Sandpoint's children are the stars. The Pend Oreille Arts Council welcomes back the Missoula Children’s Theatre for a splendid production of The Pied Piper, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 in the Panida Theater. The Pied Piper is a musical featuring rats, a magical piper and the residents of the village of Hamelin - with stars of the stage you may recognize! Local children audition during the week of the performance, practice long hours, and perform for the community at the Panida. Come one, come all to this family-friendly event. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 youth, available at Eve's Leaves, Eichardt's Pub, Winter Ridge, and at the Panida box office on the day of the show. Learn more at ArtinSandpoint.org.

Mush! Sponsored by the Inland Empire Sled Dog Association, the Priest Lake Sled Dog Race on Sunday, Feb. 5, is a Pacific Northwest Championship Race featuring skijor, sprint and mid-distance sled dog classes for all ages. Held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the race site is located at the north end of the airstrip opposite the Priest Lake Ranger Station. To get there, take Highway 57 north from Priest River to Ravin Ranch Road (between mileposts 32 and 33). Turn left on Ravin Ranch Road - there will be signs for the race. Learn more at IESDA.org. 208-683-2387

Here's what's happening in February!

2 Bingo Night. The Loading Dock, 202½ First Ave., hosts Bingo Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Enjoy prizes plus food and beer specials. LoadingDockSandpoint.com. 208-265-8080

3 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Mike and Shanna, a quick-pickin', amped-up guitar folk rock duo. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

3-March 2 Starlight Racing. Friday night races at Schweitzer, followed by parties in Taps. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

3-4 Tropical Nights at the Pearl. The Pearl Theater, 7160 Main St. in Bonners Ferry, hosts a Tropical Nights at the Pearl event with dinner at 6 p.m., and a Marimba Band performance with dancing at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 for the full dinner theater, or $10 for the concert only. Note: Folks who arrive in a tropical costume will receive $2 off admission! The-Pearl-Theater.com. 208-267-PEARL

4 Pied Piper. Missoula Children's Theatre performance at Panida. See Hot Picks, above.

4-5 College Daze. Schweitzer hosts the annual College Daze weekend with discounted lift tickets for students,
Events include an '80s Retro Gear and Onesie Competition in Taps on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded at 5:30 p.m. for the best-dressed person in retro gear and the best onesie (must be 21 or older to enter). Taps will also feature live music by Eric E. from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. More info at Schweitzer.com.

4-5 Priest Lake Sled Dog Race. Pacific Northwest Championship Race event at Priest Lake. See Hot Picks, above.

5 Mixed Level Hand Drum Class. The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, 110 Main St., hosts a Mixed Level Hand Drum Class from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, Feb. 5-26. Learn the basics and get a solid foundation in this fun class, where a broad spectrum of skills and techniques will be covered. Bring your own drum or play one of ours. Cost is $15 for a single drop-in class, or $40 for a monthly series of four classes. To register, call Michael or Molly at 208-597-3366. DrumaticInnovation.com.

-- This week's events happening through Sunday, Feb. 12

7 Tuesdays with Mike. Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St., hosts Tuesdays with Mike from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Every week, Mike hosts a different special musical guest! Enjoy live acoustic music, along with food and drink specials. TrinityatCityBeach.com. 208-255-7558

7 Winter Goldsprint. Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair and Laughing Dog Brewing sponsor a Winter Goldsprint at 6 p.m. at Laughing Dog's home at 1109 Fontaine Dr., Ponderay. If you can ride a bike, you can Goldsprint! Goldsprints are bike races on rollers with the forks fixed. Two riders battle it out head-to-head for 500 meters at speeds in excess of 60 mph in front of a cheering crowd. Enter in the double elimination tournament field and/or call out your friends (or friendemies) to a single grudge match. All equipment is supplied, just bring your legs and lungs. In the end, it's all biking fun. Series continues through March, followed by the championships March 13. $5 entry fee, and $1 grudge match. Call Greasy Fingers at 208-255-4496 or visit GreasyFingersBikes.com for more details.      

7 Trivia Night. Mickduff's Brewing Company, 312 N. First Ave., hosts Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Arrive early to make sure your team gets a table - it fills up fast! Prizes and bragging rights to the winning team. Mickduffs.com. 208-255-4351

7 The Good Lovelies. Mixing folk roots with western swing, The Good Lovelies is a show that’s funny and upbeat with just a pinch of sass. The Good Lovelies' textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping and witty on-stage banter create a high-energy show for the entire family. The Panida Theater performance begins at 7 p.m.; tickets are $20 POAC members, $25 general admission and $5 youth age 15 and under. Purchase tickets in advance at POAC's office inside the old Power House, Eve's Leaves, Eichardt's Pub and Winter Ridge, and at the box office on the night of the show. Learn more at ArtinSandpoint.org or read the Panida's press release. 208-263-6139

8 KPND Ski and Board Party. Taps at Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts the KPND Ski and Board Party. Join Glen Lefay and Mike Deprez for an evening of fun, prizes and more. 208-263-9555

9 Bingo Night. The Loading Dock, 202½ First Ave., hosts Bingo Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Enjoy prizes plus food and beer specials. LoadingDockSandpoint.com. 208-265-8080

9-11 Moneyball. The Panida Theater hosts a screening of the film Moneyball at 7:30 p.m. each night as part of the Global Cinema Cafe film series. The baseball movie stars Brad Pitt, whose performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Moneyball was nominated for six Oscar awards in all, including Best Picture of the Year. Admission is $7 adults; $6 seniors and students ages 18 and under. Read more on the Sandpoint Movies page, or Panida.org. 208-263-9191

10 Boundary Community Hospital Auxiliary Pie/White Elephant Sale. Trinity Lutheran Church, 6784 Cody St. in Bonners Ferry, hosts the Boundary Community Hospital Auxiliary Pie/White Elephant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (event will be held in the church basement). Enjoy a piece of pie for $2.50; or a piece of pie and cup of coffee for $3. Whole pies also available. The hospital's Auxiliary is dedicated to collecting goods and services to meet the ongoing medical and human needs of Boundary Community Hospital. For more information, contact Delrene Daniels at 208-267-2934 or visit BoundaryHospital.org.

10 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Bridges Home - a folk and Celtic duo featuring Tami and Dave Gunter. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

10 Contra Dance. The Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Emily Faulkner and Lost Horse Press to offer the Contra Dance Series. Dances are held at 7 p.m. in the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., on the second Friday of each month through May. Join other dancing enthusiasts for live music and dancing until 10:30 p.m. Previous dancing experience is not necessary, all ages are welcome, and you don’t have to bring a partner. $5 donation is suggested. 208-263-3613

10–12 Library Wine Tasting Weekend. Taste past vintages of Merlot (a month of “Merlove”) and receive 10 percent off all library wines at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., during the Library Wine Tasting Weekend. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

11 Locals' Fair Trade Valentine's Sale. The Hope MarketPlace in old Hope (next to the post office) hosts the Locals Fair Trade Valentine's Sale from noon to 4 p.m. Shop for locals' cottage arts and crafts in a festive fair environment -- it's the perfect cure for symptoms of cabin fever! Bring a carload of friends out to Hope and stay awhile - there will be tea and lunch, as well. Sponsored by the Women's Cooperative; free admission. 208-046-9191

11 Annual SARS Fundraising Dinner Auction. Schweitzer Alpine Racing School hosts the annual Fundraising Dinner Auction at 6 p.m. in the Caribou Room at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Enjoy dinner, beer and wine, plus a silent auction, live auction and raffle fundraising. Reserve your seat or table now. Tickets are $40 each; purchase at SARS.net, e-mail auction@sars.net, or call 208-263-1081. Proceeds benefit Schweitzer Alpine Racing School

11 Live Music with Cedar & Boyer. Just when you thought your experience at La Rosa Club couldn't get any better, they add live music that adds perfectly to the atmosphere you already love there! Featuring local musicians Cedar and Boyer from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; no cover. If you haven't been to La Rosa Club yet, you absolutely must! Located at 105 S. First Ave. Learn more at CedarandBoyer.com.

11-12, 18-19, 25-26 Ninth Annual Howard's Follies - "Dis-Harmony." Pend Oreille Playhouse Community Theatre, 240 N. Union Ave., Newport, Wash., hosts the Ninth Annual Howard's Follies - "Dis-Harmony" with shows at 7 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11-12, Feb. 18-19, and Feb. 25-26. Yesteryear Productions presents this tribute to old-time music theatre, written by Howard Wildin. Admission is $10/advance or $12/door for all ages; tickets available at the Playhouse, online at PendOreillePlayers.org, and at Seeber's Drug and Owens' Grocery in Newport. 509-447-0959

12 Bingo Fundraiser for Kinderhaven. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts a Bingo Fundraiser for Kinderhaven from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m., and all proceeds benefit Kinderhaven. Hosted by Luther Park of Sandpoint. 208-265-3557

-- This week's events happening through Sunday, Feb. 19

14 Tuesdays with Mike. Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St., hosts Tuesdays with Mike from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Every week, Mike hosts a different special musical guest! Enjoy live acoustic music, along with food and drink specials. TrinityatCityBeach.com. 208-255-7558

14 Trivia Night. Mickduff's Brewing Company, 312 N. First Ave., hosts Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Arrive early to make sure your team gets a table - it fills up fast! Prizes and bragging rights to the winning team. Mickduffs.com. 208-255-4351

15 Five Minutes of Fame. Cafe Bodega at Foster's Crossing, 504 Oak St., hosts the Five Minutes of Fame open mic event at 6:30 p.m. Writers, musicians, listeners - come enjoy this open mic on the third Wednesday of every month. Original material only, please. Arrive early at 6 p.m. for dinner!

15, 17 The Secret Lives of Girls. The Pend Oreille Playhouse Community Theatre, 240 N. Union Ave, Newport, Wash., hosts a showing of the play The Secret Lives of Girls at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15, and again at 7 p.m. Feb. 17. An honest and unflinching dramatization of the destructive world on teen-girl bullying, this play is written by Linda Daughtery and directed by Noma Hunter. Admission is $5 adults; $2.50 for ages 18 and under. Sponsored by the Pend Oreille Players Association and the Pend Oreille County Crime Victims Services. Tickets available online at PendOreillePlayers.org or at the door. 509-671-3389

16 Women Who Wine. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts the Women Who Wine event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring the RAAM cycling team. Enjoy a presentation from guest speakers, plus a raffle and more. Visit POWine.com. to learn more about this month's guest speaker. 208-265-8545

16 Bingo Night. The Loading Dock, 202½ First Ave., hosts Bingo Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Enjoy prizes plus food and beer specials. LoadingDockSandpoint.com. 208-265-8080

17-26 Sandpoint Winter Carnival. Annual celebration includes family-friendly winter events including Ski Joring at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, K-9 Keg Pull, Downtown Rail Jam and more. For more details, scroll through the calendar below or visit SandpointWinterCarnival.com. 208-263-0887

17 Winter Carnival -- Bioluminesce Fire Show and Downtown Rail Jam. The Sandpoint Winter Carnival kicks off with the Bioluminesce Fire Show at 6:30 p.m. outside Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St. Enjoy the pyrotechnical dance routines of these “fire spinners” as they combine acrobatics and dance movements brilliantly outlined in live flames. Afterwards, warm up with live music inside featuring Bare Grass. Next up is the Downtown Rail Jam, a freestyle contest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Jeff Jones Town Square. Skiers and snowboarders put up their best acrobatic moves while spectators catch the excitement by roaring bonfires and the "wall of fire." In addition, there will be a Ski Joring Registration Party starting at 4 p.m. at Laughing Dog Brewing, 1109 Fontaine Dr., Ponderay, plus the Dine Around Sandpoint and Shop Around Sandpoint programs get under way. Whew! Catch all the info at SandpointWinterCarnival.com. 

17 Molly & Tenbrooks in Concert. Di Luna's Café, 207 Cedar St., hosts a concert at 7:30 p.m. with Molly & Tenbrooks, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for dinner (reservations required). Molly & Tenbrooks is an original, eclectic, award-winning band made up of music teachers and a software engineer. A Northwest favorite hailing from Spokane, Molly & Tenbrooks have traveled the U.S. entertaining folks with barn-burnin’ bluegrass, hand-clappin' gospel, heel-clickin’ country and some of the sweetest harmonies ever heard. MollyandTenbrooks.com. Tickets to the concert are $10, available at Di Luna's by calling 208-263-0846.

17 The Godfather. The Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., hosts a screening of the classic movie The Godfather at 7:30 p.m., presented by 7B Productions. Admission is $6 adults; $5 seniors and students ages 18 and under. Panida.org. 208-263-9191

18 4th Annual Wedding Expo. The Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Ave., hosts the 4th Annual Wedding Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find all of your wedding resources in one place during this annual event featuring numerous vendor booths, merchants, and demonstrations, plus Fashion Shows courtesy of Paris Productions at noon and 2:30 p.m. Free admission. Following the Wedding Expo, there will be a Private Trunk Show at 6:30 p.m. featuring hors d'oeuvres and dessert samples, wedding gown try-ons and more; cost is $25 per bride (forms available at Paris Hair Design or by calling 208-263-7283).

18-19 Winter Carnival -- Ski Joring Competition. One horse, one rope, one skier ... it's ski joring and it's back for another round of action-packed fun from noon to 4 p.m. (gates open at 11 a.m.) Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Bonner County Fairgrounds as part of the Sandpoint Winter Carnival. Combining two favorite action pastimes - skiing and horseback riding - ski joring is an action-packed Scandinavian sport that involves horses and riders pulling skiers at high speeds around a course of jumps and gates. Admission to this family-friendly event is free, but a $3 parking fee will be collected. New this year, divisions for juniors and women. SandpointSkijoring.com. 

18 Live Music - Cedar & Boyer with Justin Landis. Justin Landis will start the night off solo at 7 p.m. in the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar, 311 N. First Ave. Then his wife, Jen, will join him and they will magically become Cedar & Boyer (cedarandboyer.com). The Coldwater Creek Wine Bar offers up fabulous wine and beer, excellent food, plus a fireplace and comfortable couches that make it a great place to enjoy live music. No cover; music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

18 LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends. Gaining national fame recently on the reality show "The X Factor" as one of the final contestants, LeRoy Bell now makes a return appearance to Sandpoint with a concert at 8 p.m. in the Panida Theater (doors open at 7 p.m.). Bell has performed with greats such as Sheryl Crow, B.B. King, Etta James and many others. The concert featuring LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends is presented by 95.3 KPND Radio. Tickets are $20; available in advance at Eichardt's Pub and Eve's Leaves, The Long Ear in Coeur d'Alene, and 4000 Holes in Spokane. Check out the buzz by visiting LeRoy Bell on Facebook. 208-263-9191

19 Winter Carnival's Ski Joring Competition. Watch this exciting sport involving a horse, rider and skier at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. SandpointWinterCarnival.com.

-- This week's events happening through Sunday, Feb. 26

21 Tuesdays with Mike. Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St., hosts Tuesdays with Mike from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Every week, Mike hosts a different special musical guest! Enjoy live acoustic music, along with food and drink specials. TrinityatCityBeach.com. 208-255-7558

21 Winter Goldsprint. Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair and Laughing Dog Brewing sponsor a Winter Goldsprint at 6 p.m. at Laughing Dog's home at 1109 Fontaine Dr., Ponderay. If you can ride a bike, you can Goldsprint. Goldsprints are bike races on rollers with the forks fixed. Two riders battle it out head-to-head for 500 meters at speeds in excess of 60 mph in front of a cheering crowd. Enter in the double elimination tournament field and/or call out your friends (or friendemies) to a single grudge match. All equipment is supplied, just bring your legs and lungs. In the end, it's all biking fun. The series continues through March, followed by the championships March 13. $5 entry fee, and $1 grudge match. Call Greasy Fingers at 208-255-4496 or visit GreasyFingersBikes.com for more information.      

21 Trivia Night. Mickduff's Brewing Company, 312 N. First Ave., hosts Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Arrive early to make sure your team gets a table - it fills up fast! Prizes and bragging rights to the winning team. Mickduffs.com. 208-255-4351

22 KPND Ski and Board Party. Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St., hosts the KPND Ski and Board Party. Join Glen Lefay and Mike Deprez for an evening of fun, prizes and more. 208-255-7558

23 Taste of Sandpoint. As part of the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, come out and try some delicious bites during the Taste of Sandpoint at the Sandpoint Events Center. Sponsored by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. SandpointChamber.org.

23 Bingo Night. The Loading Dock, 202½ First Ave., hosts Bingo Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Enjoy prizes plus food and beer specials. LoadingDockSandpoint.com. 208-265-8080

23-25 Oscar-Nominated Shorts. The Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., hosts a screening of this year's Oscar-nominated Shorts at 7:30 p.m. each night (nominations are announced Jan. 24). Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and children, and $4 children ages 13 and under. Panida.org. 208-263-9191

24 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Emily Baker, a soulful singer with a soft, sweet, mellow sound. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

24 7th Annual Adult Spelling Bee. It’s a Spell-a-bration! The Bonner County Daily Bee hosts the 7th Annual Adult Spelling Bee at 6:30 p.m. in the Sandpoint Event Center, 414 Church St. Team participants can sign up by contacting David Keyes at 208-263-9534 or e-mail dkeyes@bonnercountydailybee.com. Entry fee is $125 per team; limited to 15 teams total. Proceeds benefit literacy. And if you're a spectator, come on out and see the best spellers compete while enjoying free admission, plus food and drinks. Fun for everyone!

24 The Terrible Buttons, plus Cedar & Boyer with Holly McGarry. Eichardt's, 212 Cedar St., hosts a great live music event at 7:30 p.m. featuring Cedar & Boyer (cedarandboyer.com) with Holly McGarry, who will open up for The Terrible Buttons. The Terrible Buttons (terriblebuttons.com) are a lively, entertaining and very talented band out of Spokane. This will be a fun show at Eichardt's and one you won't want to miss! No cover.

24-25 Outrageous Air Show. Join four-time World Champion Steve Omischi and Olympic Gold Medalist Jean Marc Rozon as they jump with other members of the team during the Yoke's Outrageous Air Show at Schweitzer Mountain Resort both Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25. This exciting event includes old-school aerial maneuvers and new-school freestyle tricks that are sure to make everyone's jaws drop! Free admission. And don't miss themed after-parties in Taps each night. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

24-26 Library Wine Tasting Weekend. Taste past vintages of Merlot (a month of “Merlove”) and receive 10 percent off all library wines at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., during the Library Wine Tasting Weekend. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

25 SHS Grad Night Auction Gala. Sandpoint Events Center hosts the annual Sandpoint High School Grad Night Auction Gala featuring a catered dinner by Ivano's plus live and silent auctions. Event proceeds help fund the end-of-the-year Grad Night party for Sandpoint High School's senior class of 2012. Sandpoint has been successfully providing a secure, safe setting for new graduates since 1974 by throwing an all-night celebration at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. So come on out to this great fundraiser, enjoy a delicious dinner, and bid on some fanastic items. Tickets to the auction gala are only $15 per person, or two for $25; available in advance at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., or Dub's Drive-In at the corner of Highway 2 and Boyer. 208-290-2600

26 Winter Carnival's K9 Keg Pull. Enjoy the fun and excitement of a dog-pull competition in the alley next to Eichardt's Pub and Grill on Cedar St. This event is part of the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, and is open to all dogs - registration required. Fee proceeds are donated to the Panhandle Animal Shelter.

-- This week's events happening through Sunday, March 4

28 Tuesdays with Mike. Trinity at City Beach, 58 Bridge St., hosts Tuesdays with Mike from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Every week, Mike hosts a different special musical guest! Enjoy live acoustic music, along with food and drink specials. TrinityatCityBeach.com. 208-255-7558

28 Trivia Night. Mickduff's Brewing Company, 312 N. First Ave., hosts Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Arrive early to make sure your team gets a table - it fills up fast! Prizes and bragging rights to the winning team. Mickduffs.com. 208-255-4351

Here is what's coming up in March!

2 Student Art Show Reception. POAC opens the annual Student Art Show with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Power House. Exhibit runs through April 9. ArtinSandpoint.org. 208-263-6139

2-3 The Follies. Angels over Sandpoint celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Follies with two different shows at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) running over two weekends in the Panida (see March 9-10, below). This charitable fundraiser is filled with zany acts, and to commemorate the anniversary they will be bringing back all-time favorites plus new performances. Remember to get a little crazy with your costume – and most importantly, have fun! Warning: This show is definitely not for the easily offended; must be 21 to attend. Tickets are $25, now on sale at Eichardt's, Petal Talk and Eve's Leaves; also on Sandpoint Online in the General Store (Note: Tickets purchased online are charged a $2 per ticket handling fee). Proceeds fill the Angels Over Sandpoint coffers.

2-4 Gun 'n' Horn Show. The Bonner County Sportsmen sponsor the 29th annual Gun 'n' Horn Show at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Buy, sell or trade! It's a fun event for the entire family with an Archery Alley for the kids and more. There will also be free horn scoring (horns must be turned in from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, and left on display all weekend. Hours for the show are noon to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Admission is $4 per person, free for kids age 11 and younger; or $10 for a weekend pass. Funds raised go to wildlife projects in the Sandpoint area, as well as supporting the Wildlife Building at the Fairgrounds. Bonner County Sportsmen offer two college scholarships, and maintain the indoor shooting range on Lake Street. 208-263-9117

3 Deschutes Base Camp for Beer Fanatics. Deschutes Brewery pours beer at multiple locations throughout Schweitzer Mountain Resort, combined with fun competitions and activities for this hilarious “base camp.” Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

-- This week's events happening through Sunday, March 11

6 Winter Goldsprint. Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair and Laughing Dog Brewing sponsor a Winter Goldsprint at 6 p.m. at Laughing Dog Brewery, 1109 Fontaine Dr. in Ponderay. If you can ride a bike, you can Goldsprint. Goldsprints are bike races on rollers with the forks fixed. Two riders battle it out head-to-head for 500 meters at speeds in excess of 60 mph in front of a cheering crowd. Enter in the double elimination tournament field and/or call out your friends (or friendemies) to a single grudge match. All equipment is supplied, just bring your legs and lungs. In the end, it's all biking fun. The series ends with championships on March 13. $5 entry fee, and $1 grudge match. Call Greasy Fingers at 208-255-4496 or visit GreasyFingersBikes.com for more information.       

9 Contra Dance. The Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department partners with Emily Faulkner and Lost Horse Press to offer the Contra Dance Series. Dances are held at 7 p.m. in the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., on the second Friday of each month through May. Join other dancing enthusiasts for live music and dancing until 10:30 p.m. Previous dancing experience is not necessary, all ages are welcome, and you don’t have to bring a partner. $5 donation is suggested. 208-263-3613

9-10 The Follies. Angels over Sandpoint celebrates the 10th anniversary of The Follies with two shows at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) running over two weekends in the Panida (see March 2-3, above). This charitable fundraiser is filled with zany acts, and to commemorate the 10th anniversary they will be bringing back all-time favorites as well as new performances. Remember to get a little crazy with your costume – and most importantly, have fun! Warning: This show is definitely not for the easily offended; must be 21 to attend. Tickets are $25, now on sale at Eichardt's, Petal Talk and Eve's Leaves; also on Sandpoint Online in the General Store (Note: Tickets purchased online are charged a $2 per ticket handling fee). Proceeds fill the Angels Over Sandpoint coffers.

10 Vertical Express for Can Do MS. Annual event at Schweitzer to benefit the Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

11 Grom Stomp. Schweitzer hosts a grom-sized slopestyle and boardercross competition specifically designed for those ages 6-11. Schweitzer.com. 263-9555

11 Bingo Fundraiser for Kinderhaven. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts a Bingo Fundraiser for Kinderhaven from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m., and all proceeds benefit Kinderhaven. 208-265-3557

11 The He Said ... She Said ... Folk Tour. The Panida's Little Theater on First Avenue hosts The He Said … She Said … Folk Tour at 7:30 p.m. featuring The Shook Twins and John Craigie in concert. Learn more about the Shook Twins at ShookTwins.com. Admission is $12 in advance; and $15 at the door. Panida.org. 208-263-9191

-- This week's events happening through Sunday, March 18

16 Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival. The Pearl Theater, 7160 Main St. in Bonners Ferry, hosts the Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Celebrate the beauty and fun of the human-powered winter backcountry experience through a selection of award-winning films from around the globe. Feel the thrill of biking, rafting and skiing through Denali, kayaking an icy paradise and skiing the unknown slopes of Morocco - all from the comfort of your seat, with a beverage of choice in your hand! Cafe will be serving an unlimited soup bowl, as well. Door prizes, raffle and a no-host bar complete the evening. Tickets are $5, sold at the door. Sponsored by the Idaho Conservation League and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. IdahoConservation.org. 208-265-9565

16-18 Stomp Games. Region’s best riders compete for serious prizes featuring ridercross and slopestyle competitions while spectators are treated to phenomenal stunts at Schweitzer. Schweitzer.com. 263-9555

16-17, 23-24 Separate Checks. The Panida's Little Theater on First Avenue hosts the one-act play Separate Checks, by Chris Heron and Sandpoint Onstage. Admission is $10 adults and $7 seniors. Panida.org. 208-263-9191

17 KPND Ski and Board Party. Jalapeños, 314 N. 2nd Ave., hosts the KPND Ski and Board Party. Join Glen Lefay and Mike Deprez for an evening of fun, prizes and more. 208-263-2995

30 Boston Brass. Pend Oreille Arts Council presents the Boston Brass, at 7:30 p.m. in the Panida Theater, as part of the Performance Arts Series. For nearly 25 years, Boston Brass has created a one-of-a-kind musical experience with exciting classical arrangements, burning jazz standards and the best of the original brass quintet repertoire. It’s an evening of great music and boisterous fun. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 POAC members, $10 youth ages 15 and under, available through POAC (ArtinSandpoint.org). 208-263-6139

30-31 24 Hours of Schweitzer. Registration is now open for the fourth annual 24-hour ski-a-thon, 24 Hours of Schweitzer, which is held beginning Friday, March 30 and ending Saturday, March 31. Race categories include solo, three-person teams, and four-person teams, and money raised helps fund research for cystinosis. Learn more about Hank and how to help by reading a 24 Hours of Schweitzer press release; register by calling 208-610-2131 or online at 24HoursofSchweitzer.com. 208-610-2131

31 Business Showcase. The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Showcase at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit SandpointChamber.org or call 208-263-2161.

Here is what’s happening in April!

7-8 Tropical Daze. Season-ending festival at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, including Pond Skimming and Rotary Ducky Derby on Saturday, and the Downhill Dummy Derby on Sunday. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

8 Bingo Fundraiser for Kinderhaven. Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 S. Olive Ave., hosts a Bingo Fundraiser for Kinderhaven from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m., and all proceeds benefit Kinderhaven. 208-265-3557

13 Contra Dance. The Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Emily Faulkner and Lost Horse Press to offer the Contra Dance Series. Dances are held at 7 p.m. in the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., on the second Friday of each month through May. Join other dancing enthusiasts for live music and dancing until 10:30 p.m. Previous dancing experience is not necessary, all ages are welcome, and you don’t have to bring a partner. A $5 donation is suggested. 208-263-3613

14-15 PBCA Home and Garden Show. The Bonner County Fairgrounds hosts the Home and Garden Show, sponsored by the Panhandle Building Contractors Association. The two-day event features more than 50 vendors for your home and garden projects. Free admission. PanhandleBCA.com. 208-263-4367

20 Diamonds in the Rough. POAC art opening reception, 5:30 p.m. in the Old Power House. Exhibit runs through June 15. ArtinSandpoint.org. 208-263-6139

22 Sandpoint's Annual Earth Day Celebration 2012. Come celebrate Earth Day with our community during the Annual Earth Day Celebration, happening from noon to 4 p.m. at the Old Granary District (across from Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters on Church Street). This family-fun celebration includes exhibition booths, fun-filled kids' activities, community service-learning projects, live music, food and beverages. 208-946-6960

27 Annual Wine Tasting, Dinner and Auction. The Festival at Sandpoint hosts their Annual Wine Tasting, Dinner and Auction fundraiser at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. FestivalatSandpoint.com. 208-265-4554

28-May 6 K&K Spring Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s annual spring fishing contest. LPOIC.org. 208-264-5796

Here is what’s happening in May!

Every Saturday and Wednesday, May through Oct.: Sandpoint Farmers Market. This open-air market of fresh produce, garden starts, handcrafts, flowers, food and music runs for the season at Farmin Park.

5 High Tea. Angels Over Sandpoint host an elegant High Tea fundraiser. AngelsOverSandpoint.org. 877-544-4399

11 Contra Dance. The Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Emily Faulkner and Lost Horse Press to offer the Contra Dance Series. Dances are held at 7 p.m. in the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave., on the second Friday of each month through May. Join other dancing enthusiasts for live music and dancing until 10:30 p.m. Previous dancing experience is not necessary, all ages are welcome, and you don’t have to bring a partner. A $5 donation is suggested. 208-263-3613

17-20 Lost in the ’50s. Annual retro celebration in Sandpoint includes a downtown classic car parade and show, rock 'n' roll concerts at the fairgrounds, and more. Lostinthe50s.org. 208-265-LOST

25 The BoDeans in Concert. The Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., hosts a concert with The BoDeans at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Best known for their mid-'90s Billboard Top 20 hit anthem "Closer to Free," The BoDeans are still rocking and harmonizing with tours across the U.S. 208-263-9191

Summer Sounds at Park Place. Free concert series with shows every Saturday, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend at Park Place stage, corner of First and Cedar. ArtinSandpoint.org. 208-263-6139