AGP Executive Report

Rock & Metal Touring: A fresh batch of 12 rock and metal tour announcements hit this week, including big-name runs and holiday-season festival teases—good news for Idaho fans planning fall and winter shows. Local Arts & Community Healing: The Glass family opened the Creative Grounds Arts Center in Colorado to honor their son Christian, turning a major settlement into a long-term youth arts hub. Film Spotlight: A new animated movie, “Forgotten Island,” is getting a push for its Filipino mythology-inspired story and standout animation, even as marketing may leave it underseen. Idaho Arts on the Ground: Rocket Neon in downtown Boise is back in business after a reopening, keeping Treasure Valley neon craft alive with a new owner and decades of experience. Music Video Premiere: Nü-metal band Sicksense released the “Seller’s Remorse” video ahead of an upcoming EP drop. Sports & Culture Crossovers: Boise State athletics got a behind-the-scenes spotlight on its gameday culture, while local high school sports coverage kept rolling—from volleyball thrillers to rivalry-week football previews. Idaho Events: The Latah County Fair wrapped up with quilts, youth exhibits, and live music bringing Moscow together. Entertainment Watch: “The Voice” brought Rigby’s Owen Uffens into the spotlight with a blind-audition win.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Picks: ISU Theatre: Idaho State University’s School of the Arts kicks off its 2026-27 season with “Peace, Love, and Cupcakes,” a new musical about belonging, friendship, and being yourself—performances run Sept. 25-26, Oct. 1-2, and Oct. 3 in the Black Box Theatre. Music Spotlight: Deady frontman Chyppe Crosby talks behind-the-scenes of the band’s first full-length album, “Hunka Junk,” and what makes their live shows so chaotic and fun. Local Festivals: Oktoberfest returns to East Idaho this Saturday, with events in Idaho Falls and Pocatello featuring German food, polka bands, and local breweries. Art Weekend: The 1000 Springs Festival of the Arts brings 100+ artists and 40+ musicians back to Ritter Island, plus hands-on family activities. Community Culture: Boise’s Zoo Boise shares an update on Jabari the giraffe after a full health exam, and the Eastern Idaho Riverhawks lacrosse club highlights how high school girls are finding community and confidence through the sport.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: DC Animation Buzz: Mason Thames confirmed as Dick Grayson/Robin in Warner Bros.’ animated “Dynamic Duo,” with Logan Kim as Jason Todd and a new release date set for Sept. 22, 2028. Local Culture & Community: Coeur Dance Arts in Post Falls gets a big screen moment—its dancers appear in “Take a Leap,” screening at the North Idaho Film Festival. Music & Nightlife: Suicide Silence drops “Make Your Exit,” the latest single from upcoming album “Graceless,” plus a November tour stop run. Sports as Entertainment: Crunch Fitness is coming to Coeur d’Alene, opening a new 24-hour gym facility with classes and wellness amenities. Magic Valley Arts & Small Business: Aroma Florals and Gifts opens in Jerome, leaning into bold “ramon buchónes” arrangements and delivery across the region. Idaho Public Life: New Saint Andrews College files suit against the City of Moscow over alleged religious discrimination tied to parking and zoning rules.

Local Arts & Entertainment: Idaho State University’s new School of the Arts launches its inaugural 2026-27 Featured Events Season, bundling theatre, music and visual arts into nine signature events. Music for a Cause: Award-winning pianist Jim-Isaac Chua headlines a Sept. 25 benefit at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater for Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity. Film & Pop Culture: Warner Bros shifts DC’s “Dynamic Duo” to Sept. 22, 2028, and moves the untitled Gremlins movie to Oct. 6, 2028. Community & Culture: Boise Pride returns with major headliners including Trixie Mattel and Chrissy Chlapecka, bringing queer performers and local icons to downtown Boise. Public Art: Hayden is installing “Come Together,” functional public seating made from upcycled wind turbine blades. Idaho Spotlight: The Spud Drive-In in Driggs plans a major rebuild, aiming to reopen the drive-in with a sturdier, windproof screen and new amenities. Arts + Idaho Life: A Boise Trolley Tours comedy night keeps the laughs rolling as local comics take the mic onboard. Sports on the Arts Wire: The Course in Spokane Valley lands a top-tier high school cross country meet, bringing regional racing and a big local economic boost.

Idaho Arts & Community Calendar: Boise’s Japan Day returns Sunday, Sept. 27 at Julia Davis Park with free performances, music, dancing, karate, food trucks and vendors. Weekend Picks: The Gem State Burlesque Festival hits the Egyptian Theatre Friday, Sept. 25; Boise Raks brings Starbelly Dancers to Open Streets Boise on Sunday, Sept. 27; and a Dahlia Show blooms in Boise Saturday, Sept. 26. Local Food & Culture: Flying M coffee shop in Boise spotlights cozy, colorful vibes and house-made pastries—plus a pumpkin spice chai that’s become a fall favorite. Idaho Inventor Spotlight: Ollyball creator Joe Burke is set to appear on Shark Tank, turning a “play ball indoors” parenting problem into a lightweight global hit. Idaho Pride: Boise Pride 2026, themed “Louder than Fear,” celebrates queer Idahoans with major performances and community energy. Arts Event: “PLACES, PLEASE! An Afternoon of Broadway Favorites” lands in Ashton Oct. 4 at Warm River Studio with pianist Allison Andersen and vocalists Sami Ryan and Devin Cameron. Sports-Adjacent Local Interest: Coeur d’Alene guard Brookeslee Colvin commits to Indiana women’s basketball. Idaho Mystery (Media): Idaho officials plan to reveal the identity of the “unknown wanderer” found dead in a Boise church in 1982, with a possible tie to Chicago’s Tylenol murders.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Picks: Broadway & Local Venues: The Morrison Center in Boise unveiled a $3.7 million bathroom upgrade, the biggest facility investment in 42 years, with new restrooms now open for patrons. Food & Community Events: Slice House by Tony Gemignani is set to open in Eagle on Sept. 26, with opening-day giveaways and a raffle for free pizza for a year. Fall Festivals: Oktoberfest returns to East Idaho this Saturday, with events in Idaho Falls and Pocatello featuring German food, polka music, and stein-friendly traditions. Family Outdoors: Fostering Family Adventures brings foster and kinship families to Harriman State Park on Sept. 26 for river, wildlife, fly-fishing, and Junior Ranger activities. Sports Culture: Boise State addressed rumors of gang targeting around campus parties, saying there’s no evidence of specific targeting while warning about “party takeovers” spreading via social media. Legal/Arts: Idaho Supreme Court upheld a $1.1 million defamation judgment tied to a drag performer case, keeping the jury’s award intact.

Idaho Community Calendar: Emmett’s 33rd Harvest Festival kicks off Friday and Saturday with about 70 downtown vendors, family activities, and a visit from Idaho’s restored Liberty Bell (expected Friday between 5 and 5:45 p.m.). Local Arts & Culture: The North Idaho Film Festival returns this week in Coeur d’Alene with 42 films at Riverstone Regal Cinema, including the documentary “Autumn Gold” on Friday night. Music + Giving: A benefit concert at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater features pianist Jim-Isaac Chua for Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity, with proceeds supporting local homebuilding and programs. Tech + Workforce: ABM opens a Boise Technical Training Center to expand semiconductor technician training, aiming to support about 500 participants annually. Boise Area Spotlight: Eagle Mayor Brad Pike highlights the Eagle Regional Athletic Park as a major long-term investment in his State of the City address. Health Costs Hit Home: A Boise family medicine practice owner says rising ACA premiums pushed them to go uninsured, underscoring how healthcare workers are feeling the pinch. Idaho Sports: CSI volleyball opens SWAC play at home Sept. 25-26, and local volleyball matchups and scores keep rolling in across the region.

High School Sports Under the Lights: Mead and Mt. Spokane are set to clash Tuesday at Spokane’s Union Stadium on a temporary court, with both teams treating the outdoor, night-game setup as a community event. Regional Arts Spotlight: Lewis-Clark State College’s Center for Arts & History opens “Rooted In The Palouse,” featuring eight regional artists and an Oct. 2 reception with live music and demonstrations. Music With a Personal Story: Idaho State University jazz director Jonathan Armstrong will release “Voluntary Breath” Oct. 2, inspired by his premature son’s NICU journey. Literary Arts in Lewiston: Kimi Eisele headlines the 45th Stegner Lecture Oct. 1 at the Lewiston City Library, blending grief, ecology, and performance. Community & Culture Calendar: Farm Fest returns to Coeur d’Alene this weekend with daytime farm activities and a Farm Fest Dinner and Dance featuring Tamarack Ridge Band. Idaho Arts History: Idaho Art Gallery is hosting a retrospective of Boise artist and former professor John Killmaster. Local Sports Recognition: Wyoming’s Rylee Heinz earns Mountain West freshman of the week after a strong showing at the Idaho State Orange & Black Classic.

Idaho Abortion Vote: Campaigns for Idaho’s Proposition 1 are shifting the debate toward doctors and access, as the state’s obstetrics workforce has shrunk sharply since the ban—raising waits and costs across many counties. Idaho Election Integrity: The DOJ announced charges against 16 people across multiple states for alleged illegal voting and voter registration, including cases tied to Idaho. Boise Arts & Community: The Desert Eagles RC Flying Club opened a new permanent flying field in Idaho Falls, inviting the public to see planes and skills at the grand opening. Idaho Sports (Tennis): Nela Jandova and Marina Markina won titles at Boise State’s Barb Chandler Classic, with Jandova taking singles group honors and the duo going undefeated in doubles. Film & Culture: John Wilson’s documentary-comedy “The History of Concrete” opened strongly at the IFC Center, with sold-out shows and record-breaking early grosses. Celebrity (Sun Valley): Emma Roberts said her Sun Valley wedding in Idaho was “one of the best nights” of her life, after she tried to avoid hype and drama.

Idaho Arts & Entertainment Wire Picks: Local RC Aviation: Idaho Falls’ Desert Eagles RC Flying Club opened its new permanent flying field at Noise Park, welcoming hundreds of community members to tour the site and fly alongside club pilots. Film & Culture: John Wilson’s documentary-comedy “History Of Concrete” hit a record-breaking IFC Center run, selling out nearly every ticket and expanding next week. Music Outdoors: Pianist Hunter Noack brought a 1912 Steinway to Griffith Park for sold-out outdoor classical concerts near the Hollywood Sign. Community Arts: Parkland College’s Donna Hyland Giertz Gallery announced its Annual Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, with free admission and a campus art legacy behind it. Sports Spotlight (Idaho ties): Boise State’s win over South Dakota drew plenty of buzz—plus lingering questions—while the week’s broader college football AP Top 25 reshuffled the national picture. Idaho News Note: Idaho Falls is also marking “Arts Day” with a community celebration.

Idaho Arts Spotlight: Parkland College’s Donna Hyland Giertz Gallery is hosting its Annual Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, featuring returning and new faculty artists across ceramics, jewelry, watercolor, painting, and photography/video—free admission, with the show wrapping Sept. 26. Boise Pride & Community: Boise Pride Festival returned for its 37th year at Ann Morrison Park, drawing LGBTQ+ Idahoans, allies, vendors, and entertainment and highlighting community connection. Local Arts + Environment: The Living Lake Project is bringing together artists from Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties for a 15-month fellowship to turn Coeur d’Alene Lake watershed research into public-facing art and action. Harvest Festival (Rupert): Rupert’s Harvest Festival came back downtown with family activities, pumpkin-themed fun, and live music from local vendors. Sports (Boise State): Boise State held off FCS South Dakota 38-24 at Albertsons Stadium, surviving late scares to protect its playoff hopes.

Boise State Sports Culture: Jacksons Food Stores is back for its fifth straight year selling Boise State football trading cards, a long-running partnership with ONIT Athletic that’s become a Bronco Nation tradition. Each pack includes 14 cards (10 base, 1 parallel, 3 inserts), with several players appearing across all five sets. Local Community Spotlight: Caldwell Police beat Caldwell Fire in a best-of-three tug-of-war, taking the title 2-0 and turning the event into a community get-together. Idaho Sports on the Field: Oregon routed Portland State 84-0, while Idaho prep football saw Priest River shut down Logos 26-7 with two interceptions and four turnovers. Idaho Public Safety: Ada County authorities report a Caldwell man arrested in a multi-agency effort on an alleged juvenile sexual assault case. Arts & Entertainment Calendar Note: Idaho Falls is set to proclaim Sept. 19 “Arts Day,” with festivities planned for the date.

Idaho Sports on TV: Week 3 college football coverage is packed, with major matchups like Ole Miss–Arkansas, Oregon–Portland State, and Boise State–South Dakota drawing national attention. Boise State Spotlight: South Dakota visits Albertsons Stadium Saturday night (CBS Sports Network), with Boise State heavily favored but the Coyotes coming in 3-0. Local Prep Football: Centennial snaps a long losing streak with a 28-27 win over Skyview, while Capital rallies past Meridian 41-35 behind Quincey Clay’s scramble-heavy scoring. Idaho Community & Arts: Idaho Falls marks Sept. 19 as “Arts Day,” and Walla Walla hosts Adam West Day with Batmobile fun, costume contests, and a museum exhibit tied to the 1966 Batman TV and movie anniversaries. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Taylor Tomlinson’s 2027 Fox Theatre Detroit date goes on sale, and Kelly Osbourne debuts a new dark, asymmetric bob during London Fashion Week. Crime Watch: The FBI says 35 more possible victims have come forward in the “fake 49ers” romance fraud case.

Idaho Falls Arts Day: Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw has proclaimed Sept. 19 “Arts Day,” with a free street party on A Street featuring concerts, jazz, museum activities, and hands-on art through the day. Eastern Idaho Storm Cleanup: A severe thunderstorm brought hail, heavy rain, and flooding across eastern Idaho, with flash-flood watches lingering into Friday night as residents assess damage. Snake River Quagga Mussels: The Idaho State Department of Agriculture says its 2026 Snake River quagga mussel treatment is complete, reporting a 77% reduction in detection near Twin Falls. Rigby Music Breakthrough: Rigby’s Owen Uffens earned a spot on NBC’s “The Voice,” bringing local attention to the BYU–Idaho student and his Idaho Falls-area music work. Fly Fishing Spotlight: Idaho Falls is hosting the 45th FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championship, drawing 140 anglers from 21 countries to Eastern Idaho waters. Local Sports & Rivalry Buzz: Coverage ramps up for the Boise State and Utah State/Utah matchups, plus more regional game previews and fan talk.

WNBA & Congress: The league is back after a three-week break, but lawmakers are pressing for answers on eligibility and safety in a Sept. 17 letter to commissioner Cathy Engelbert, reigniting the debate sparked by Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender participation. Idaho Sports & Community: Twin Falls Catholics are hosting a trap-shooting fundraiser Oct. 3 at the Twin Falls Gun Club to support seminarians, with Mass at St. Edward before the competition. Local Arts & Inclusion: Star’s Art by the River festival returns this weekend at Freedom Park and the Riverhouse, pairing Idaho-based artists with disabilities alongside Treasure Valley professionals to raise money for youth, seniors, and intellectual-disability programs. Idaho Baseball Farewell: Idaho Falls Chukars radio voice John Balginy is calling his final home game after 41 years in the booth. Media & Jobs: McClatchy is laying off about 30% of workers, including cuts tied to the Idaho Statesman, raising concerns about coverage gaps. Music: Kingdom Of Giants announced its new album “Usurper” (Nov. 13) and shared the “Reign” video.

Idaho Arts Day: Idaho Falls is marking Sept. 19 as “Arts Day” with a citywide lineup of free concerts, performances, exhibitions, workshops, and a night street party outside the Willard Arts Center, plus a sneak peek of the new season at the Historic Colonial Theater. Community Film: Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest is gearing up with a fundraising party Sept. 21 at Matchwood Brewing, featuring live music, a silent auction, raffles, and a screening of the short documentary “When Dishwashers Were Kings,” along with the festival poster reveal. Boise Music Spotlight: Marcus Eaton brings his tour and new album “What Is Real” to Treefort Music Hall on Sept. 30, with a live studio performance on Idaho Matters. Big Local Concert: Keanu Reeves’ band Dogstar is set for Boise at The Knitting Factory on Sept. 19, with doors at 7 p.m. and music starting at 8 p.m. Sports & Culture: AC Boise welcomed U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan to a home match, highlighting the club’s growing local support. Nampa Jobs: SEL (formerly known as Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) is relocating to Nampa, bringing about 200 tech jobs and wages around $26 an hour. Shelley Spud Day: Shelley’s Spud Day returns this weekend, celebrating 99 years with a street festival, parade, 5K, and pancake breakfast.