Events at the Sandpoint Winter Carnival
2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Our Winter Carnival crew is hard at work shaping up the 2026 calendar of events. Events will be added here as they are confirmed … so check back to see all the fun to come! We hope to see you in Sandpoint, Idaho for our 53rd annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival!
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.
BLOCK PARTY!
Just following the Parade of Lights, mosey over to the Jeff Jones Square at Main Street and Third Avenue for a block party complete with bonfires, music and festive celebrations.
POST-PARADE PARTY
And here’s another 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COMEDY AVALANCHE AT THE PANIDA
The stellar Comedy Avalanche returns to the Panida Theater for one night only – and brining 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.
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