2-4, and it is the nearest big campus celebration to Greenleaf. The weekend opens Friday with a bonfire in the Quad and pop-up Yotechella music stages, then Saturday features a noon football kickoff against Simpson at Simplot Stadium, surrounded by alumni gatherings and family activities. It is a classic small-college October weekend, about 10 minutes from home.

Boise State Homecoming: Broncos vs Utah State, Saturday October 3

Boise State hosts its 2026 homecoming game Saturday, October 3 at 5:30 PM against Utah State at Albertsons Stadium, part of homecoming and parent and family weekend running September 28 through October 4. The homecoming parade steps off Friday, October 2 at 6:00 PM on Friendship Lane, and the Bronco Bash tailgate gathers across from the stadium on game day. It is about 40 minutes from Greenleaf via I-84 east, an easy game-day drive.

Hay Day at Indian Creek Plaza: Saturday, October 3

Caldwell's signature fall festival, Hay Day, returns to Indian Creek Plaza at 120 S Kimball Ave on Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. The free celebration honors autumn and Caldwell's western heritage and agriculture with a grape harvest, hops, pumpkins, antique tractors, local vendors, hands-on activities, live music, and country dancing. Just 11 minutes from 20602 Academy Rd, it is the easiest way to start the season downtown.

Meridian Oktoberfest and the Idaho Cider Fest

If the Saturday crowd is calling, two bigger festivals round out the weekend. The Meridian Oktoberfest turns downtown Meridian into a free German street party from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM with around 70 vendors, a kids' craft area, stein-holding and brat-eating contests, and live music, about 25 minutes from Greenleaf. The Idaho Cider Fest celebrates the Treasure Valley's growing craft cider scene the same day in downtown Boise with tastings from regional producers and live music.

Canyon County Fall Home Show: October 2-4

For homeowners, the Canyon County Fall Home Show fills the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa October 2-4 with remodeling and decorating ideas, local contractors, and fall project inspiration. It is a practical stop about 20 minutes from Greenleaf, and a good reminder that the west side of the Treasure Valley keeps gaining new home services and businesses.

A Weekend Built for Small-Town Living

Weekends like this one show why Greenleaf works so well as a home base. You can watch the Yotes at noon in Caldwell, pick between Hay Day and the Oktoberfest street party in the afternoon, and still be home in time to catch the Broncos at 5:30 from the couch or the fire pit. All of it sits within a short drive of 20602 Academy Rd, and the quiet rural road is waiting when the festival lights go down.

Contact me to schedule a tour of 20602 Academy Rd, or to talk about what makes Greenleaf one of the best-connected small towns in the Treasure Valley.