North Idaho shines with summer fun

Summer in North Idaho is packed with events that celebrate the region’s growing community and unique culture. 

The events are a chance to make the most out of the sunny days and enjoy festivals, local artists, racing events and more spread throughout northern Idaho. This guide highlights an example of noteworthy events to take place this summer. Mark those calendars and enjoy the 2025 summer season to the fullest.

May

15-17 — Lost in the 50s, Sandpoint  

Classic cars will combine with classic tunes of the 1950s and 1960s as the 38th annual Lost in the '50s revs into Sandpoint with an annual car cruise, parade, a classic car show that fills the downtown and plenty of music to get fans of everything from muscle cars to classic rides in the mood for summer fun.

June 

6 — Family Day in the Park, Coeur d'Alene  

Join the North Idaho Family Group in celebrating the last day of school at Family Day in the Park. Enjoy activity booths, a food court, kids carnival, heritage and cultural center activities and more. The nonprofit event will take place at the Coeur d’Alene City Park.  

8-9 — Sandpoint Renaissance Faire, Sandpoint 

Hark! The Sandpoint Renaissance Faire beckon thee to a wondrous gathering of mirth and merriment, spanning two days. Step forth into a realm where ye shall behold marvels beyond measure — a towering jester of nine feet, valiant knights locked in fierce swordplay, steeds of great prowess in daring displays, and delights untold! Found upon the fairgrounds of Bonner County, come forth and revel in the splendor of ages past. 

13— POAC ArtWalk, Sandpoint 

ArtWalk is an annual summer event that takes place in downtown Sandpoint. Local artists pair up with local business owners to "showcase all that the unique town has to offer.” The opening night of ArtWalk is on the second Friday of June, but the displays are available to view throughout late August. Viewers are encouraged to enjoy a bite to eat in Sandpoint while admiring the artwork.  

14 — CHAFE 150, Sandpoint 

Presented by Sandpoint Rotary, CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo is one of the top charity rides in the United States. The event features six different routes to participate in — 25, 40, 80 or 150 miles on road, or 55 or 75 miles on gravel*. Funds used to register for the race will go towards the “Every Student Graduates a Reader” initiative that’s sponsored by the Lake Pend Oreille School District. Breakfast and food/drink tickets are included with registration.  "Because of CHAFE, Sandpoint Rotary has donated over $1 million to support LPOSD reading and literacy programs as well as other Sandpoint Rotary youth education programs and scholarships,” said event officials.  

*Start times vary for each race 

14 — Power Horse Collides, Bonners Ferry 

Have you wondered which is faster — a dirt bike or a horse? Power Horse Collides is a barrel race competition between dirt bike riders and barrel racers to see who can run the course the fastest. Located at Boundary County Fairgrounds, this event also includes food vendors and a beer garden.  

19-21 — Gyro Days, Wallace 

Gyro Days is a weekend long festival that includes barbecues, a radiothon, several carnival rides and multiple food options to choose from. The highlight of the event, as townsfolk would suggest, is the Saturday Lead Creek Derby — an opportunity to win cash if you correctly guess how long it takes for a multi-colored ball to travel seven miles down the river from Mullan to Wallace.  

21 — Find Your Strength 5K & 1K, Sandpoint 

The Bonner General Health Foundation is hosting its fourth annual superhero-themed 5K and 1K fun run. The event will start and conclude at Sandpoint City Beach and follow the Sand Creek trail. After the run, a family friendly after-party will take place.  

21 — Pig in the Park, Harrison 

Pig in the Park is an annual event that takes place at Harrison City Park. The event is sponsored by Kootenai FFA and features family-friendly activities such as music and yard games. City officials suggest attendees “prepare their tummies” for an abundance of food options.  

21-22 — Race the Wolf, Sandpoint 

Race the Wolf run is perfect for hard-core trail runners. With an option to run one mile, eight miles, a half-marathon or marathon, this run is sure to test endurance with its uphill trail. The two-day event is located on Schweitzer Mountain Resort and overlooks Bonner County into Montana and the Canadian Border.  

22 — Ironman 70.3, Coeur d'Alene 

This Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifying event takes place at beautiful Coeur d’Alene City Park. This race requires participants to run, swim and bike to complete the race. Solo and relay participation is accepted, with plenty of training encouraged before the event. To participate, you must be at least 18 years of age.   

24 — Community Memorial Butterfly Release, Coeur d'Alene 

Taking place at Share Hope Memorial Garden, Professor Stephen Cook of University of Idaho will be releasing painted lady butterflies. This free event encourages participants to write messages to loved ones on dissolvable paper for the butterflies to carry away. “Butterflies have been identified as being significant in many cultures. Often the transformation of a butterfly from a chrysalis is seen to represent rebirth, comfort, hope, and positivity,” event officials share. “Some cultures believe that butterflies are capable of crossing into other realms and carrying messages to those that have passed away.”  

26 — Summer Sampler, Sandpoint 

Sandpoint might be a small town, but it certainly doesn’t lack food options. Summer Sampler features many local restaurants, caterers, bars and chefs. Hosted at Farmin Park, the event will include live music, giveaways and activities for the whole family.  

28 — Art Party, Sandpoint 

The Art Party is an annual benefit hosted by the POAC. Dinner for the event is catered, and includes a no-host bar, live entertainment and an auction. The benefit is in support of local art, with proceeds going directly towards the art community. Seating and tickets are limited.  

28 — Monarch Grind, Clark Fork 

The Monarch Grind is a 70-mile bike ride charity event that takes place in Clark Fork. The course utilizes U.S. Forest Service roads, and features an elevation gain of about 8,200 feet! Riders of all ages are encouraged to experience the trail. This ride is the second race of the three-ride, Idaho Panhandle Gravel series. 

July 

3 — Statehood Day Parade, Wallace 

What better way to celebrate Idaho’s birthday — July 3— than attending the Idaho Statehood Day Parade in Wallace. The parade is unique due to its no-cost participation. Participants are welcome to join and get in line, registration not required.  

3 — Annual Kids Parade, Coeur d'Alene 

Sponsored by Coeur d’Alene Recreation Department, the Kids Parade is a free event that allows local kids the opportunity to dress up and walk in a parade. Each year, kids are asked to dress up according to the parade’s theme. Last year’s theme was “western frontier.” This year’s theme is yet to be determined.   

4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Sandpoint 

Sandpoint Lions are hosts to a 4th of July parade in downtown Sandpoint. The children’s parade will begin at 9 a.m., with the Grand Parade following at 10 a.m. A celebration at City Beach will proceed the parade, with raffle tickets, food and activities available for all ages. 

4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Coeur d’Alene 

Enjoy a festive 4th of July parade in downtown Coeur d’Alene. When the parade is over, spectators are encouraged to go to City Park where they’ll find food vendors, live music and a lakeside firework show.  

4 — Fourth Fest at Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d'Alene 

Celebrate the 4th of July with Coeur d’Alene Resort and enjoy a buffet style dinner. After dinner, live entertainment will be available with a large firework display to finish off the evening. Tickets may be limited. 

4 — Fourth of July celebration, Clark Fork

The 4th of July is filled with tradition and celebration as the community's Independence Day is filled with everything from an early morning fun run/walk, followed by a parade and community games, turtle races and timber events. A fireworks show caps activities.

5 — Sandpoint Beerfest, Sandpoint 

Sandpoint’s Beerfest will feature over 20 handcrafted beers from local breweries. Try several different drinks while listening to local, live musicians. Each ticket purchase includes a commemorative glass and access to all varieties of beers, ciders and seltzers. Must be 21+ to participate.  

11-13 — Post Falls Festival, Post Falls 

The Post Falls Festival is noted as the biggest celebration in Post Falls. Enjoy live entertainment, an abundance of food vendors to choose from, crafting booths and more. According to event officials, the festival is family-friendly with activities tailored to all age groups. The festival will take place at Q’emiln Park.  

11-13 — Sandpoint Pride Festival, Sandpoint 

The fifth annual Pride Festival aims to affirm the dignity and equality of the LGBQIA+ community. Over a span of three days, the festival will host performers, singers, artists, poets and more. The event is estimated to have over 1,600 community members involved or in attendance.  

24-Aug 3 — Festival of Sandpoint, Sandpoint 

Enjoy a series of performances at Festival of Sandpoint, a nonprofit event aimed to unite the community through music. This year, experience performances put on by Sierra Ferrell, Brothers Osborne, KANSAS and DISBATCH with John Butler (and band).  

“In 2025, we are harkening back to the festival’s symphony roots with our Grand Finale: Sounds of Summer on August 3, featuring the Festival at Sandpoint Orchestra, conducted by Morihiko Nakahara,” event officials said.  

25-26 — Timber Days, Priest River 

Experience a small town’s timbered tradition at Priest River’s Timber Days. Activities to occur include a log load parade, log load raffle, logging events, pancake breakfast and more. The event is located at Priest River City Park.  

25-27 — Old Time Picnic, Harrison 

For over 60 years, citizens and the surrounding community have enjoyed the Harrison Old Time Picnic. The action-packed picnic starts with a coronation of this year’s “King and Queen” and is proceeded by a children’s fishing derby. Two parades occur during the picnic, with several runs, races and activities to occur throughout the weekend.  

August 

1-3 — Taste of Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d'Alene 

Panhandle Kiwanis promotes the Tast of Coeur d’Alene, a late-summer event that includes food and craft vendors from throughout the area. Enjoy the view of Lake Coeur d’Alene while you’re at the beer garden, enjoying free activities with your kids or listening to live entertainment.  

1-3 — Arts on the Green, Coeur d'Alene 

Held at North Idaho College, Art on the Green is celebrating its 57th anniversary with free entertainment from artists, musicians and performers. The three-day event features a food court, beer garden, an art show, a children’s art garden and more. All proceeds from the event are used to donate art supplies to local schools.   

1-3 — Street Fair, Coeur d'Alene 

Downtown Coeur d’Alene Street Fair highlights the diversity of local vendors. Take a walk downtown and browse through fine arts, crafts, clothing, food options and more. Presented by ICCU, fair officials share there are over 250 vendors to support.  

1-2 — Sandpoint Rodeo, Sandpoint 

Sandpoint Rodeo is an action-packed weekend with eight different events. Grab some food and a beverage from concessions and watch as cowboys and cowgirls compete in bareback riding, team roping, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping or breakaway roping.

2 — Long Bridge Swim, Sandpoint 

Considered the Northwest’s premier open-water event, according to event official, the 30th annual Long Bridge Swim crosses Lake Pend Orielle and parallels the historical Long Bridge. Last year, 706 citizens started, with 697 completing the 1.76-mile swim. Funds raised from the event go towards providing swimming lessons for local children.

5-9 — Boundary County Fair, Bonners Ferry 

The Boundary County Fair theme for 2025 is “Generations of Champions.” The fair will include a free concert featuring Copper Mountain Band, along with a cornhole tournament, mechanical bull ride, beer garden and other family-friendly events.  

9-10 — POAC Arts and Crafts Fair, Sandpoint 

Located in beautiful downtown Sandpoint, the Pend Orielle Arts Council’s Annual Arts and Crafts Fair occurs during one of the town’s busiest weekends. According to POAC, the fair saw an attendance of over 5,000 visitors. Enjoy over 100 artist vendors related to ceramics, home goods, fiber, metal, photography, foods, jewelry and more.

9 — Taste of Rathdrum, Rathdrum 

Taste of Rathdrum is a free family festival that’s highlighted by its Barbecue Cook-Off and Burger Battle. Also featured to occur is a petting zoo, beer garden with local microbrews, a cornhole tournament and more. Near the end of the festival, enjoy a free, live performance from The Kelly Hughes Band.  

9 — Brewfest at Silver Mountain, Kellogg 

Enjoy a drink with a view at Brewfest. Occurring at Silver Mountain Resort, the festival features live music, a handful of food vendors and over 40 local drink options to choose from. With the purchase of a ticket, individuals will be given six drink tickets, a gondola ride and a tasting mug. 

12-16 — Bonner County Fair, Sandpoint 

Celebrate fair season by attending Bonner County Fair. The fair includes live music, with a special performance from Wynn Williams*. Between eating fair food, catching a magic show or watching a demolition derby, boredom is seldom to occur at the fair.  

14-16 — Benewah County Fair, St. Maries 

The Benewah County Fair is a tradition that highlights local agriculture and craftsmanship. The fair, according to event officials, celebrates community spirit and the agricultural heritage of Benewah County. This year, the fair’s theme is “Through the Decades.” The Jr. Show and Sale will take place on Thursday and Friday, with the animal sale starting on Saturday after a biscuit and gravy breakfast.  

15-17 — Huckleberry Fest, Wallace 

Celebrate Huckleberry Fest’s 40th anniversary in downtown Wallace. Start the morning with a huckleberry pancake breakfast before strolling the streets of Wallace and checking out the vendors. Face painting and carnival games are available for children, with live performances throughout the festival for everyone to enjoy. A 5K run is also open for registration, prizes will be awarded to the participant with the best costume.  

15-24 — North Idaho State Fair, Coeur d'Alene 

North Idaho State Fair is a 10-day event that celebrates the community within North Idaho. The fair offers activities for the entire family, including carnival rides, stock shows, food vendors, rodeos, demolition derbies, concerts and more. Among other live performers, Josh Turner is expected to hit the stage on Tuesday.  

16 — Aether’s Traverse, Sandpoint 

Aether’s Traverse is a 35-mile bike ride that takes place at Baldy Mountain Road with an end destination of Schweitzer Sky House. The trail is entirely gravel, with the exception of two short asphalt sections, and features an elevation gain of about 6,300 feet! Riders of all ages are encouraged to experience the trail. This ride is the final race of the three-ride, Idaho Panhandle Gravel series. 

29-Sept. 1 — Schweitzer Fall Fest, Sandpoint 

Over Labor Day weekend enjoy four days at Schweitzer Fall Fest. The festival features live bands and over 80 beers, ciders, seltzers and wines. Activities will also be available for kids. Hiking and mountain biking are encouraged.  

29-Sept. 1 — Paul Bunyan Days, St. Maries 

Celebrate St. Maries logging history at Paul Bunyan Days, a four-day festival. According to event officials, attendance is estimated at 27,000 people. Along with craft and food vendors, enjoy logging and water events, a large firework display, a tug-of-war contest and more. The family-friendly event also includes a parade and free entertainment.  

    A group of WaCanId cyclists make their way through a mountainous road during a past race.
  

    Gaige Johnson takes his Grand Champion swine for a turn at the Animal Sale at the Boundary County Fair.
  

    North Idaho State Fair
  

    (File photo/courtesy) The Festival at Sandpoint Board of Directors has announced its search for a permanent executive director for the iconic summer music series. Pictured above, fireworks light the sky at a past Festival Grand Finale concert.
  

    Power Horse Collide at Bonners Ferry