Never Be Bored in Rexburg
Activities & Events
Free Things to Do in Rexburg
Being a student on a budget doesn't mean you can't have fun. Here are plenty of free activities to enjoy.
Pro Tip
Check the BYU-Idaho activities calendar at the beginning of each semester. Many of the best free events fill up quickly, and knowing the schedule helps you plan ahead for the ones you don't want to miss.
Seasonal Activities
Winter Activities (November - March)
Grand Targhee Resort
60 milesWorld-class skiing with 500+ inches of annual snowfall. Student discounts available.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
23 milesAffordable local skiing perfect for beginners and budget-conscious students.
Rexburg Rapids Ice Skating
In townIndoor ice rink with affordable rates. Great for group dates.
Tubing Hills
VariousFree tubing on hills around town after fresh snowfall.
Lava Hot Springs
80 milesNatural hot springs perfect for a winter day trip escape.
Heise Hot Springs
20 milesCloser hot springs option with pools and a waterslide.
Winter Survival Tip: Rexburg winters are cold (often below 0°F), but embracing winter activities makes the season much more enjoyable. Invest in good winter gear and make the most of the snow.
Read our Winter Survival Guide →Winter Gear Recommendations
- • Ski/snowboard helmet - safety first
- • Heated vest - game changer for cold days
- • Hand warmers - keep a box in your bag
- • Sled - for free tubing hill fun
- • Ski goggles - protect eyes from snow glare
- • Insulated water bottle - stays warm on slopes
Summer Activities (April - October)
Yellowstone National Park
90 milesThe world-famous park with geysers, wildlife, and stunning scenery.
Grand Teton National Park
75 milesDramatic mountain peaks, hiking trails, and pristine lakes.
Mesa Falls
30 milesBeautiful waterfall viewpoints and easy hiking trails.
Henry's Fork River
20 milesWorld-renowned fly fishing and peaceful floating.
Cress Creek Nature Trail
5 milesLocal hiking spot with beautiful views and wildlife.
St. Anthony Sand Dunes
15 milesMassive sand dunes for hiking, ATVing, and sandboarding.
Summer Tip: Summer semester is actually a great time to be in Rexburg. The weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, and you're closer to national parks than students at almost any other university.
Date Ideas by Budget
Whether you're pinching pennies or celebrating something special, we've got date ideas for every budget.
Free Dates
- •Walk on the temple grounds at sunset
- •Stargazing on a clear night
- •Hiking at Mesa Falls or nearby trails
- •Picnic at Porter Park or Nature Park
- •Game night with another couple
- •Cooking dinner together at home
- •Attend a free campus movie or concert
- •Explore the BYU-Idaho art galleries
- •Watch the sunset from Smith Park
- •Take photos around downtown Rexburg
Under $15
- •Ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery
- •Bowling at FatCats
- •Frozen yogurt and desserts at Millhollow
- •Mini golf in Idaho Falls
- •Thrift store shopping challenge
- •Baking treats together (split ingredient costs)
- •Drive-in movie (seasonal)
- •Ice skating at Rexburg Rapids
- •Dollar store craft date
- •Campus sporting event with snacks
Special Occasions
- •Dinner at The Hickory or Red Rabbit Grill
- •Day trip to Grand Targhee for skiing
- •Escape room experience
- •Hot springs day trip to Lava or Heise
- •Dinner and a theater production on campus
- •Yellowstone day trip adventure
- •Nice dinner in Idaho Falls
- •Horseback riding at a local stable
- •Spa day at a local salon
- •Private cooking class together
Campus Events & Entertainment
BYU-Idaho offers a rich variety of on-campus events, many of which are free for students.
Tuesday Devotionals
Weekly during semesterWeekly spiritual gatherings with inspiring speakers in the BYU-Idaho Center.
Friday Night Activities
Most FridaysCampus-wide activities including dances, game nights, and special events.
I-Center Movies
WeeklyFree movie screenings in the Manwaring Center auditorium.
Sporting Events
Throughout semesterBasketball, volleyball, and other sports. Many events are free for students.
Theater Productions
Multiple per semesterHigh-quality theater shows put on by the Theater Department.
Concert Series
MonthlyPerformances by student and professional musicians.
Dance Performances
Each semesterShowcases from the nationally recognized dance program.
Art Gallery Exhibits
OngoingRotating exhibits featuring student and professional artwork.
Finding Campus Events
- • Check the BYU-Idaho Events Calendar online at byui.edu
- • Follow @byuidaho on social media for event announcements
- • Look for flyers in the Manwaring Center and academic buildings
- • Join student clubs and organizations to get exclusive event invites
- • Ask your ward about upcoming FHE activities and stake events
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
One of the best things about living in Rexburg is proximity to some of America's most stunning natural attractions. See the full Parks & Outdoor Recreation guide for trail details, gear tips, and more day trip options.
Yellowstone National Park
90 miles away • 1.5 hours drive
Highlights:
- •Old Faithful geyser
- •Grand Prismatic Spring
- •Wildlife viewing (bison, elk, bears)
- •Stunning canyons and waterfalls
Tips:
Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. Bring layers - weather changes quickly.
Grand Teton National Park
75 miles away • 1.25 hours drive
Highlights:
- •Dramatic mountain scenery
- •Jenny Lake
- •Excellent hiking trails
- •Wildlife photography
Tips:
Stop at the Mormon Row historic barns for iconic photos.
Craters of the Moon
85 miles away • 1.5 hours drive
Highlights:
- •Unique volcanic landscape
- •Lava tube caves
- •Easy hiking trails
- •Otherworldly scenery
Tips:
Bring a flashlight for cave exploration. Best visited spring or fall.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
90 miles away • 1.5 hours drive
Highlights:
- •Charming mountain town
- •Shopping and dining
- •Ski resorts in winter
- •Gateway to Tetons
Tips:
Great for a day trip. More expensive but worth seeing once.
Idaho Falls
30 miles away • 30 minutes drive
Highlights:
- •Idaho Falls Temple
- •River walk
- •Shopping and restaurants
- •Movie theaters
Tips:
The closest city for shopping, dining, and entertainment variety.
Idaho Falls — 30 Minutes South
Idaho Falls is the closest city to Rexburg with full shopping, a wide range of restaurants, movie theaters, and the Idaho Falls Temple. Target, Costco, WinCo Foods, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, and more are all under a half-hour drive.
See the Idaho Falls Day Trip Guide →Yellowstone National Park - Your Backyard Adventure
Living in Rexburg puts you closer to Yellowstone than almost any other college in the country. At just 90 miles away, you can easily do day trips or weekend camping adventures to experience one of the world's most incredible natural wonders.
Best Times to Visit
May-September for best weather. Early morning or evening to avoid crowds.
What to Bring
Layers (weather changes fast), snacks, water, camera, and bear spray for hiking.
Student Tip
Split gas costs with friends and bring a picnic lunch to save money.
Pro tip: Many students visit Yellowstone multiple times during their time at BYU-Idaho. Each season offers something different - from summer geysers to winter snowscapes.
Sunday Activities in Rexburg
Looking for appropriate Sunday activities? Here are some ways to keep the Sabbath day holy while still enjoying Rexburg.
Spiritual Activities
- • Visit the Rexburg Idaho Temple grounds
- • Attend church meetings and firesides
- • Personal and family scripture study
- • Write in your journal
- • Family history research
- • Visit teaching assignments
Restful Activities
- • Walk on temple grounds at sunset
- • Write letters to missionaries or family
- • Call home and connect with family
- • Read uplifting books
- • Quiet nature walks (no strenuous hiking)
- • Board games with roommates
Upcoming Events
Current events and activities happening in and around Rexburg.
Rexburg Farmers Market - Spring Opening
Sat, May 9 at 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Weekly farmers market featuring fresh locally grown produce, handmade goods, and distinctive artisan products. A rotating lineup of vendors showcases high-quality offerings. Runs every Friday through September.
452 West 2nd North, Rexburg
SpringFest 2026 - Service Day
Mon, Jun 1 at All day
BYU-Idaho's SpringFest spirit week kicks off with Service Day. Events continue throughout the week with activities at Taylor Quad headquarters (10 AM - 2 PM daily) including food, games, and various activities.
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
BYU-Idaho Devotional - Elder Mark A. Bragg
Tue, Jun 2 at 11:00 AM
Weekly campus devotional with Elder Mark A. Bragg. Free and open to students and community. Brownie distribution in the I-Center Courts follows devotional.
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
SpringFest Night Out
Tue, Jun 2 at 5:00 PM onwards
SpringFest celebration where students enjoy special discounts at local Rexburg businesses. Great opportunity to explore the community and save.
Rexburg area businesses
SpringFest Spirit Week Rodeo & Country Dance
Wed, Jun 3 at 4:00 PM (pre-events), 6:30 PM (rodeo), 9:00 PM (dance)
BYU-Idaho's Spirit Week features a rodeo with bull riding, roping, barrel racing, and country dance. Family-friendly western celebration.
Madison County Fairgrounds, Rexburg
SpringFest Luau
Fri, Jun 5 at 7:00 PM
Experience island music and dancing from the Polynesian islands. A tropical celebration during SpringFest week with music and dancing.
Manwaring Center Ballroom, BYU-Idaho, Rexburg
Flood 50 Celebration - Mud Fest
Sat, Jun 6 at 10:00 AM onwards
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam Collapse with mud activities, inflatables, and rugby games. Part of SpringFest week.
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
Teton Dam Marathon
Sat, Jun 6 at 4:45 AM
Annual marathon race commemorating the Teton Dam Collapse. Part of Flood 50 celebrations.
35 N 1st E, Rexburg
Rexburg Rapids Water Park - Summer Opening
Tue, Jun 9 at 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM (varies by day)
Rexburg Rapids opens for the 2026 summer season. Enjoy slides, climbing wall, lazy river, and family water activities. Seasonal operation June through August.
50 W 2nd N, Rexburg
BYU-Idaho Devotional - Sam Eidam
Tue, Jun 9 at 11:00 AM
Weekly campus devotional with Sam Eidam. Free and open to students and community.
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
Idaho Supreme Court Hearing on Campus
Wed, Jun 10 at TBD
The Idaho Supreme Court will hear three cases on the BYU-Idaho campus, giving students and community members the opportunity to observe the state Supreme Court in session.
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
BYU-Idaho Devotional - Elder Gérald Caussé
Sun, Jun 14 at 11:00 AM
Weekly campus devotional with Elder Gérald Caussé. Free and open to students and community.
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
Rexburg Mobile Food Pantry - Monthly Distribution
Mon, Jun 15 at 5:30 PM
Monthly food pantry distribution providing groceries and essentials to Rexburg community members. Serves families in need with no application required.
Madison High School, Rexburg
Whoopee Days Rodeo - Family Night
Thu, Jun 25 at 7:00 PM
Family-friendly rodeo featuring bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and western entertainment. Enjoy skilled cowboys and cowgirls showcasing traditional rodeo events with family activities.
Madison County Fairgrounds, 460 W 2nd N, Rexburg
Whoopee Days Rodeo - Patriotic Night
Sat, Jun 27 at 7:00 PM
Patriotic-themed rodeo celebration featuring bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and western entertainment with patriotic flair.
Madison County Fairgrounds, 460 W 2nd N, Rexburg
Ready to Explore?
Check out our other guides to make the most of your time in Rexburg. From finding housing to surviving winter, we've got you covered.