Treefort Music Fest 2026: 6 Rising Acts You Shouldn’t Miss

Treefort Music Fest is back and bigger than ever, taking over the heart of the city from March 25-29. Known for its eclectic, community-centered approach to event production, Treefort seamlessly blends the best of Boise’s local music scene with some of the most notable rising and established acts from across the nation and abroad. It all comes together to form a stunning mosaic of a festival that transforms an entire downtown district into its playground.

The beauty of the festival absolutely lies in the innate charm of downtown Boise and everything it has to offer. Every aspect of the city’s arts and entertainment scene is well represented across the various Forts that supplement the music. Whether it’s screenings of independent films at local theatres (Filmfort), restaurants and pop-ups sharing signature tastes (Foodfort) and sips (Alefort), or even local drag performers inviting visitors into safe spaces (Dragfort) for self-expression: there’s quite literally something for everyone.

For many out-of-state visitors, myself included, the festival’s music is the main draw. With the full lineup for this year packed with genre-diverse heavy hitters like Magdalena Bay, flipturn, Geese and Father John Misty, it’s easy to overlook some of the smaller acts.

If you’re looking to discover new music but feel overwhelmed by the number of options, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Here are six rising acts you should absolutely catch at this year’s Treefort Music Fest.

1) The Two Lips

Thursday, March 26 | Treefort Music Hall | 9:00pm – 10:00pm

LA duo The Two Lips make dreamy indie pop with catchy melodies and soft, layered production. Jewlz and Andrea write about relationships, identity and growing up in a way that feels personal but universally relatable. Their live set brings those songs to life, filling the stage with a fuller, more energetic sound than new listeners might expect from a bedroom-pop project.

2) John Roseboro

Friday, March 27 | Bandshell | 3:10pm – 4:00pm

Singer-songwriter John Roseboro delivers cool, reflective indie folk that’s easy to get lost in. His songs are simple but deeply thoughtful. Mostly, they’re carried by his lyrics and gentle, Brazilian-jazz-influenced guitar stylings. It’s the perfect afternoon set for anyone looking to slow down, catch your breath, and relax fully into the festival mindset.

3) Venus & the Flytraps 

Friday, March 27 | Main Stage | 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Venus & the Flytraps are the self-proclaimed “ annoying little sister” of the indie-pop scene, bringing nostalgic, guitar-forward anthems for the young at heart. Though with their most recent album, I’d place them closer to the alt-rock side of the indie spectrum. Either way, the Nashville-based band leans into a sound that feels, at its core, both scrappy and cathartic. Plan on saving some energy for this set, the crowd will definitely be moving!

4) FIGHTMASTER

Saturday, March 28 | The Hideout | 3:20pm – 4:10pm

FIGHTMASTER is the solo project of E. R. Fightmaster, blending indie rock, folk and pop into music that feels real without getting too heavy. Their songs explore themes of identity, love, and vulnerability in a way that’s easy to connect with. It’s the kind of music that gently grabs your attention and keeps it.

5) Trestles

Saturday, March 28 | The Olympic Venue | 7:00pm – 7:50pm

Indie rock band Trestles leans into steady, driving guitar rhythms to create songs that feel as fresh and effortlessly mellow as the coastal, Santa Cruz landscape that they call home. Their music balances quieter, introspective moments with bigger bursts of energy, giving their songs a natural sense of build and release. That dynamic tends to translate well live, making them a great discovery for festival attendees wandering between sets.

6) Dark Chisme

Saturday, March 28 | The Basque Center | 12:30am – 1:30am

Dark Chisme pulls from electronic, darkwave and industrial influences to build moody, electronic tracks. The project leans heavily on creating an atmosphere that listeners are drawn into like a buzzing siren song, layering irresistible beats with just the right amount of synth. With a late night slot to close out Saturday, there is no better setting to see Dark Chisme in. And what else would you be doing at 12:30am? Sleeping? Really? On Treefort weekend?

Bonus: Plum Vision

Friday, March 27 | Neurolux | 5:40pm – 6:30pm

Surprise! No Treefort roundup would be complete without a local band representing the best of what Boise has to offer. Our bonus pick is scrappy indie rock trio Plum Vision, whose punchy alternative sound is full of playful, youthful energy. If you’ve ever been to a college house show, their set at Neurolux on Friday will instantly feel familiar. The trio’s mix of energy and intimacy could make this one of the weekend’s most memorable, yet underrated, performances.