Treefort music festival
Every year, Treefort Music Festival takes over downtown Boise—five days of live music, packed bars, Carhartt pants, and the kind of spontaneous magic you only get when the whole city decides to show up and say yes to the noise.
This year was no different—and somehow even better. I had the chance to shoot (shoutout to Emma), dance, cry, and bike my way through the chaos, camera in hand. Boise’s own Coachella, but with better beer and more heart.
While the big names brought the draw (Shoutout to Amyl and the Sniffers and Sofi Tukker), it was the local acts that made me pause mid-sprint between venues and stay. RUDY’s set at The Basque Center was electric—equal parts rock 'n' roll and aquatic… life…? (Just trust me and go see them live.) Moon Owl’s Mages delivered not one, but two spellbinding shows—and let it be known, I was the first crowd surfer of TMF during their Wednesday night set. And Aka Belle? Enchanting, inspiring, and still one of the best live bands in Boise. Full stop.
The beauty of Treefort is you never really know who—or where—you’re walking into. One minute you’re shivering outside Neurolux, the next you’re dancing in bubbles with Gelli Haha inside some dreamlike venue haze.
As a concert photographer, Treefort is the equivalent of speed dating. You’re bouncing from basement shows to rooftop gigs, chasing light and emotion in equal measure. I got everything from low-lit emotional portraits to full-on, mid-air crowd surfing chaos. It rocked.
The vibe across venues felt raw and unfiltered—like no one was trying too hard, but everyone was giving everything. Those are the kinds of moments I live to capture.
But Treefort is more than just music. It’s Filmfort, Storyfort, Kidfort—every niche you didn’t know you loved until you accidentally opened the door to Treefort Music Hall and a hundred people were silently meditating on yoga mats. (Yes, I walked into Yogafort by mistake, and yes, I’m very sorry if I disturbed your peace.)
One minute you're in line for noodles, the next you’re on the bus listening to a soul-punching acoustic set from your favorite band. I even saw someone’s van parked downtown with “Napfort” scrawled across the side.
Boise, you weird and wonderful little gem—never change.
See you next year, Treefort Music Festival!!!! I love you!!!!
