About halfway along Boise, Idaho’s downtown North 8th Street, between West Idaho Street and West Bannock Street, is the entrance to the infamous Freak Alley. Begun in 2002 with a single drawing, Freak Alley has expanded to dominate a half city block of graffiti, paintings and murals on the sides of the opposing buildings. Artist Colby Akers was responsible for the original creations but it has since expanded to include anyone with talent.
Over the years some of the artwork has been painted over while others are simply augmented. It is thought that over 300 artists have contributed over the past few decades ranging from 7-35 years of age. There isn’t any cohesion to most of the alley but that’s half the fun. Freak Alley is widely considered to be the largest outdoor mural gallery in the entire Northwest United States.
The coolest thing about Freak Alley is the lack of commercialization. Yes, there is an actual indoor Freak Alley Gallery (definitely worth a visit) and there’s even an Annual Mural Event where new art is displayed but the experience of walking down the alley and taking in the explosion of color and creativity surrounding you is as raw as it gets. There are large painted metal trash bins, art is drawn around electrical boxes on the back of commercial buildings and the largest section is in a working parking lot.
This section of Boise is perfect for the atmosphere of Freak Alley. The entire block that encompasses the alley is filled with wonderful eclectic shops, stores and boutiques. Even Stevens or the Funky Taco are perfect places for lunch followed by a visit to The Chocolat Bar to reset your palette. If shopping is your thing there’s the SHIFT boutique, Boise themed Wear Boise and even the Bespoke Bride if nuptials are in your future. The capital building is a block away along with the Cecil D. Andrus Park providing a welcome green space among the surrounding brick and concrete buildings.
So many places we visit have some cool out-of-way place that the locals rave about like The Fugitive train wreck in Sylva, NC. It’s one of the reasons we like to travel on our own instead of with an organized tour. Do you have any eclectic spots in your hometown? We’d love to hear all about it!
This space became available when the five story Standard Furniture building was imploded. It not only housed a furniture company in the early 1900’s, but housed Boise Blue Print(later known as Boise Blue Art Supply)a renowned art supply store in the western United States in the 1960’s-2000’s. Many of the artists who started and participated with Freak Alley were loyal customers of Boise Blue. Great space, including the actual alley, gave many artists, with many different styles, a chance to exhibit their works! I love the memories and their continuation to give Boise a diverse character! Terrie Robinson, starting in 1970, then owner of Boise Blue (a family business) from 1988-2010.
Great background. Thank you so much for sharing.