Friday, Feb 14

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.

PDO WINERY BLOCK PARTY!

Just following the Parade of Lights, the Pend d’Oreille Winery hosts a block party in the street before 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.

POST-PARADE PARTY

Here’s a great way to warm up after the Parade of Lights: Connie’s Cafe & Lounge invites everyone into the lounge at Fourth and Main for live music, craft cocktails and an evening of community and fun. Step into the restaurant for an array of Valentine’s Day specials for you and your sweetheart, including prime rib, lobster raviolis with vodka sauce, craft cocktails and sweet, sweet desserts.

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP PARTY @ BELLA TERRA

Bella Terra Boutique‘s annual “Celebrating Love & Friendship” Valentine’s Party 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. Plus, they’re keeping it secret … but watch for Bella Terra to unveil a big surprise during the parade! More info at BellaTerraBoutique.com.

VALENTINE’S DAY IN SANDPOINT!

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 DAY DINNER EVENT @ MARIGOLD

Marigold Bistro, the 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, by calling 208-253-9514 or go to MarigoldBistro7B.com.

ENJOY A SLEIGH RIDE, DINNER & CONCERT

Out at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, the ranch hosts its annual Valentine’s Day sleigh ride, dinner, and concert event. Sleigh rides can be scheduled at 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30. Maria Larson’s brand of light romantic jazz will provide the evening’s musical entertainment. Dinner will be blue cheese stuffed tenderloin and garlic shrimp skewers. Sleigh rides this evening are group sleigh rides. Cost for this event is $130 for adults and $75 for children ages 6-12. A no-host bar will be available to purchase beer and wine. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (208) 263-9066 or click to email.

SCHWEITZER

Schweitzer kicks off Winter Carnival with happy hour at its outdoor Snow Bar in the village, 3-7 p.m.; inside, blues master John Firshi will perform in the Taps lounge 3-6 p.m. Schweitzer.com.

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5:30-8:30pm Live Music by Mike & Sadie Wagoner, Custom Hat Bar with Brim&Band, Permanent Jewelry & Piercing Bar with Linked Studios, Food & Drink specials, and Cupcake & Sparkling wine pairing.

Saturday, Feb 15

SCHWEITZER EVENTS

It’s President’s Day weekend 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 WITH THE PONIES

One of Sandpoint’s most exciting art-and-culture projects currently in the making, The Carousel of Smiles, is holding this Valentine’s Day-adjacent event at its new location at 502 Church Street. Old-time fiddlers will be playing 2-5 p.m., while visitors may come as early as 11 a.m. to see the amazing art and craftsmanship that is going into the restoration of the classic 36-pony carousel. An original Allan Herschell carousel from circa 1920, carved in the “Country Fair Style” for which Herschell was famous, it is one of only about 150 remaining “golden age” carousels operating around the country. The event is free … though donations are gratefully accepted! TheCarouselOfSmiles.org.

SLEIGH RIDE, DINNER AND CONCERT

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch extends the Valentine’s weekend with a dinner, sleigh ride, and concert event. The evening starts with a journey through the ranch woods on a two-horse open sleigh, followed by a dinner of slow-roasted prime rib and Chicken Marsala with all the fixings in the log lodge. The concert follows, featuring  Nick Canger with his brand of pure country. The complete package is $130.00 per person, $75.00 for children ages 6 to 12, and children ages 5 and under are free. Beer and wine can be purchased additionally. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (208) 263-9066 or click to email.

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 invoke the feeling of the Fleetwood Mack 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. Get more information, and tickets, at LiveFromTheHive.com.

‘CONFUSIUM’ COMEDY MAGIC SHOW

A grand cast of finger flickers, mental manipulators and grand delusionists will perform some of the wildest magic and illusions you’ve ever seen – all served up with a heaping helping of humor. Featuring Sandpoint local David DaVinci, and the bird act that won him the title of International Champion of Magic. Other prestidigitators will include Cameron Brow, Quentin Scott, Nathan Lee, Lam Chan, and Cecil Lewis. At the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. Get tickets in advance at Panida.org, or at the door if not sold out.

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Mobius Riff 5:30pm-8:30pm

219 Lounge

Sandpoint’s favorite jamgrass band, Headwaters, returns to the Niner on Saturday evening at 9pm (21+, NO COVER).  This isn’t some old backwoods, porch bluegrass. This is some get down, boogie, kick up the dust funk / jam grass. It’s always a good time when the boys grace our little stage so we hope to see everyone out!  We love when these guys come around and we know you will too! Huzzah!  More info at www.219lounge.com

Sunday, Feb 16

SCHWEITZER

The Winter Carnival action is heavy on the mountain for Presidents’ Weekend. Special haps in the village include the Snow Bar, free Coca Cola tastes and samples of Kate’s Real Food organic snacks. The Kenny James Miller Band will perform in Taps 3-6 p.m., leading up to the keystone event, the Let It Glow Parade and Fireworks at 6 p.m. The band Glizzi will top off the night, 7-10 p.m. in Taps. Schweitzer.com.

TEA TIME SERENADE AT THE MUSIC CONSERVATORY

The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint is our town’s school for performing arts … and the Tea Time Serenade puts the winter faculty on stage. The conservatory’s Little Carnegie Hall in the historic original City Hall will be the venue for this exposition of warm classical music by the extraordinarily talented MCS faculty All proceeds benefiting the youth of our community who wish to learn to sing or play an instrument. At 110 Main Street, 2-3 p.m. More information and tickets at SandpointConservatory.org.

International Wildlife Film Festival

Enjoy some of the world’s most inspiring wildlife films at The Hive, starting 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 p.m.). The showing is a fundraiser for a group of Sandpoint area students who will be traveling to the Dominican Republic in June to work on marine restoration projects. LiveFromTheHive.com

OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORTS @ THE PANIDA

Two showings of Oscar nominees! First, see five of the top animated short film nominees, in a matinee screening at 2 p.m. Then see five different nominated live action shorts at 7 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes in advance of each show. Tickets at the door in in advance at Panida.org.

219 Lounge

Upcoming Sunday Show: The Jauntee Returns!  Join us for another unforgettable Sunday night as The Jauntee makes their long-awaited return to 219 Lounge on February 16, 2025! Their last performance here—a sold-out show—was such a hit that it was even released on vinyl. If that night was any indication, this is a show you won’t want to miss.  Why Sunday shows at the Niner are the best?  We back them up to a holiday—so you can enjoy the music, dance the night away, and take full advantage of your Monday off! Doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm.   $15 (advance / day of.)  Limited seating.  🎟 Tickets: Get yours now! Tickets will also be available at the door.

Monday, Feb 17

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.

Tuesday, Feb 18

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 8 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 19

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.

WINTER CARNIVAL LIVE TRIVIA @ CONNIE’S

Bring your team of best trivia enthusiasts, or buddy up with others, at Connie’s Lounge at 7 p.m. for competitive quizzing by trivia master Toshi. Everyone’s  invited; entry fee $5 per player.

219 Lounge

2/19 Day returns again (because the world keeps spinning)! We’ll have some $2.19 specials starting at 2:19pm and running for 2 hours and 19 mins! and our friends BTP will be hanging out from 6-9pm to keep the fun alive! Classic rock and maybe a sprinkle of Yacht rock, it’s all the good stuff you want and no fluff!  6-9pm (music portion), 21+, NO COVER

Thursday, Feb 20

SCHWEITZER

There’s fun to be had on the hill. One event of distinction for snowboarders: Never Summer Snowboards is kicking off a three-day demo event with free demos on their handcrafted all-mountain, freestyle or powder boards… for free. Must have driver’s license and credit/debit card. Get details on all the day’s mountain happenings, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

‘THE SLED HILL’ PREMIERE

“The Sled Hill” is a new and hotly anticipated short film from Tanner French Films that tells the story of Sandpoint’s historic sledding hill, acquired just last year by the Kaniksu Land Trust as an adjunct to the community forest at Pine Street Woods. The evening kicks off with a pre-showing mixer, followed by the film and then a showing of Patagonia’s “Fire Lines” — a powerful story about fire, trails and forging a brighter future and featuring local Pend Oreille Pedalers strategic advisor, Greg Williams. Showtime is 6 p.m. with doors open at 5, at the Panida Theater downtown. See more and get tickets.

Comin’ Home The Band @ Matchwood

Special for Winter Carnival, the husband-and-wife songwriting team Comin’ Home the Band will play their acoustic bluesy rock with strong vocals, emotive harmonies and expressive guitar. At Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St., 5:30-8 p.m. MatchwoodBrewing.com

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Paint & Sip: Paint a beautiful snowy mountain landscape with Nicole Black! Sign up here. 5:30pm-8pm.

Friday, Feb 21

SCHWEITZER

Tubing and night skiing are among the haps on the hill as Winter Carnival enters its concluding weekend. Also among events on-mountain is the Never Summer Snowboard Demo. The Colorado-based Never Summer will be providing free demos on their handcrafted all-mountain, freestyle or powder boards… for free. Must have driver’s license and credit/debit card. 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.

NU JACK CITY @ THE HIVE

“There ain’t no party like a Nu Jack City Party!” And just to prove it, this Motown-Soul-R&B band from Spokane will rock The Hive downtown, starting at 7 p.m. Private VIP booths available. Tickets and info at LiveFromTheHive.com.

SPOKANE IS DEAD IN CONCERT

The acclaimed tribute band, Spokane is Dead, will light up the Panida Theater with the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead played true-to-form by this six-piece band. They promise a full night of Dead and Jerry Garcia Band favorites. At 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30. Tickets in advance at Panida.org.

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Limited availability- customize your own Classic Cowboy or Australian Wool hat! 5:30pm.  Live Music: Son of Brad 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Sandpoint Winter Carnival Chili Cook Off

It’s time for our annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival Chili Cook Off. Make your best pot of chili and enter, or just swing by and just taste test. All entries in by 3pm. Tasting will start at 3 and goes till 4:45. Everyone is a judge. Stop in, it will be fun! Votes will be counted at 5pm and prizes will be awarded soon after.
1st place is $200.00 dollars and the Golden Ladel.  |  2nd place is $100.00 dollars  |  3rd place is $50.00   Location:  Pierce Auto Center, 30 Gun Club Rd, Sagle ID 83860

Saturday, Feb 22

SCHWEITZER

There’s no shortage of fun activities on the mountain. Among events on-mountain is the concluding day of the Never Summer Snowboard Demo. The Colorado-based Never Summer will be providing free demos on their handcrafted all-mountain, freestyle or powder boards… for free. Must have driver’s license and credit/debit card.

Additional events are in the works. See more, plus all the info for a full ski or snowboarding day, at Schweitzer.com.

FAMILY DAY ON THE BRIDGE

The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is celebrating its 1-Year 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.-5 p.m., in the heart of downtown at Cedar Street and First Avenue.

TOASTYFEST @ MATCHWOOD

Matchwood Brewing, Evans Brothers Coffee and Toasty Mobile Saunas are bringing the Winter Carnival to Sandpoint’s Granary District with ToastyFest. From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy this celebration to promote family-friendly wellness, community gathering and getting toasty together. The event will feature a fun run/walk, movement, recovery, hydration, nutrition, comfort, mindfulness, DJ Lady Oda, dancing, toasting and more. Get more info at MatchwoodBrewing.com.

MARGARITA DAY @ JALAPENO’S

Just in case you didn’t know … February 22 is National Margarita Day! And Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant will be celebrating this great day of appreciation for the classic cocktail with specials on all its margaritas. Jalapeños will also offer some margarita flights and a special margarita just for the special day. Open 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., downtown at 314 N. Second Avenue. SandpointJalapenos.com

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Live Music: Dario Rè 5:30pm-8:30pm

219 Lounge

Big Phatty and the Inhalers come back for an end of February Saturday night party!  Led by Steve Rush and featuring Sheldon Packwood, Ali Thomas and Liam McCoy, Big Phatty and the Inhalers craft a show around all the classic rock and some soul you could want. A smashing night of music!

Sunday, Feb 23

SCHWEITZER

Wrap up Winter Carnival on the mountain with some famously fine skiing and snowboarding. Plus, it’s Transceiver Sunday for all backcountry buffs who own a transceiver. Make sure you’ve mastered your transceiver’s use should an avalanche ever strike, with a free practice session led by Schweitzer Ski Patrol at one of the mountain’s two beacon parks. Just bring your gear and meet at the clock tower at 10 a.m. for some potentially life-saving instruction. 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

SANDPOINT CENTENNIAL FILM @ THE PANIDA

This classic film, Sandpoint at the North End of the Long Bridge, was created for the Sandpoint Centennial in 2001 by Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Daarstad. It tells the story of Sandpoint’s history from prehistoric days until the centennial anniversary, featuring interviews with beloved locals. Enjoy an intermission Q&A with some of the filmmakers, including screenwriter Sandy Compton. The showing will be split into two parts, early and modern history; come for one or both. Presented by the Bonner County Historical Society and the Panida Theater, the film shows at the Panida, 300 N. First Avenue. Doors open at 12:30, show begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, at the door or in advance at Panida.org; kids under 12 are free! BonnerCountyHistory.org

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Live Music: Fiddlin’ Red 1pm-4pm