The long Labor Day weekend has become a bit of a big deal here in Sun Valley, Idaho over the years. It’s a last summer hoorah as the kids begin to head back to school and the crisp temperatures of fall start to nip at our heels. With spirits running high and festivities plentiful, this is one long weekend that you won’t want to miss. To make the most out of the Labor Day weekend we’ve put together a list of all the best happenings. Wagon Days Rebecca’s Private Idaho Gallery Walk Sun Valley On Ice Lukas Nelson Find your next favorite Sun Valley Labor Day tradition this year! For the full line-up, head over to our events calendar. Events Calendar
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What Not to Miss at the 28th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival
Aside from the brilliant transitioning leaves, The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is the highlight of Sun Valley’s fall season. Celebrating sheep and sheep herding traditions, Trailing of the Sheep offers a unique glimpse in to a part of Idaho’s past. Five days of dancing, music, wool classes, lamb dinners, sheep dog trials, and the famous Big Sheep Parade will tantalize the spectrum of senses.
Casinos and Nature: How High-End Gaming Fits into Scenic Destinations
Casinos are often associated with bright city lights, bustling crowds, and fast-paced energy. But a growing trend is proving that high-end gaming doesn’t have to be confined to urban landscapes. Around the world, luxury casinos are finding a place in breathtaking natural destinations, blending seamlessly with their surroundings and enhancing tourism appeal. From ski resorts to coastal retreats, high-end casinos are evolving into more than just gambling venues—they are becoming integral parts of exclusive travel experiences. The question is, could Sun Valley follow in the footsteps of these scenic gaming destinations while preserving its identity as a premier mountain retreat? The Global Trend: Luxury Casinos in Stunning Locations Several casino destinations around the world have successfully merged gaming with natural beauty, attracting high-end travelers who seek both entertainment and relaxation. One of the best examples is Punta del Este, Uruguay, often called the “Monaco of South America.” Nestled along the coast, this city is home to Enjoy Punta del Este, a world-class casino that attracts international tourists while maintaining the region’s pristine beachside charm. The casino is part of an integrated resort that offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and outdoor activities, making it a key driver of tourism. In the …
Cold Outside? These Movies Will Keep You Entertained
When the temperature drops and stepping outside feels like a challenge, the right movie can make all the difference. Whether you crave suspense, laughter, or an electrifying casino experience, there’s always something worth watching. From heart-racing thrillers to feel-good comedies, these films will turn a chilly evening into a memorable one. Grab your favorite blanket, settle in, and let’s explore some of the best picks for a cold day indoors. Best Movies to Watch When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside Nothing keeps you warm like a film that gets your heart racing. Thrillers bring tension, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat moments. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo offers a chilling mystery, perfect for a cold evening. If you enjoy psychological tension, Gone Girl delivers with gripping performances and a storyline that keeps you guessing. These films pull you into their worlds, making the weather outside an afterthought. Action. Explosions, high-speed chases, and adrenaline-pumping scenes can make any dreary day feel exciting. Films like Mad Max: Fury Road and John Wick provide nonstop action that keeps your mind off the freezing temperatures. Watching these characters face impossible odds with raw determination can be just as thrilling as stepping into a casino …
24 Hours with a Local: Fit Me SV’s Kathryn Caminiti
A Ketchum local, Kathryn Caminiti (aka Kat) moved back to the Valley three years ago from Newport Beach, California, looking to get back to her small-town roots in the town she grew up in and where her parents and many of her friends still live. She began dabbling in pilates, eventually becoming certified and teaching classes at Zenergy before opening her own pilates studio, Fit Me SV, in March 2024. Kat envisioned not only having a dedicated pilates studio in Sun Valley, but one that taught classes that blended all the elements of her favorite workout classes into one: pilates, yoga, barre, spin, and Lagree. Already, in the short time the studio has been open, it’s been a hit, with her hiring on new instructors and herself teaching fifteen classes a week. Kathryn, who lives in west Ketchum with her boyfriend, Griffin, is just as active in her free time, spending it hiking, playing tennis, riding her bike, and rock climbing. Of course, she enjoys her downtime as well, whether that’s going to the symphony and dining on a charcuterie board, laying by the river or pool, or just chilling with friends. Check out Kat’s perfect July day in Sun …
What We’re Made Of: Sun Valley Pride
For several years now, Sun Valley Pride has joined the ranks of other meaningful Sun Valley events produced by and for locals, all in the name of providing community. In this case, that community is the LGBTQIA+ community, for which Sun Valley Pride provides a multi-day event full of performers, music, and fun. From what was once a modest singular event to now a full week of both paid and free activities, Sun Valley Pride draws attendees and performers from across the nation. How It Started What is now an entire week of Pride events started as just one: Pride in the Garden, at the nonprofit Sawtooth Botanical Garden (SBG). Executive Director Jen Smith had only been in her role for a few years when she suggested the Garden do a Pride event as a way to raise funds. As she says, they didn’t need to do another golf tournament or poker run like other organizations in the area had done as fundraisers. The board went wild, and the first Pride in the Garden event was held in 2021, which Jen describes as “a social justice event trying to bring awareness to the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies and to …
Transforming Communities: The Impact of Innovations and Technologies
Innovation and technology have the power to transform communities, especially in valleys where industries and lifestyles are evolving. With new advancements, local businesses, education, and even entertainment are changing, creating new opportunities for growth. From better infrastructure to smarter ways of working, technology is reshaping how people live and interact in valley regions. Technology Changes Everything Technology is a game-changer for valley communities. It improves healthcare by making medical services more accessible, introduces smart farming techniques for better food production, and supports small businesses with online platforms. Remote work is also growing, allowing professionals to live in peaceful valley towns while staying connected to global markets. As more industries adopt modern tools, these communities become more sustainable and competitive. One example of transformation is Sun Valley, which has become a home for innovators and entrepreneurs. This once simple resort town is now attracting tech startups, creatives, and professionals looking for a balanced lifestyle. With co-working spaces, networking events, and technology-driven businesses, Sun Valley shows how innovation can boost local economies. Smart Energy Solutions Sustainable energy is playing a big role in valley communities. Many regions are investing in solar and wind power to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. Smart …
Resort Hazards: What Can Go Wrong on Your Trip?
Vacations are meant for relaxation, but unexpected troubles can turn a dream trip into a stressful experience. Resorts, with their luxurious settings and endless activities, may seem entirely safe, yet certain dangers lurk beneath the surface. From minor inconveniences to urgent emergencies, being aware of potential risks can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. Common Resort Hazards You Should Be Aware Of Every year, travelers face various mishaps at resorts. Some are minor, like sunburns, while others, such as accidents or theft, require quick action. Whether you’re at a beachfront paradise or a ski lodge, recognizing potential dangers in your surroundings helps prevent problems before they arise. Slipping on a wet poolside surface or tripping over uneven pathways can lead to unexpected injuries. Resorts often have polished floors, pool decks, and outdoor staircases that become slippery when wet. A couple visiting a tropical resort in Mexico shared how their vacation took a turn when one of them slipped on a rain-soaked walkway, leading to a fractured wrist. To avoid such incidents, always wear appropriate footwear and stay alert in high-risk areas. Resort pools and beachfronts offer relaxation and fun, but they can also pose hidden dangers. Strong currents, poorly …
Local KDPI DJs Weigh In on Sun Valley’s Summer Music Lineup
Live music abounds in Sun Valley in the summer, from big-ticket shows at River Run to smaller ticketed shows at the Liberty Theater and Whiskeys to the lengthy slate of free weekly music, like Wicked Wednesdays at the Wicked Spud, Ketch’em Alive at Forest Service Park, and Hailey Rocks at Hop Porter Park. This summer is no different, with an excellent lineup of concerts from the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMOA), the Arygros, Sun Valley, and more. To give you the inside scoop, Visit Sun Valley chatted with some radio DJs from local station KDPI—trust us, these guys know music. Joining us were Sheila Moriarty, Brett Macubre, and Logan Frederickson from Mountain Music Menagerie (a weekly themed show curated by a group of friends on Thursdays from 7–9pm) and Caleb Horowitz (aka DJ Klondike) of The Good Show, described as “good music for good and bad people” (Wednesdays from 8–10pm). Sun Valley Museum of Art: Old Crow Medicine Show and Lake Street Dive The SVMOA summer concert series is always a season highlight, with past performances by artists like Wilco, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and more. Playing at the Sun Valley Pavilion on June 19 is folk band Old …
Understanding Hotel Access: Key Cards, Codes, and More
When checking into a hotel, guests often receive a key card or a code to access their room. These modern systems offer more than just a convenient way to unlock doors — they are a crucial part of a hotel’s security. Understanding how these systems work can help travelers feel more confident about their stay. What Is a Hotel Access Control System? A hotel access control system is a method hotels use to manage who can enter specific areas, like guest rooms, gyms, or conference rooms. Instead of traditional keys, these systems use electronic methods — such as key cards, PIN codes, or even smartphone apps — to grant access. The goal is to keep guests safe while making it easy for them to move around the property. Hotels are moving away from old-fashioned keys for good reasons. Smart locks not only prevent lost key issues but also offer better security. If a guest misplaces their key card, hotel staff can quickly deactivate it and issue a new one. This wasn’t possible with traditional keys, where a lost key could mean changing the entire lock. Additionally, smart locks allow hotels to track entry times, ensuring only authorized people enter certain …