Food does more than feed us—it gathers us. It brings family around the table, neighbors into conversation, and strangers into friendship. It tells stories that we didn’t know we were hungry for and creates space for traditions to live and evolve.
No event in Boise captures this spirit more deliciously than the Boise Soul Food Festival. More than just a food event, it’s a cultural cornerstone—a living expression of heritage, history, and community resilience.
This year, the festival returns to Julia Davis Park on Saturday, August 9, bringing with it the flavors, rhythms, and connections that have made it a beloved tradition for Boise’s Black community.
Rooted in Love and Legacy
The story begins in the early 1990s, when founder Shari Baber moved to Boise and found herself searching for connection.
“I came here in 1992 and found it very difficult to connect to the community of color,” she recalled. “One of the beautiful things I loved about Boise was that it didn’t have a Black part of town—but in that, it felt super isolating.”
That changed when she attended the original Boise Soul Food Extravaganza. It gave her a sense of belonging—and a place where her children could see themselves reflected in celebration. Baber’s salon, Cut-N-Up and Company, organized hair and fashion shows at the event for 15 years, becoming the centerpiece of its entertainment.
“It proved to me that we did live in a community where solidarity was possible,” she said. “My children looked forward to it every year. It was the one place where they could invite their friends to experience their culture.”
When the event stopped in the early 2010s, Baber considered letting it go—until her daughter told her, “Mom, it was the only thing I had.” That moment reignited the vision. When the festival returned in 2018, over 2,000 people showed up—far more than the 300 she expected.
A Tradition Passed Down
Now part of the festival’s leadership, Baber’s daughter, Ashika Olson, serves as the retail vendor coordinator and carries the tradition forward.
“I can’t really remember how old I was when it started,” Olson said. “But every summer, it was what we looked forward to. It was a time to just be around more Black families. That meant everything.”
Though the original organizers have moved on, Olson said that the spirit remains. “It’s a newer, younger community—new faces, new businesses—but still the same love. This festival means community and tradition. I got to grow up with it. And now my kids will too.”
She’s especially excited about this year’s expansion—including a second stage, new vendors, and fuller use of the park. “There’s good food and entertainment, but also a chance to support Black-owned businesses and be part of the community’s growth,” Olson said.
A Festival for All Generations
This year’s event features a diverse line-up of vendors, two performance stages with local talent, and a dynamic mix of flavorful cuisine, entertainment, and artistry. Workshops, storytelling, family wellness offerings, and booths highlighting local Black-owned businesses round out the day.
While there’s something for everyone, the festival is built with families in mind—especially the kids. KC Crockett, who leads the Wakanda Land kids’ village, has been volunteering for six years. He sees the space as one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
“Things change as the festival grows,” Crockett said. “But we always find ways to adapt and make sure the kids have that space to play and feel joy.”
The village offers games, crafts, storytelling, and face painting—all designed to engage and inspire young minds, provide fun education, and foster connection. “Some people come for the food. Some come for the culture,” he said. “But for me, it’s the experience of a lifetime. If you don’t go for the food, go for the feeling. It’s a powerful unity.”
From grandparents telling stories in the shade, to toddlers dancing barefoot in the sun, the Boise Soul Food Festival is a full circle moment for many Idaho families.
The Soul of the City
What started as a small celebration has grown into a signature cultural event for Boise. Last year, the festival drew an estimated 20,000 visitors—a number expected to rise again in 2025.
“It’s exciting to know that the community sees validity in celebrating African American culture and heritage,” Baber said.
While the food draws the crowd—fried catfish, jerk chicken, bbq plates—it’s the feeling of belonging that brings people back: the hugs from old friends and the smiles from new ones. It’s multigenerational joy, loud and unfiltered.
Whether you’re dancing in front of the stage or making the rounds for a second helping, the sense of connection is unmistakable. Baber hopes that every visitor leaves feeling like part of something bigger.
“This festival is more than a food event—it truly is a cultural experience,” she said. “It serves the purpose of building bridges. We’re not just surviving—we’re thriving. And we want everyone to thrive with us.”
You’re Invited
The Boise Soul Food Festival is more than a day in the park—it’s a homecoming. Bring your kids, your cousins, and your coworkers for a day of food, music, joy, and connection.
This isn’t just a festival. This is family.
Visit www.boisesoulfood.org for more information.
