Events at the Sandpoint Winter Carnival

2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Our Winter Carnival crew is hard at work shaping up the 2024 calendar of events.  Right now you can see all the scheduled events … with more yet to come! We hope to see you in Sandpoint, Idaho for our 51st annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival!

Browse by date:

Friday, February 16

PARADE OF LIGHTS!

The kickoff to the 51st year of the annual Winter Carnival, this just-for-fun parade of lights 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. Sponsored by Ting.

THE GREAT WINTER CARNIVAL CHILI COOKOFF

Sandpoint Winter Carnival Chili CookoffThe Winter Carnival Chili Cookoff is back for the second year in a row! If you’re a lover of homemade chili, or have your own mouth-watering recipe, come take part. Hosted by Pierce Auto Center, tasting begins a bit after 3 p.m. and will be well under way by 4 p.m. Everyone is a judge, so come sample all the fine chili and vote on your favorites, plus get your name in the hat for door prizes. Tasting ends by 5 p.m., with winners declared and awarded soon after. First-place wins the coveted Golden Ladle prize of $200; second place garners $100, and third is $50. For all you chili chefs: Everyone is welcome to enter. Just bring in your entry between 2-3 p.m. It’s all happening at Pierce Auto Center, 30 Gun Club Road, Sagle; phone (208) 263-4212.

LIVE MUSIC WITH PAPER FLOWERS @ THE HIVE

Enjoy this Winter Carnival kickoff event at The Hive in downtown Sandpoint, from 7-11 p.m., with the Paper Flowers Remembering Fleetwood Mac concert, featuring the infamous and influential music of Fleetwood Mac’s heyday. This multi-media show will transport you through time to experience Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic hits of the ’70s and ’80s, including a selection of other associated tracks. Get tickets at EventBrite, or click to the LiveFromTheHive.

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. hosts the energetic, eclectic jazz of Bright Moments from 5-8 p.m. Or, head over to Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., starting at 5 p.m. where solo artist Jason Perry will be bringing the funk and vibes all night.

PEGGY REICH SOLO RECITAL

Visiting classical pianist Peggy Reich will present “Ostranenie Musicale,” with a mystifying technique that will make five fingers sound to perform as 10, as she blends melodic tones, harmonic accompaniments, intertwining inner voices and rhythmic flow. At Little Carnegie Hall in the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, 110 Main St. from 7-9 p.m. Tickets at the door, or click to secure them in advance.

SCHWEITZER

Schweitzer kicks off Winter Carnival with a variety of happenings:

• TUBING 11:30-7p
• TWILIGHT SKIING – 3p – 7p
• STARLIGHT RACE SERIES, party in Taps – 4:30 – 6:30p
• YIN YOGA IN CAMBIUM – 4:30P-5:30P
• KIDS NIGHT OUT – 5:30p – 8p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.


Saturday, February 17

SCHWEITZER EVENTS

It’s President’s Day weekend with a host of happenings on the hill, including:

• SNOW BAR FEATURING RADIO BREWERY, GRAND TETON AND NO-LI – all day!
• VINYASA YOGA IN CAMBIUM – 9:30 – 10:30a
• NASTAR – 10a-2p
• HOSTED SUMMIT SNOWSHOE HIKE – 10a – 12p
• TUBING – 11:30a – 7p
• KIDS CRAFT- 1p – 2p
• VILLAGE CAMPFIRE & TREAT ROASTING- 3-4p
• TWILIGHT SKIING – 3p – 7p
• MUSIC IN TAPS BY ADRIAN XAVIER 4-6p & 7-9p
• KIDS NIGHT OUT – 5:30p – 8p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

EAGLES CHILI COOKOFF

If you’re a chili artist yourself, for just $10 you can enter into this chili cook-off. If you merely appreciate the art of the chili, bring your tastebuds and appetite to help judge, with tasting beginning at 5 p.m., at the Eagles Lodge, 1511 Johnny Long Road. Phone (208) 263-3514.

SUN DADDY DRUM CIRCLE

Unleash your primal rhythms with this free drum circle, held 3-5 p.m. at the Embody Center, 823 Main Street. Bring your own drums, rattles, a joyful heart and a chair to sit in, though there will be some rattles and extra drums if you need one. EmbodySandpoint.love

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., hosts Weibe Jammin’, offering a creative selection of songs and a loop pedal sound from 5-8 p.m. Or catch country artist Devon Wade at Barrel 33, 100 N. First Ave. from 5-8 p.m. At Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., starting at 6 p.m., Bonners Ferry band Suspicious PKG will take the stage with a new saxophone player. To cap the evening, 9 p.m.-midnight, the 219 Lounge at 219 First Ave., presents the Mia Kohal Band playing “classic rock, outlaw rock, rock rock and some roll.”

FREE CONCERT WITH HOGWIRE @ THE HIVE

Calling all country music and rock lovers, saddle up and get ready for a hogwild good time. Hogwire is a new group that plays southern rock and music tunes designed to transport audiences to a world of pure rockin’ country bliss. It’s free at The Hive, 207 N. First Ave.; doors open at 7 p.m. for pre-show drink and merriment; the music begins 8:45 p.m. LiveFromTheHive.com

SLEIGH RIDE, DINNER & CONCERT @ WESTERN PLEASURE

Join the folks Western Pleasure Guest Ranch for this entertaining evening, which includes a horse-drawn sleigh ride through tall pines on the ranch property; upon returning to the lodge you will enjoy a fine ranch-style meal with all the fixin’s, followed by live music.  Sleigh rides can be scheduled at 5:00 or 6:00 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. This one will likely sell out, so make reservations soon by calling (208) 263-9066. WesternPleasureRanch.com.


Sunday, February 18

SCHWEITZER

The Winter Carnival action moves up on the mountain. Schweitzer joins with Coca Cola for a celebratory President’s Weekend highlighted a glow parade and fireworks show!

• SNOW BAR FEATURING RADIO BREWERY, GRAND TETON, AND NO-LI- all day!
• HOSTED HERMITS HOLLOW HIKE – 10a – 12p
• NASTAR – 10a – 2p
• TUBING – 11:30a-7p
• KIDS CRAFT – 1p-2p
• TWILIGHT SKIING – 3p – 7p
• VILLAGE CAMPFIRE & TREAT ROASTING– 5-6p
• MUSIC IN TAPS BY SNACKS AT MIDNIGHT – 4-6p & 7-9p
• COCA COLA’S “LET IT GLOW!” NIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORKS! – 6p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

THE JAUNTEE IN CONCERT @ 219 LOUNGE

Wrap up President’s Day Weekend  with a live musical experience from The Jauntee at the 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave. The Jauntee is an electrifying and genre-blending musical ensemble that has captivated audiences with their unique and dynamic sound. Hailing from Boston, this touring band has played at renowned venues across the country and is known for pushing the boundaries of improvisational music as they combine elements of jazz, funk, rock, and psychedelic jams. Band members are Caton Sollenberger (guitar/vocals), Scott Ferber (drums/vocals) Tyler Adams (keys/vocals), and John Loland (bass), who pool their extraordinary talents in a captivating and exhilarating musical synergy. The show is 8-11 p.m.; tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 day of show; click to buy online.


Monday, February 19

SCHWEITZER

The Carnival fun continues on the mountain.

• NASTAR – 10a – 12p
• HOSTED SUMMIT SNOWSHOE HIKE – 10a – 12p
• TUBING – 11:30a-4p
• KIDS CRAFT – 1p-2p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.


Tuesday, February 20

SCHWEITZER

After that packed first weekend of Winter Carnival fun, maybe it’s time to get centered on the mountain.

• FLOW YOGA IN CAMBIUM – 9:30a-10:30a

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

Pianist Jennifer Stoehner will perform classical and contemporary tunes on the grand piano, 5-7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.


Wednesday, February 21

SCHWEITZER

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

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

A Sandpoint musical grandmaster, Peter Lucht will play jazz piano, 5-7 p.m. at the Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.

TRIVIA NIGHT @  CONNIE’S

Head down to Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St. starting at 6 p.m. for Wednesday Trivia with Toshi and Austin. It’s $5 per person; you can play as an individual or with a team of up to four people. First prize is 70 percent off entrees. Second place receives 30 percent off.


Thursday, February 22

SCHWEITZER

There’s fun to be had on the hill.

• MEDITATION IN CAMBIUM – 9a-9:30a
• TUBING – 11:30a-4p
• FLOW YOGA IN CAMBIUM – 4:30p-5:30p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

Award-winning solo artist Buster Brown will play at Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St., from 4:30-5:30 p.m.


Friday, February 23

SCHWEITZER

Tubing and night skiing are among the haps on the hill as Winter Carnival enters its concluding weekend.

• NIGHT SKIING – 3p – 7p
• TUBING – 11:30p – 7p
• STARLIGHT RACE SERIES, PARTY IN TAPS – 4:30 – 6:30p
• YIN YOGA IN CAMBIUM – 4:30P-5:30P
• MUSIC IN TAPS BY BEN AND THE BUDS – 5p-6p & 8p-10p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

HANKERS BARN DANCE & LINE DANCING @ THE HVIE

The Hive, 207 N. First Ave. hosts The Hankers, an award-winning country, rock and bluegrass band. The doors open at 7 p.m. followed by $10 line dancing lessons from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Then, at 8:45 the Hankers will take the stage. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased online, or at the door. 21+. LiveFromTheHive.com

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

The Ronaldos Trio brings blues, jazz and rock to the Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., from 5-8 p.m. Or, head over to Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., starting at 5 p.m. for some smooth harmonies, both vocally and musically from Doug & Marty.


Saturday, February 24

SCHWEITZER

There’s no shortage of fun activities on the mountain.

• VINYASA YOGA IN CAMBIUM – 9:30 – 10:30a
• NASTAR – 10a – 2p
• TUBING – 11:30a – 7p
• KIDS CRAFT – 1p – 2p
• VILLAGE CAMPFIRE – 3p – 4p
• TWILIGHT SKIING – 3p – 7p
• HOSTED MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE HIKE – 3p-7p
• KIDS NIGHT OUT – 5:30p – 8p
• MUSIC IN TAPS BY FINE LINE 4p-7p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

LIVE MUSIC AROUND TOWN

Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., hosts an evening of folk, blues, and 70s-80s tunes with Ponderay Paradox from 5-8 p.m. At Barrel 33, 100 N. First, solo artist Ian Newbill will play 5-8 p.m. Or, at Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St., the Gentleman Cowboy, Karry Leigh, plays at 6 p.m. Topping off the evening, Corn Mash, brings its mix of mostly original rock, swing, blues, country, punk, funk and bluegrass, from 9 p.m.-midnight at the 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave.

THE RUB IN CONCERT @ THE HIVE

The RUB has rocked crowds from the top of Schweitzer mountain to First Night Spokane; the ensemble includes Cary Beare (guitar and vocals), Michael Koep (drums, cymbals and vocals) and Cristopher Lucas (vocals and bass guitar). At the Hive, 207 N. First Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $10 advance; $15 at the door if not sold out. Tix in advance at LiveFromTheHive.com


Sunday, February 25

SCHWEITZER

Schweitzer wraps up its Winter Carnival week with special events.

• HOSTED HERMITS HOLLOW HIKE – 10a – 12p
• NASTAR – 10a – 12p
• TUBING – 11:30a – 4:00p
• KIDS CRAFT – 1p – 2p

See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at 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, so come enjoy the fun out in the street in front of Eichardt’s.

FREE FAMILY FILM ‘COOL RUNNINGS’

One of the closing events of Sandpoint Winter Carnival, and timed to follow the K9 Keg Pull, the inspiring classic film “Cool Runnings” tells the unlikely true story of the Jamaican bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Presented by the Innovia Foundation as one of the 50th anniversary events it is hosting around the region; it’s a free matinee, 2:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave.

TEA TIME SERENADE

The Tea Time Serenade is an opportunity to listen together to the warmth of classical music within the Little Carnegie Hall at the Music Conservatory, 110 Main St. Featuring the extraordinary talent of MCS faculty, with all proceeds benefiting the youth of the community who wish to learn to sing or play an instrument. Tickets $25 Adults, $10 Students available online soon. Starts at 2 p.m. SandpointConservatory.org