November 2024
21 Anticipated Schweitzer Opening Day. Of course, it's dependent on the weather, so keep at eye on Schweitzer.com for the most up-to-date-info.
23-30 K&K Thanksgiving Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club's annual fall fishing contest. Derby will not be held on Thanksgiving day. LPOIC.org.
28 Annual Turkey Trot. Join Litehouse YMCA and Sandpoint Parks and Rec for Sandpoint's Annual Turkey Trot food drive. This low key, untimed event features a 5K, 10K, or whatever distance you want to run or walk (no bikes please). This run is free with your donation to the food bank. Signed waiver required (minors need a parent or guardian signature).
29 Tree Lighting and Santa's Arrival Tree lighting ceremony at Jeff Jones Town Square and visit from Santa opens the holiday season in Sandpoint. DowntownSandpoint.com. 208-255-1876
30 Festival of Trees: Friends & Family Event. It's a free CREC event held at the Hive, 207 N. First Ave. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get pictures with Santa, have some cookies & cocoa. Kids will have free crafts and activities to join in on. There's so much fun to be had. Get more info at CRECIdaho.com.
December 2024
7 Festival of Trees Gala & Live Auction. Take part in this glamorous holiday event hosted at the Hive, 207 N. First Ave. from 5:30-10 p.m. Raise your paddle and bid on some beautiful holiday tree's, enjoy a catered dinner, and more - all to help raise funds for CREC. Get more info at CRECIdaho.com.
23-24 Ski with Santa. Santa will be sliding the slopes around Schweitzer before he begins his travels around the world! You'll be able to catch Santa cruising around several beginner and intermediate runs so be on the lookout! He'll have candy to pass out to all the GOOD girls and boys! For more information, visit Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081
31 Taps New Years Eve. Join the party at Taps on Schweitzer for New Years Eve. There will be live music, late night snacks, and a midnight champagne toast. For the most up to date information, or to purchase tickets, go to Schweitzer.com.
31 Schweitzer Family Friendly New Years Eve Tubing Party. Come bring the family up the hill and enjoy a tubing party to celebrate the end of the year at Schweitzer.com.
January 2025
1 Polar Bear Plunge. Join this annual event starting at 11 a.m. at the Sandpoint City Beach boat launch. The event is free and open to the public, and food donations are being accepted for the Bonner Community Food Bank.
9-12 Insanity Fab Winter Challenge 2025. North Idaho Mud and Crawl invites you to join the best off-road race in the PNW. 4X4 and SXS welcome. Keep an eye out for updates. Check the Facebook event here.
10 Annual Backcountry Film Festival. Join SOLE for the Annual Backcountry Film Festival. This event will be held at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. Find out more about the youth outdoor education program that the event supports by clicking here.
18 Northern Lights at Schweitzer. Fireworks light up the evening over Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend. Festivities start at 6 p.m. Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081
15 CHAFE 150 Registration begins. Sandpoint Rotary hosts the annual 150-mile CHAFE bike ride through Montana and Idaho, along with an 80-mile option and Family Fun Ride. Proceeds benefit the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Literacy Initiative and after-school reading programs. Get more information CHAFE150.org.
17-19 Banff Mountain Film Festival. The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Films are on mountain culture, sport, lifestyle or environment. Shows will be at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. The shows on the 17th and 18th will be at 7:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. on the 19th. A different program is shown each night. Get tickets at Panida.org.
25 Winter Trails Day. Enjoy complimentary Nordic Trail fees at Schweitzer to celebrate Winter Trails Day. Schweitzer.com.
February 2025
2 Tickets on Sale for The Follies. Get your tickets for one of the craziest shows of the year, The Follies. Held at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. Tickets will be available at Panida.org.
*Annual Heart Ball. The Bonner General Health Foundation's annual Heart Ball will be held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Get tickets at: BonnerGeneral.org.
14 Parade of Lights. The kickoff to the annual Winter Carnival, this parade of lights will move through downtown Sandpoint starting at 5:30 p.m. at the City parking lot. Check SandpointWinterCarnival.com for the most up to date information on times.
14-23 Sandpoint Winter Carnival. Our town's "antidote to cabin fever" includes piles of live music, festivals and events for kids and adults all around the downtown; major happenings up on Schweitzer including the "Let it Glow" fireworks show; sleigh and wagon rides at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, and more. See the complete schedule, at SandpointWinterCarnival.com.
15-17 Presidents' Weekend Celebration & Let it Glow Fireworks Show. Enjoy this fireworks show at Schweitzer where they will be celebrating over President's Weekend with the "Let it Glow!" kids parade and fireworks show. Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081
March 2025
7-8 The Follies. The Angels Over Sandpoint's signature fundraiser, the Follies, presents some of the best talent Sandpoint has to offer. This is a politically incorrect adult variety show with delightfully raunchy themes. AngelsOverSandpoint.org/events or on Facebook here.
1-3 Annual Gun 'N Horn Show. The Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer, hosts their annual event the first full weekend in March. Admission is $5, and kids 11 and under are free. Buy, sell, and trade guns, hunting accessories, knives, hides, taxidermy, and more.
Mega Alpine and Snowboard Demo Day. Schweitzer Resort hosts region's largest demo day event featuring new gear from more than 13 manufacturers. All proceeds benefit Panhandle Alliance Education as part of Public Education Week. Prize drawings, samples and more! Get more info here.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival. A Curated collection of independent films about wild places and the people working to protect them. Held at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave.
April 2025
5-6 Sandpoint Home & Garden show. This event will be held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Rd. NIBCA Home and Garden Show bring homeowners together with the area's top building experts and remodelers.
Schpring Finale 2023. At Schweitzer they like to say "weschud" celebrate Schpring skiing." This classic Schweitzer celebration closes out the ski year, with a Cardboard Box Derby, Rotary fundraiser, costumes and prizes Schweitzer.com.
K&K Spring Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club holds their annual spring fishing derby on Lake Pend d'Oreille. There are many prizes to be won, and multiple categories and divisions. For more information see the LPOIC Facebook page, or visit LPOIC.org.
May 2025
K&K Spring Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club holds the 76th annual spring fishing derby on Lake Pend d'Oreille. There are many prizes to be won, and multiple categories and divisions. For more information see the LPOIC Facebook page, or visit LPOIC.org.
Sandpoint Farmers Market Opening Day. Shop for fresh produce and artisan goods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; market is held Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. through October 12th in downtown Sandpoint's Farmin Park. SandpointFarmersMarket.com.
3: 3/4 Minus Cykeltur. This event is a timed gravel grinder consisting of two different routes. The 52-mile One-Humper, and the 76-mile Two-Humper. Both routes follow mixed surface secondary roads, and the Two-Humper includes a four-mile twist of single-track trail. More info.
Silverwood Opening Day. Silverwood Theme Park opens its gates for the 2024 season. Come out and ride our world-class coasters and enjoy making family memories! SilverwoodThemePark.com.
16-17 Lost in the 50's. Lost in the 50's is a time honored tradition in Sandpoint. Enjoy a car show, parade, and, usually, a couple of hot dance concerts. Check out their website here. Always held the third weekend of May.
June 2025
Sandpoint Renaissance Faire. Join for two days of fine entertainment, eclectic merchants and a joyous atmosphere. Turkey Legs, Fairy supplies, Jewelry for your finery, Chainmail, and Pottery. All of your medieval needs will be available and met! Costumes are encouraged and admired! Event will be held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Rd. For more information, check SandpointRenFaire.com
POAC ArtWalk. Join POAC's annual Art Walk. Local artisans, galleries, and business owners throughout downtown Sandpoint collaborate each summer for an event designed to showcase all that our unique town has to offer. ArtWalk gives artist members and other local artists a chance to exhibit their work and encourages all ages to explore this free city-wide event. ArtInSandpoint.org.
Schweitzer Summer Opening Day. Schweitzer's summer season kicks off with village activities and scenic chairlifts. Come up for hiking, biking, and exploring! Schweitzer.com.
2024 CHAFE 150. Sandpoint Rotary presents the Annual CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo, named one of the top charity rides in the U.S.! The ride takes place in Sandpoint, Idaho, the "Most Beautiful Small Town in the USA." The 150 mile route is a grand loop around the Cabinet Mountains. CHAFE offers magnificent 100, 80, 40, and 30 mile routes, and a family fun ride for riders of any level! Proceeds benefit the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Literacy Initiative and after-school reading programs. Registration opens soon. Get more information CHAFE150.org.
Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival. Busta Park in Metaline Falls welcomes back the Bigfoot Festival which will feature local businesses, a wide variety of vendors and artisans, Bigfoot researchers, and more. MFBigFoot.com.
Race the Wolf. This Ultra-marathon and trail race series has a course for everyone! The course naturally boasts steep climbs, really fun single track and some super fast two-track. Not to mention the incredible views: they stretch from Lake Pend Oreille to Montana and the Canadian border. This is North Idaho's rugged, scenic beauty at its best. You won't be disappointed! RaceTheWolf.com
Summer Sampler. This event brings Sandpoint's finest restaurants and caterers to a central location in downtown Sandpoint. This has always been one of the most popular events here in Sandpoint, filled with folks who look forward to the opportunity to sample Epicurean delights from our many talented local chefs. SandpointChamber.org.
Annual Art Party. Join in for POAC's big party at the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St. Seating is always limited, so order your tickets today. For more information visit ArtInSandpoint.org.
Sandpoint Summerfest. Sandpoint Summerfest is and experience where you can expect incredible music; performance art; open mic; movement classes; face painting; kids parade; disc golf tournament; magic show; food; free camping; free parking; vendors; and more! The Eureka Institute puts it on, check out the Eureka Institute website here.
28 Monarch Grind. A gravel grinder for cyclists, with start and finish near Clark Fork. Check out SyringaCyclery.com for more info.
July 2025
Fourth of July Celebration. Sandpoint Lions host downtown Parade. Children's parade begins at 9 a.m. and the Grand Parade follows at 10 a.m. To take part in the parade, go to the Lions Club Facebook page or website.
Sandpoint Beerfest. Love a good craft beer ... or how about, more than 20? The annual Beerfest features nearly two dozen handcrafted beers from regional breweries. Entry fee gets you tastes of all of interest, plus a souvenir glass. It's held at the City Beach and those 21+ are welcome to attend! Get tickets.
Pairings in the Pines. A progressive tasting event through Pine Street Woods. Enjoy locally crafted food and thoughtfully selected wines while immersed in the sights and sounds of nature at the forest's edge. Get more info at kaniksu.org/happenings.
Sandpoint Pride Festival. Join PFLAG Sandpoint at the Granary Arts District, 513 Oak St., in celebrating the Sandpoint Pride Festival. For more info click here.
Sandpoint Antique & Classic Boat Show. Public is welcome, and kids activities are available. Come check out the Boat Show at the Sandpoint City Boardwalk, and then watch the Boat Parade up Sand Creek. Check InlandEmpireACBS.com for the most up to date information.
Northwest Wine Fest. Schweitzer hosts its two-day summer wine tasting event. Schweitzer.com.
Spokane to Sandpoint Relay. Two day, 200-mile relay adventure begins at Green Bluff north of Spokane, and finishes on the beach of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint. SpokanetoSandpoint.com.
The Festival at Sandpoint. Enjoy some music under the stars in Sandpoint at the annual music festival held on the banks of Lake Pend d'Oreille! FestivalAtSandpoint.com.
August 2025
Bonner County Rodeo The annual PRCA/WPRA rodeo is held in the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Rd. In conjunction with the PRCA event, there will also be women's barrel racing sanctioned by WPRA (Women's Professional Rodeo Association). SandpointBonnerCountyRodeo.com.
Long Bridge Swim. Held every year on the first Saturday in August, the Long Bridge Swim attracts a wide range of swimmers - including children as young as 7 and a number of swimmers in their 80s! LongBridgeSwim.org.
POAC Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Pend Oreille Arts Council's Annual Arts and Crafts Fair takes place in downtown Sandpoint, and features artist booths, food vendors, and a youth art arena. Artwork exhibited includes sculpture, ceramics, metal, fiber, photography, paintings, mixed media, wood, crafts, and more. ArtinSandpoint.org.
16 Aether's Traverse. This event starts in Sandpoint and takes riders 35 miles westward towards Priest Lake on Baldy Road and then eastward up the Middle Fork of the East River to the Sky House at the top of Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Proceeds are donated to the Pend Oreille Pedalers, and KRFY Public radio. To register, or to learn more, visit SyringaCyclery.com.
Bonner County Fair. Enjoy this old-fashioned country event at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, featuring the Challenge of Champions bull riding, and the Demolition Derby. BonnerCountyFair.com. 208-263-8414
Annual Wings Over Sandpoint Fly-in. Regional pilots fly into Sandpoint Airport. The Fly-in features a breakfast and aircraft display. Sponsored by the Sandpoint EAA Chapter 1441. 208-255-9954
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. A free performance of a classic William Shakespeare play is staged at Lakeview Park, 901 Ontario St., performed by this traveling Montana troupe. Learn more here.
Artists' Studio Tour. An annual self-guided driving tour of working studios through North Idaho. Visit the working studios of painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, potters, glass artists and more. Set your own schedule and enjoy the scenery as you explore the works of familiar favorites and new artists. The tour is completely free of charge. For more information visit ArtInSandpoint.org. 800-800-2106
Fall Fest. Enjoy four days of beer tasting and fun at Schweitzer. Schweitzer.com. Bring your blankets as there will be live music all weekend. The beer tent will be on the tennis courts near the bottom of the Great Escape Quad so you'll never be too far from the beer. The party continues Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
September 2025
Artists' Studio Tour. An annual self-guided driving tour of working studios through North Idaho. Visit the working studios of painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, potters, glass artists and more. Set your own schedule and enjoy the scenery as you explore the works of familiar favorites and new artists. The tour is completely free of charge. For more information visit ArtInSandpoint.org. 800-800-2106
Fall Fest. Enjoy four days of beer tasting and fun at Schweitzer. Schweitzer.com. Bring your blankets as there will be live music all weekend. The beer tent will be on the tennis courts near the bottom of the Great Escape Quad so you'll never be too far from the beer. The party continues Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
WaCanId Ride. Annual Rotarian supported bicycle tour takes cyclists on paved roads encircling the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Canada and Idaho - hence the name WaCanId. The six-day event covers 370 miles/595 kilometers and showcases the International Selkirk Loop's spectacular scenery. WaCanId.org.
Ponderay Neighbor Day. Enjoy a family-friendly community carnival - Ponderay Neighbor Day - that is fun for all ages, held at Harbison Field (behind the Hoot Owl restaurant) in Ponderay. Free activities, plus the event itself is free and open to everyone! Sponsored by the City of Ponderay. CityOfPonderay.org.
Find Your Strength 5k & 1k. Join for the annual Find Your Strength Family Fun Run. The Bonner General Health Foundation is hosting a community 5k/1k beginning and ending at the City Beach. The race concludes with an after-party with kids' activities and more. All are invited to attend the after-party. BonnerGeneral.org/find-your-strength.
TBA Panhandle Overland Rally. Enjoy overland education, booths, live music, camping, overland survival training, and much more. PanhandleOverlandRally.com.
October 2025
Scarywood. Get ready for a month of screams as the theme park you thought you knew just became the nightmare you'll never forget. Experience five haunted attractions, seven scare zones, and most of Silverwood's signature rides in the dark. ScarywoodHaunt.com.
Panhandle Preparedness Expo. The purpose of the Panhandle Preparedness Expo is to raise disaster awareness through education - preparing the community to be more self-sufficient. There will be vendors, speakers, and demonstrations for the whole family. Admission is $5 for one day, or $9 for 2 days. Receive a $1 discount for donating a non-perishable food item to the Bonner County Food Bank. Children 12 and under are free. This event will be held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Rd. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harvest Fest. Sandpoint Farmers Market closes out the season with entertainment, food booths, activities, displays at Farmin Park. SandpointFarmersMarket.com. 208-597-3355