Old Idaho Penitentiary Events
Frightened Felons event
Photo Credit: Old Idaho Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary features several signature events throughout the year that appeal to a wide range of audiences. Events are engaging, fun, educational, and focus on a variety of topics.
Upcoming Events
Second Fridays- May 10, 2013
It’s Family Fun at the Old Idaho Penitentiary’s New Second Friday Series
Grab your prison stripes and cowboy hat for the first ever Second Friday event May 10th! The Wild West Field Day is the first in a summer series and will include potato sack races, a stick horse course, quick-draw squirt gun challenge, Outlaw toss, guided tours, and a scavenger hunt. Kids of all ages will receive prizes just for participating, with additional giveaways all evening long.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary will hold after-hour events on the “Second Friday” of each month all summer long. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with last admission at 9:00 p.m. Event admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids (12 and under); no other discounts apply. Guided tours will begin on the half-hour starting at 6:30, the last tour departs at 8:30. There is limited capacity for the guided tours, so arrive early and sign up!
The new series will run this May through September and each month will feature a different theme. May’s “Wild West Field Day” theme commemorates the August 19, 1972 inmate-led “Idaho State Penitentiary Field Meet & Barbeque.” That historic event included a rodeo, sky-diving demonstrations and even recording artist Frank Starr.
Annual Events
Singing in the Slammer Karaoke Night
June, 14, 2013. Come join us for a fun adult only evening of open mic karaoke night. There will also be a karaoke contest that evening with a cash prize. Stay tuned for more information.
Paranormal Investigation
June 28, 2013
Join the International Paranormal Reporting Group as they use their unique equipment and knowledge to attempt to connect with inmates and guards of the past. Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras. Space is limited. Tickets will go one sale one month in advance.
NOTE: Participants must be at least 15 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: June 28, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Where: Old Idaho Penitentiary, 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise, ID 83712
Cost: $25/person
Summer - Brown Bag Lecture Series
This series includes twelve lectures by celebrated experts on unique aspects of Idaho history, covering a wide range of topics of interest to a variety of age groups. The Brown Bag lectures take place the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1:00 p.m. From June through August they take place at the Old Idaho Penitentiary and September through May the lectures take place at the Idaho State Historical Museum.
The Brown Bag Lecture Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Historical Museum. Regular admission fees apply. Friends of the Museum and ISHS members are free.
Frightened Felons
TBA
The Old Idaho Penitentiary will once again open it's doors during the spookiest season! We are turning up the scares and making the prison come to life with activities and actors portraying inmates. You can walk through 140 years of history and, of course, hear about all the scary but TRUE things that happened in every hidden corner.
November - Friday Night Tours
November 1st, 8th & 15th – Night Tours
We will be open after hours from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (LAST ADMISSION: 9:00). There will be guided tours on the half hour starting at 6:30. Last tour leaves at 8:30 p.m. The tours will discuss the history of the Old Pen including escapes, executions, and infamous inmates. You are also welcome to do a self-guided tour and explore the Old Pen on your own! Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather! Cost is $10 (all ages but recommended for 10 and up).
For more information contact (208) 334-2844.
Make Hunger History - 1/2 off Admission
In January 2014, help lock up hunger and participate in our 3rd Annual Make Hunger History Food Drive! Bring 2 canned food or non-perishable food items and receive ½ off admission! All food items will be donated to the Idaho Foodbank.
Escaping Hunger Celebrity Event
To be announced. The third annual “Escaping Hunger, Fueling Field Trips” will be presented by the Friends of the Historical Museum. Stay tuned for more information.
Romancing the Pen
To be announced.
5th Annual "Caged Inspiration" Poetry Contest- April 2013(Month-long)
April is National Poetry Month and in celebration the Old Idaho Penitentiary is sponsoring the 5th Annual "Caged Inspiration" Poetry Contest. We are calling for participants to write poems of 150 words or less, drawing inspiration from the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary. Your poetry can be about anything directly related to the history of the Old Penitentiary: Inmates, Guards, Prison Cells, Buildings, etc.
Limit 2 entries per person
