Meridian, ID: Find Fun Around Every Turn
From tracks and dog parks to indoor climbing facilities and breweries, there's never a dull moment in this Idaho city.
Are you vacationing in Meridian, ID and looking to pack a weekend with adventures? Or maybe you’re thinking about moving to Meridian and scouting the region’s fun activities. The good news: There’s plenty to do! Here’s a sampling of the fun to be had:
In This Article
Race on Over to the Track
Opened in 1951, Meridian Speedway is a quarter-mile paved asphalt racetrack sanctioned by NASCAR. The track hosts Saturday night stock car events from May through October. The track also features occasional Friday night and Sunday racing. Divisions that compete at Meridian include late models, modifieds, sprint cars, legends, street stocks, mini stocks and trucks. Admission prices range from $7-$13. The track is known for hosting only the second female ever to win a NASCAR race, when Hailie Deegan won a 2018 NASCAR West Series event.
Spend Saturday Mornings at the Marketplace
Fresh air and locally grown food are in abundance at Meridian Main Street Market. The popular marketplace, a longtime fixture at Meridian City Hall Plaza on East Broadway Avenue, provides a venue for area farmers, craftspeople, artisans and youth to sell their products. The market convenes every Saturday from mid-April through mid-October. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is often live music along with fun activities for children. Also in Meridian is Market @ Linder Farms, which has attractions like a pumpkin patch and corn maze when it opens from mid-September to the end of October.
Enjoy the Astounding Sounds of the Symphony
It started as a small group in 1990, but, today, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra has grown to a 70-member ensemble that performs four major concerts a year. The symphony is an all-volunteer orchestra whose musicians stage concerts purely out of their love for music. Many of their performances take place at Centennial High School Performing Arts Center. Under the leadership of James Ogle, who serves as artistic director and conductor, the musicians practice once a week for two hours. The orchestra also backs youth initiatives, such as a yearly spring concert featuring winners from an annual Young Artists Competition.
Sample Your Way Through the Region’s Breweries
More than 40 craft breweries operate in the region, including a couple of popular places in Meridian. The Growler Guys offers 54 individual varieties, such as Ridgetop Red Ale and Johnny Utah Pale Ale. Loose Screw Beer Co., which recently opened a Meridian location, carries favorites such as Mashed Maniac Pale Ale and After Tarty Sour. And if wine is your thing, Boise-based Sunshine Wine Tours takes patrons to various vineyards throughout the Treasure Valley.
Head to the City Hall for Amazing Art
Open for free to the public on the third floor of Meridian City Hall is Initial Point Gallery, a beautiful art display space directly across from the mayor’s office reception area. The carpeted gallery is managed by the Meridian Arts Commission and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. On exhibit are two-dimensional and three-dimensional works from local and regional artists, and the commission often schedules shows by national and international artists. In addition, the commission conducts several competitions for aspiring artists to show their works.
Climb Your Way to the Top
Walls as high as 65 feet and 240 different climbs make up Vertical View, an indoor rock-climbing gym and fitness center. The locally owned facility offers an average of 100 boulder problems, and the staff changes the climbing routes every four weeks. Instructors are available to assist climbers at all levels of experience. A highlight of Vertical View is a 15-meter Olympic speed wall. Plus, folks can also take part in yoga classes.
