The Yellowstone Teton Territory’s rugged scenery, majestic wildlife, winding rivers, alpine peaks, and rich heritage have inspired generations of artists. Eastern Idaho’s art scene is rich with a wealth of local talent, and performers travel from around the world to share art in the region. Enjoy visual art, dance, music, performances, and more. Plan a trip to the Yellowstone Teton Territory for a day, weekend, week, or even longer to soak in the artistic vibes and enjoy the region’s best art and artists.
Idaho Falls
With over 60,000 residents, Idaho Falls is the region’s largest hub, and it is a great place to soak up local art, enjoy museums, and attend events. Stop by the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho to check out the galleries, rotating exhibits, children’s area, and an array of events. Stop by the Willard Arts Center to explore the rotating exhibits. The ARTitorium on Broadway is geared towards families with kids up to age 12. Enjoy hands-on, tactile, and immersive art through exhibits, art classes, and events.
Be sure to check the Idaho Falls Arts Council events calendar to take advantage of the wide variety of art-focused events in the city, from visual art exhibits to theatrical, dance, and music performances, film screenings, comedy shows, and more. If you’re planning a summer or early fall visit, be sure to attend an Idaho Falls Gallery Walk.
Rexburg & St. Anthony
Home to BYU-Idaho, Rexburg offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the visual and performing arts. Rexburg is home to the Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra, The Upper Valley Women’s Choir, Rexburg Children’s Choir, Act It Out, and the historic Romance Theater, among other performance groups and venues. There’s always something fun going on, so be sure to explore the city’s Cultural Arts website and mark your calendar for upcoming events.
St. Anthony’s Idaho Art Lab offers plenty of art exploration for the whole family. Check out the classes, shows, workshops, events, plein air painting opportunities, and more.
Teton Valley
The Tetons provide a stunning backdrop and endless inspiration for Teton Valley artists. Plein air painting is popular in the summer, and the valley is home to a number of local artisans, as well as a few places to check out their work.
Teton Arts Gallery (located in the Driggs City Center) hosts a rotating art gallery, as well as the annual Plein Air Festival art sale.
Stop by The Local Galleria to purchase work by local painters, jewelry makers, fiber artists, and other creators. The shop also offers art supplies and hosts a variety of classes for kids and adults, including “paint and sip” events. In Tetonia, Horn Mountain Living offers hand-crafted works made from wood, iron, stone, and other raw materials. In summer, stop by the Teton Valley Artisan Market to meet local creators and purchase their works.
Special Events
Consider timing your trip to enjoy one or more of these Yellowstone Teton Territory regional art events
Poetry Slam, Idaho Falls
Are you a poet who doesn’t know it? Find out at the next Art Museum of Eastern Idaho Poetry Slam. This event is where “fast-talking rappers to rambling romantics compete for bragging rights,” according to the museum’s website.
Cowboy Poetry Gathering, St. Anthony
St. Anthony hosts a Cowboy Poetry Gathering each spring where poets gather to share stories and tales about the cowboy way of life.
Driggs Plein Air Festival
Each summer, the Driggs Plein Air Festival lures artists who bring their easels outdoors to paint the stunning Teton scenery. The festival involves a variety of events, including pre-event workshops and an art sale.
Plein Air in the Parks, Harriman State Park & Yellowstone National Park
Eastern Idaho’s illustrious parks are the scene for Plein Air in the Parks, typically held in Harriman State Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Craters of the Moon National Monument each year. These multi-day workshops, put on by the Idaho Art Lab in St. Anthony, feature experienced instructors who share the art of plein air painting with their students.
Idaho Falls Sidewalk Art Festival
In Idaho Falls, the Eagle Rock Art Guild holds a summer sidewalk art festival each year.
Teton Storytelling and Arts Festival, Rexburg
Celebrate the art of the story at the Teton Storytelling and Arts Festival in Rexburg, where storytellers come from all around to share their tales and songs with an eager audience.
Idaho International Dance Festival, Rexburg
Performers come from all around the world to attend the Idaho International Dance Festival in Rexburg each summer. Enjoy gala performances, dancing workshops, and many other festivities at this favorite annual event.
Driggs Art Tour
Every December, the Driggs Art Tour lets art aficionados see into local artists’ studios, meet artists, and learn about their work. It also provides a great opportunity to purchase holiday gifts directly from local artisans, from glassblowers to blacksmiths.