Friday, Feb 13

PARADE OF LIGHTS

The annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival always kicks off with this just-for-fun parade of lights that moves through downtown Sandpoint with a small but (ahem) select group of floats by local groups and businesses. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m., proceeding from the city parking lot at Church Street, to Second Avenue, to Main/Oak, to Fourth Avenue, and then return via Church Street. Afterwards, wander the downtown to enjoy libations, with live music in many locales, and fine dining at Sandpoint’s terrific restaurants.

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY BLOCK PARTY

Just following the Parade of Lights, Pend d’Oreille Winery is hosting a block party in front of the winery retail location on Third Avenue, between Cedar and Jeff Jones Square. There will be music, hot cocoa, s’mores, a photo booth, a chance to meet the current reigning Miss Sandpoint USA and Miss Dover USA, live performances, and more! Produced in partnership with The Festival at Sandpoint.

PRE- AND POST-PARADE FUN AT CONNIE’S

Get properly warmed up both before and after the Winter Carnival’s Parade of Lights at Connie’s Cafe & Lounge. Everyone is invited pre-parade to the Hot as Hell Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. with live band and drink specials. Just after the parade, don’t miss the Great Thaw Post-Parade Party with live band, drink specials and bonfire outside. 

LIVE MUSIC AT THE 219 LOUNGE

Come enjoy Whitefish, Montana’s multi-talented Todd Cowart in concert at the 219 Lounge. A touring musician for pushing 30 years, Todd likes to call his one-man-band “Todd & The Drum.” Music starts at 8 p.m. at 219 First Avenue, and there’s no cover.

GALENTINE’S DAY AT BELLA TERRA

Bella Terra Boutique’s annual “Galentine’s Day” kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs right up to the start of the Winter Carnival Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. – which very conveniently passes by right in front of the shop. The party includes a full day of giveaways (while supplies last!), discounts and deals, sips and snacks, permanent jewelry, the Boutique’s iconic photo booth, and much more. Find out more at BellaTerraBoutique.com.

PAPER FLOWERS ‘REMEMBER FLEETWOOD MAC’ CONCERT

Sandpoint’s premier state-of-the-art music venue, The Hive, will light up with a journey through the infamous and influential music of Fleetwood Mac’s heyday, as performed by tribute band Paper Flowers. Their live shows evoke the feeling of Fleetwood Mac in their heyday, around the time of their seminal release, Rumours. Set lists include a range of songs from early recordings into the ‘80s, as well as a selection of tracks with other celebrated artists. Show at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Get more information and tickets at LiveFromTheHive.com.

SLEIGH RIDE, DINNER & CONCERT

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will celebrate Valentine’s weekend with the first of two evenings featuring a sleigh ride, dinner, and concert. Sleigh rides can be scheduled at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 208-263-9066 or click to email.

SCHWEITZER

Schweitzer kicks off Winter Carnival with special events in the village, plus catch live music in the Taps lounge 3-6 p.m. Schweitzer.com.

Saturday, Feb 14

SCHWEITZER EVENTS

The gala President’s Day weekend kicks off on the mountain, with a host of happenings. Get the details, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

CELEBRATE ROMANCE

It’s Valentine’s Day, and what could be sweeter than sharing the special day with your honey in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho? Downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment venues are working up a Cupid’s cornucopia of special offers for the day. Be sure to check back to see special offers for sweethearts!

VALENTINE’S DINNER EVENT @ MARIGOLD BISTRO

Marigold Bistro, Sandpoint’s popular breakfast and lunch spot with atrium dining downtown at 414 Church Street, is hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner event. Click to check the menu; reservations are required. Reserve your table by calling 208-253-9514 or go to MarigoldBistro7B.com.

‘LOVE OR LUCK’ COUPLES’ TRIVIA

Bring your sweetie and try your hand at couple’s Valentine’s Day trivia at Connie’s Cafe & Lounge. The questioning begins at 7 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC WITH AARON GOLAY @ THE 219ER

It’s a repeat visit by Aaron Golay and band The Original Sin when they play the 219 Lounge. Idaho-born Golay blends Americana, roots, rock and soul genres marked with great storytelling, enthralling rhythms and impassioned guitar. He’s won acclaim with three album releases to date … and surely more to come. Music kicks off at 9 p.m.; there’s no cover charge.

ENJOY A SLEIGH RIDE, DINNER & CONCERT

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will host its annual Valentine’s Day sleigh ride, dinner, and concert event. Sleigh rides can be scheduled at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 208-263-9066 or click to email.

PAPER FLOWERS ‘RUMOURS UNPLUGGED’ CONCERT

Sandpoint’s premier state-of-the-art music venue, The Hive, will host a special Valentine’s Day concert featuring music from Fleetwood Mac’s first number-one album, Rumours, as performed by tribute band Paper Flowers. This is a fully seated show. Get more information and tickets at LiveFromTheHive.com.

DROP-IN SWING CLASS AT BARREL 33

Get properly warmed up for Winter Carnival fun with a “Walk the Line” country swing dance class at Barrel 33. Class runs 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the popular wine bar and restaurant, downtown at 100 N. First Avenue. Call 208-920-6258 for more information… or just drop in.

WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET

This year the busy and bustling Sandpoint Farmers Market is having monthly pop-up events during the winter at the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library. Cruise by the library at 1407 Cedar Street for live music, festive vibes, and seasonal shopping among the favorite farmers, bakers and craft makers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Feb 15

SCHWEITZER

The Winter Carnival action is heavy on the mountain for Presidents’ Weekend. Check back for the full lineup as it’s announced. Schweitzer.com.

TEATIME WINTER SERENADE

The outstanding Music Conservatory of Sandpoint hosts an event of live music, warmth, and community. From classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites, conservatory faculty will bring versatility and bravado to this musical matinee … served up with fine teas, of course. It starts at 2 p.m. at the conservatory’s Little Carnegie Music Hall, 110 Main Street downtown.

FLOAT LIKE A BUFFALO IN CONCERT

Reprising their sold-out show from a year ago, Denver-based band Float Like a Buffalo is bringing their bold, horn-heavy sound back to the 219 Lounge in downtown Sandpoint. This powerhouse six-piece band delivers explosive live shows with a cross-genre playlist that blends gritty rock with deep-pocket funk, catchy rhythms and soulful grooves. Why are they here on Sunday? Because the next day is a holiday, so you don’t have to work! Click to see info and get tickets.

Monday, Feb 16

SCHWEITZER

The Carnival fun continues on the mountain for the concluding day of Presidents’ Weekend. Get the details as events are confirmed, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

HEARTHSIDE OPEN BLUEGRASS JAM

Come take in front-porch-style bluegrass with local musicians – and even bring your instrument to join in – at Connie’s Cafe & Lounge. Music kicks off at 5 p.m.

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH KANIKSU LAND TRUST

Bring your head full of assorted (and important!) facts to the Idaho Pour Authority‘s Trivia Night. In partnership with Kaniksu Land Trust, questions will be about Sandpoint Winter Carnival and local conservation activities and history. IPA is donating $1 from each beer sold, and there will be raffles every hour ($5 per ticket or $10 for three) with monies raised going to KLT’s conservation, connection and community resilience work. Arrive by 5:30 p.m. for a comfy seat; questions begin at 6 p.m. At the IPA taphouse, 302 Cedar Street downtown.

Tuesday, Feb 17

LITTLE LIVE RADIO HOUR

The Little Live Radio Hour is a live production of 88.5 KRFY Community Radio featuring accomplished local musicians playing at the Panida Little Theater, 300 First Ave., and also broadcast live at 88.5 FM. It’s free (and fun!) to attend in person, beginning at 7 p.m., or tune in on your trusty radio at 88.5 FM, or by live stream at KRFY.org. Produced in partnership with the Panida Theater and the Festival at Sandpoint.

SCHWEITZER

After that packed first weekend of Winter Carnival fun, maybe it’s time to get centered on the mountain. Check out the Cambium Spa for some excellent choices for relaxation. Get details on other mountain happenings, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

Wednesday, Feb 18

SCHWEITZER

Make it a day full of skiing and snowboarding at Schweitzer … where midweek lift lines are practically nonexistent.  Info and lift tickets at Schweitzer.com.

BRAIN FREEZE TRIVIA THROWDOWN

You better bring a good mind for the cold, hard facts for this trivia throwdown. Entry fee $5. It kicks off at 7 p.m. at Connies Cafe & Lounge. 

Thursday, Feb 19

SCHWEITZER

There’s fun to be had on the hill… and guess what? A midweek visit will practically guarantee short lift lines. Get details on all the day’s mountain happenings, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

PEGS ON FIRE CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT

Think you have what it takes to peg your way to victory? Join in this fun cribbage tourney, kicking off at 6 p.m. at Connies Cafe & Lounge. Entry fee $5.

Friday, Feb 20

SCHWEITZER

Tubing and night skiing are among the haps on the hill as Winter Carnival enters its concluding weekend. More special events for the day are in the works; check back for those, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

JUSTYN PRIEST BAND IN CONCERT

The Justyn Priest Band will be bringing the heat when they light up the 219 Lounge for the carnival’s closing weekend. Hailing from Spokane, Justyn Priest’s hard-luck soul style sets him apart from the standard current rock and roll-blues groups. His original songwriting is inspired by Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Ray Lamontagn, and Marcus King. Music starts at 9 p.m., with no cover charge.

ABBY POSNER IN CONCERT

A talented, in-demand musician for nearly two decades, Abby Posner hails from Los Angeles and brings a multitude of skills on nearly any instrument that she can get her hands on, twisting genres, and pushing the boundaries of folk, roots, electronic, and pop music making her “Genre Fluid.” Her many admirers compare her energy and art to Nickel Creek and The Lumineers. Posner’s songs range from intimate haunting folk songs, to upbeat dance-your-pants-off hits. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the Panida Theater. Get tickets at the door or – just to ensure a seat – in advance at Panida.org.

HOT AS HELL HAPPY HOUR

Ring out the work week with this happy hour at Connies Cafe & Lounge, with a live band and drink specials between 4-6 p.m. 

Saturday, Feb 21

SCHWEITZER

There’s no shortage of fun activities on the mountain. Aside from the premier skiing and snowboarding, additional mountain events are in the works. See more, plus all the info for a full day on the mountain, at Schweitzer.com.

FAMILY DAY ON THE BRIDGE

The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is celebrating its second anniversary of new ownership and management with a fun-filled Family Day! There will be games, face painting, specials, a photo booth, hot cocoa bar and deals throughout the Bridge. Come by for the fun anytime from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown at Cedar Street and First Avenue.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE 219 LOUNGE

One of the favorites at the 219 Lounge is returning to help “put a bow” on Winter Carnival’s concluding weekend. The Kenny James Miller Band brings old-school rock n’ blues bathed in soul and tossed with a good helping of modern low country blues rock. The music begins at 8 p.m., and there’s no cover charge.

COMEDY AVALANCHE AT THE PANIDA

The stellar Comedy Avalanche returns to the Panida Theater for one night only – and bringing a breakout comedian, Brittnay Lyseng. An established Canadian headliner recently cleared to tour in the U.S., Brittnay began her comedy career after 12 years as a “tradesmanwoman” with the desire to lift less and laugh more. She has been featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and was the winner of the 2024 Seattle International Comedy Competition. Presented here by Phillip Kopczynski. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets at the door, or get’em online now.

SANDPOINT PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Pickleheads, bring your best dinks, drives and volleys. Sandpoint’s spanking new James E. Russell Sports Center will play host to a day-long pickleball tournament on its expansive (count ’em!) 14 pickleball courts. The tourney will benefit local firefighters in their Stairclimb fundraiser that supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click to see tourney flyer, or click right now to register online.

Sunday, Feb 22

SCHWEITZER

Wrap up Winter Carnival on the mountain with some famously fine skiing and snowboarding at the biggest and best ski mountain in the Inland Northwest, namely Schweitzer. Check back for special events for the day. Schweitzer.com

EICHARDT’S K9 KEG PULL

It’s the final, and a favorite event of the Winter Carnival week! Dogs and their owners race down a snowy course on Cedar Street in front of Eichardt’s Pub. Dogs pull kegs appropriate to their size – for a St. Bernard, that’s a full-size keg, but for a chihuahua it’s a beer can – as they race the clock for best time and prizes. The day is a fundraiser for the Better Together Animal Alliance pet shelter. Registration starts at 10:15 a.m. with races beginning at 11 a.m. It’s a heart-warming event that draws a cheery crowd canines and their humans, so come enjoy the fun. EichardtsPub.com