The Meat & Tater BBQ Fest takes place in Meridian, Idaho. A suburb of Boise, Meridian is a quick 15-minute drive from Boise International Airport. These two cites have long been known to locals as the Treasure Valley. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Meat & Tater BBQ Fest by exploring all that Meridian and the Treasure Valley have to offer! Whether you’re bringing the whole family or traveling solo, you’ll find plenty of entertainment, outdoor adventures, and great food nearby.

Event Location: Kleiner Park

The Meat & Tater BBQ Fest takes place at the beautiful Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, located at 1900 N. Records Avenue, Meridian, ID 83646. This expansive community park features wide open spaces, paved walking paths, an amphitheater, water features, shaded pavilions, and modern restrooms. BBQ competitor teams are welcome to camp on-site in their self-contained RVs, camper vans, or motorhomes. Please note: tent camping is not permitted. The park is centrally located, making it easy to access nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

treasure valley weather

Weather Tip: During the festival dates, the Treasure Valley typically enjoys warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. Average highs range from the mid-80s to low 90s°F (29–34°C), with low humidity. We advise you to check the weather forecast before traveling to ensure you’re prepared for the latest conditions. It’s best to be prepared and make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for the evenings.

Where to Stay – Hotels

Meridian offers convenient access to I-84, the Boise Airport, and all the attractions in the Treasure Valley. The Boise Airport (BOI) is just 15 minutes from Meridian and offers nonstop service to major cities throughout the West, making travel easy for out-of-town guests attending the festival.

Other Nearby Hotel Options

• Marriott in Meridian
• Holiday Inn Meridian
• WoodSpring Suites 
• Hyatt Place Meridian 

Local Attractions

Meridian is home to some of the region’s most popular attractions:

• Kleiner Park – The official site of the Meat & Tater Fest! Located at 1900 N. Records Avenue, Meridian, ID 83646, Kleiner Park offers expansive green space, walking paths, a large amphitheater, playgrounds, and water features—making it the perfect setting for family fun and festival activities.
• Roaring Springs Water Park – One of the largest water parks in the country, perfect for slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
• Wahooz Family Fun Zone – Next door to Roaring Springs, Wahooz features go-karts, bowling, arcade games, and mini golf.
• Topgolf Meridian – A high-tech golf and entertainment venue offering climate-controlled hitting bays and full-service food and drink.
• Meridian Speedway – Catch fast-paced NASCAR-style motorsports just minutes from downtown.
• Children’s Museum of Idaho – Hands-on learning fun for young children and families.
• Initial Point Gallery – A free public art gallery located in Meridian City Hall, showcasing rotating local artists.
• Boise Hawks Baseball – Enjoy affordable, family-friendly fun with Boise’s minor league baseball team at Memorial Stadium. Great for evening entertainment and summertime atmosphere just a short drive from Meridian.

Shopping & Dining

• The Village at Meridian – “The Village” is located just across the street from Kleiner Park. A beautifully designed outdoor lifestyle center with over 80 retailers, a luxury movie theater, 30+ restaurants, and a stunning fountain plaza. Don’t miss it!
• Epi’s Basque Restaurant – Meridian’s highest-rated restaurant, serving traditional Basque cuisine rooted in Idaho’s vibrant Basque heritage.
• Basque Block in Downtown Boise – Just 12 miles away, this cultural district features markets, restaurants, museums, and events celebrating Basque culture.

Outdoor Recreation

Idaho is known for its expansive and impressive outdoor recreation options. Meridian’s central location makes it a perfect basecamp for exploring the Treasure Valley:

• Boise River Greenbelt – Enjoy biking, walking, or jogging along this scenic 25-mile trail. You can also explore the Ribbon of Jewels, a series of connected riverside parks named in honor of prominent Boise women.
• Eagle Island State Park – A great spot for swimming, disc golf, and hiking just minutes from town.
• Bogus Basin – This mountain recreation area offers summer lift rides, mountain biking, scenic views, and alpine coasters.
• World Center for Birds of Prey – Explore the conservation center and see rare raptors up close.
• Lucky Peak State Park and Lake Lowell – Popular local spots for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
• Boise Whitewater Park – Great for kayaking, paddle boarding, or watching wave riders in action.
• Ada/Eagle Bike Park – A favorite for mountain bikers and outdoor adventurers.

Summer Events Around Town

If you’re planning to attend the Meat & Tater Fest, you may also want to check out these exciting regional events happening throughout the summer: Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic – August 27–31
A beloved tradition hosted at Ann Morrison Park in downtown Boise. Enjoy five days of colorful hot air balloon launches, free tethered rides for kids on CapEd Kid’s Day (Wednesday, August 28), and the unforgettable Nite Glow event.
Note: No public balloon rides are available—only tethered rides for children, first come, first served.

The Highway 55 Adventure: From Deserts to Mountains

Idaho’s Highway 55 is the ultimate scenic road trip connecting the Treasure Valley to the mountains of Central Idaho. This route offers stunning views, charming small towns, and outdoor adventure around every turn. From sandy desert landscapes to rugged pine-covered peaks, you’ll experience Idaho’s natural diversity all in one drive.

• Stop in Banks, ID to raft the Payette River
• Grab lunch in Horseshoe Bend or Cascade
• Venture off the beaten path to explore trails, hot springs, or hidden viewpoints

Idaho Wine Country: Snake River Valley AVA

Wine lovers, don’t miss a trip to Idaho’s Snake River Valley Wine Region, just a short drive from Meridian. With award-winning wines and scenic vineyard views, this emerging destination is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Some local favorites include:

• Huston Vineyards
• Indian Creek Winery
• Hat Ranch Winery
• Ste. Chapelle Winery
• Koenig Vineyards

Enjoy a glass (or a bottle) with beautiful views and unpretentious charm — many of these wineries also host food trucks and live music in the summer!

Day Trips from Meridian

Eagle, Idaho

Just a short 10 minute drive from Meridian, Eagle offers boutique shopping, riverfront dining, and scenic walking trails along the Boise River. This charming town is a favorite for its relaxed atmosphere, local farmers market, and inviting downtown.

Boise Metro Area

Just 10–15 minutes from Meridian, Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, offering culture, cuisine, and outdoor access all in one place. Don’t miss:

• Boise River Greenbelt
• Basque Block
• 8th Street Dining District
• Downtown Boise
• Zoo Boise
• Old Idaho Penitentiary
• Boise Art Museum
• Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
• Idaho Botanical Gardens
• Local Breweries

McCall & Cascade

Head north on Hwy 55 for an unforgettable mountain escape.

• McCall – A four-season town with a beautiful lake, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
• Cascade – A quiet mountain town known for fishing, boating, and the scenic Cascade Lake.

Payette River & Lake Adventures

Highway 55 follows the Payette River for over 35 miles — a whitewater playground known for Class III and IV rapids.

Top ways to enjoy the river:

• Book a guided trip with Cascade Raft and Kayak
• Launch your own raft or kayak from Banks, Idaho
• Stop at the lodge in Smith’s Ferry for food and views

Just beyond lies Payette Lake, one of Idaho’s most beautiful alpine lakes:

• Boating and jet skiing
• Paddle boarding and kayaking
• Fishing or just relaxing along the shore

Sun Valley & Stanley

For those craving jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and fresh air, make time for a road trip to two of Idaho’s most iconic destinations:

• Sun Valley – Famous for its world-class ski slopes, hiking trails, arts scene, and celebrity history. It’s also beautiful in the summer with music festivals, golf, and scenic gondola rides.
• Stanley & the Sawtooth Mountains – A true wilderness escape. Surrounded by jagged peaks, rivers, and crystal-clear alpine lakes, Stanley is the gateway to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Go hiking, soak in natural hot springs, or enjoy the stars in one of the darkest night skies in the U.S.

For more travel ideas and inspiration, visit Visit Idaho or Visit Southwest Idaho – Meridian.