Madison Long
Life Editor
For those who hail from Texas, California, or even Boise, Pocatello might come off as a “podunk college town,” leaving you bored and moping in your room.
However, Pocatello, or “Poky,” is a thriving community with potato festivals and an up-close view of the Portneuf mountain range. The historic downtown, commonly referred to as “Old Town,” is a hideaway for vintage shops, art galleries, homey restaurants, and quaint bookstores. Whether you’re a theatre devotee, art fanatic, rodeo enthusiast, or music aficionado, Poky has it all and some over the first two months of school.
Every Saturday, you can swing by Station Square for the Crafter’s Market. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., shop for handmade items that can’t be found anywhere else. Over its six-year run time, the Crafter’s Market has brought together local artists, vendors, bakers, and crafty college students.
“Every event has its own energy, and it’s inspiring to watch people fall in love with something handmade and special,” says Rhonda Pinkerton, the event coordinator. “Unlike larger craft fairs, the Crafter’s Market offers an intimate, community-focused shopping experience where you can actually meet the person who made your item.”
For the first Fridays of September and October, head down to the Lookout Point in Old Town for the Metaphysical Market. Do some soul-searching through psychic readings, crystals, healers, and crafters from 5-8 p.m. As their motto says, “Come curious. Leave inspired.”
If you’re looking for an event closer to campus, head over to the ICCU Dome to join in their 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. With first-responders and other community members, climb 110 flights of stairs in the Dome holding a memorial card representing a fallen hero. For those who don’t want to join the climb, still come cheer on the climbers. There is no cost and no sign-up required.
For some Halloween lovers, the holiday can’t come soon enough. Switch up the fall outings for the September 13 DarknessCon at the Mountainview Event Center.
“From horror and cosplay to anime and oddities, the event will feature engaging panels, hands-on make & take sections, live demonstrations, and lively discussion covering everything from the haunted to the humorous,” reads the DarknessCon website.
Starting at 8 a.m. with ticket purchase both online and on-site, build a Frankenstuffies, take Corpsing 101, and enjoy the main stage film festival. Then, after a full day, dress in your best gothic glamour for the Vampire Ball from 9 p.m. to midnight. A standard ticket is $30 with access to the ball and every main stage event – some classes may require a secondary pass.
If you haven’t met your Halloween intake, drive over to Deleta Skating and Family Fun Center on September 12 and September 26 for the Wednesday Addams and Harry Potter theme nights. For four hours of skating from 7-11 p.m., and around $12 and $13, you can enjoy spooky snacks, music, and games.
Dress like Wednesday Addams to win the costume contest on the 12th and then turn up again for the Harry Potter costume contest, team trivia, and horcrux hunt.
“We all decide on a theme for the month, and then our workers volunteer to sign up for a specific category in playlist, snack-bar, decoration, or games,” says Elan’i Gorostiza, a staff member at the rollerskating rink. “What makes Deleta special is the amount of effort that the workers put into making it a good business for families.”
To finish out the shift into spooky season, get your tickets for the “Little Shop of Horrors the Musical.” At 7 p.m. at 158 E Chubbuck Road, the Palace Theatre is putting on a “sci-fi smash about a man-eating plant.”
The musical will be running from September 18 to October 18, with some nights including dinner and a show. Ticket prices depend on the night and perks.
More events can be found on the Idaho State Journal’s website and the City of Pocatello Calendar, with new events added constantly.
“Known as the U.S. Smile Capital, Pocatello is famous for its hospitality,” reads the City of Pocatello website. “Our philosophy is to make every visitor’s stay memorable and fun, whether you’re staying the night, a few days, or a few weeks.”
