New Year's Eve Celebrations
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a full day of activities, live music, and parties around Sandpoint on Wednesday, December 31, starting with a free movie showing of Zootopia at 4 p.m. at Sandpoint Cinemas as part of Numerica's Five Days of Family Fun (limited to 140 seats, first-come, first-served), followed by Matchwood Brewing's New York New Year's Eve celebration from 4-10 p.m. at 513 Oak St. with DJ Michael Arnie, a livestream of the NYC ball drop, and a free toast at 9 p.m.; live music fills the evening with the Bakerwood Brothers rocking Pend d'Oreille Winery from 5-8 p.m., an East Coast New Year's party with live music and more at Barrel 33 from 5-10 p.m., Bright Moments Jazz performing at Baxter's from 6-9 p.m.; late-night celebrations include live music with Snacks at Midnight beginning at 9 p.m. at the 219 Lounge (21+), DJ Sterling spinning at Roxy's Lounge from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and New Year's Eve festivities at Taps on Schweitzer, while Schweitzer also hosts family-friendly options with a New Year's Eve Tubing Party. Visit Schweitzer.com for tickets and the most up-to-date details.

Polar Bear Plunge
Ring in the New Year with a splash at the 11th annual Polar Bear Plunge, hosted by Boy Scout Troop 111 and Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Sandpoint City Beach boat launch. Brave the icy waters alongside fellow community members in this beloved New Years Day tradition that's free and open to all ages, whether you're plunging in or cheering from the shore. Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support the Bonner Community Food Bank, helping local families start the year on a warm note. Male and female warming/changing tents will be available to help thaw out after the plunge.

Submissions open: Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest
The inaugural Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest, debuting October 23-24, 2026, at the Panida Theater. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their work (starting Thursday, January 1, 2026) through FilmFreeway in categories such as Documentary and Narrative Features and Shorts, Untamed Features and Shorts, Made in Idaho, Green Horizons / Voices for Change, Love Out Loud, Animation, Experimental, Past Forward, The Next Wave, and Youth Works. The festival offers discounted submission fees for students and FilmFreeway Gold members to encourage emerging and underrepresented voices. Learn more or submit your film at SandpointIdahoFilmFest.org.

A Night at the Improv
LPO Repertory Theater's Improv Troup is excited to bring Sandpoint 'A Night at the Improv!' on Friday, January 2. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as comedians take the stage. Come enjoy an fully seated evening of comedy, hijinks and mayhem! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show set to start at 7:30 p.m. This event will be held at The Hive, 207 N. First Ave. Get tickets here. 21+.
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Here's what's happening in December!

29 Open Irish Jam. Join in at Connie's, 323 Cedar St. for an open Irish jam with Seamus starting at 6 p.m.

31 Five Days of Family Fun: Free Movie. Don't miss a free movie as part of Numerica's Five Days of Family Fun. Join at the Sandpoint Cinemas at 4 p.m. for Zootopia. Capacity is limited to 140 attendees and seating is first-come, first-served. See their Facebook page for more info.

31 East Coast New Year's Party. Join in at Barrel 33 from 5-10 p.m. and celebrate the New Year while enjoying live music with Picked up Pieces. You'll also find a hot chocolate bar, a GlowUp photobooth, raffles, prizes and more.

31 New York New Year's Eve. Take part in Matchwood Brewing's annual NYE event from 4-10 p.m. at 513 Oak St. Featuring DJ Michael Arnie from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with an annual livestream of New Yorks NYE and ball drop at 9 p.m. to go with a free pour and toast at 9 p.m.

31 Live Music with Bakerwood Brothers. Join from 5-8 p.m. for some lively rock and country as we approach the new year at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.

31 Live Music with Bright Moments Jazz. It's a Happy New Years Eve at Baxter's, 109 Cedar St. with Bright Moments Jazz giving some great music to ring in the new year from 6-9 p.m.

31 Live Music with Snacks at Midnight. Take in an evening of live music starting at 9 p.m. at the 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave. for a New Years Eve party with Snacks at Midnight. 21+.

31 New Years Eve Party. Join in at Roxy's Lounge, 215 Pine St. with DJ Sterling taking you into the new year from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

31 Taps New Years Eve. Join the party at Taps on Schweitzer for New Years Eve. For the most up to date information, or to purchase tickets, go to Schweitzer.com.

31 Schweitzer Family Friendly New Years Eve Tubing Party. Come bring the family up the hill and enjoy a tubing party to celebrate the end of the year at Schweitzer.com.

And here's what's on tap in January 2026!

1 Polar Bear Plunge. Join this annual event starting at 11 a.m. at the Sandpoint City Beach boat launch. The event is free and open to the public, and food donations are being accepted for the Bonner Community Food Bank.

1 Cribbage Tournament. Join in at 6 p.m. at Connie's, 323 Cedar St. for a cribbage tournament. $5 per person. Thursday nights. Enjoy a special event on January 1 with an Irish Jam with Seamus Divine starting at 5 p.m.

1 Submissions open: Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest. The inaugural Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest, debuting October 23-24, 2026, at the Panida Theater. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their work through FilmFreeway in categories such as Documentary and Narrative Features and Shorts, Untamed Features and Shorts, Made in Idaho, Green Horizons / Voices for Change, Love Out Loud, Animation, Experimental, Past Forward, The Next Wave, and Youth Works. The festival offers discounted submission fees for students and FilmFreeway Gold members to encourage emerging and underrepresented voices. Learn more or submit your film at SandpointIdahoFilmFest.org.

2 Live Music with Brendon McCoy. Join from 5-7:30 p.m. at Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St. for some live classic rock and blues music with Brendon McCoy.

2 Live Music with Ron Kieper Trio. Don't miss an evening of Modern and professional jazz at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m.

2 Live Music with Double Shot Band. Join at 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Double Shot Band.

2 Live Music with Yotes. Join in at Smokesmith Bar-B-Que, 102 S. Boyer Ave., for a stompin' blend of rockabilly, country, and americana with Yotes. Starts at 5:30 p.m.

2 Live Music with Bright Moments Jazz. Don't miss an evening of cool jazz at Baxter's, 109 Cedar St. from 6-8 p.m. with Bright Moments Jazz.

2 A Night at the Improv. LPO Repertory Theater's Improv Troup is excited to bring Sandpoint A Night at the Improv! Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as comedians take the stage. Come enjoy an fully seated evening of comedy, hijinks and mayhem! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with show to start at 7:30 p.m. This event will be held at The Hive, 207 N. First Ave. Get tickets here. 21+.

3 Five Days of Family Fun: 7B Lanes. Join from 8 a.m. to noon for bowling and bounce house fun. Capacity is limited to 112 participants per hour. First-come, first-served basis. See their Facebook page for more info.

3 Live Music with Ian Newbill. Take in some Rock and Country music with Ian Newbill at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m.

3 Open Mic Night. Join at Evans Brothers, 524 Church St. from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for an evening of fun. There is an open MIC where all are welcome to share their originals or perform favorites by other artists or writers. Sign up for a 5-minute time slot the night of, or just enjoy others as they perform. Brought to you by the Library and Evans Brothers.

3 Live Music with Mason Von Stone. Join at 6 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Mason Von Stone.

5 Open Jam Night. Every Monday night is an 'open jam' where musicians are encouraged to come and join in the fun of music creation. Every odd Monday of the month is an Irish Style Jam led by Seamus Divine. Every even Monday of the month is a Bluegrass Jam led by Jim Rosauer. 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St.

7 Live Piano with Dwayne Parsons. Dwayne fills the winery with original songs on the grand piano from 4-7 p.m. at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.

7 TANGO Night. Join for a beginner Argentine Tango lesson at 6:00 p.m., followed by a practica at 7:00 p.m. at Barrel 33 Sandpoint, 100 N. 1st Ave. No partner is necessary, and please wear shoes you can pivot in. Admission is $15 per person, and participants receive 10% off food and beverages. The evening is taught by instructor Muffy Nye. For more information, call (406) 599‑5696.

7 Live Trivia. Head down to Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. starting at 7 p.m. for Live Trivia on Wednesday. $5/person entry fee. On Wed, Jan. 21 enjoy a Trivia Tournament of Champions $100/team (max of 5 people).

8 Cribbage Tournament. Join in at 6 p.m. at Connie's, 323 Cedar St. for a cribbage tournament. $5 per person. Thursday nights.

8-11 Insanity Fab Winter Challenge 2026. North Idaho Mud and Crawl invites you to join the best off-road race in the PNW. 4X4 and SXS welcome. Keep an eye out for updates. Check Facebook for more info.

9 Live Music with Jacob Robin. Join from 5-7:30 p.m. at Matchwood Brewing, 513 Oak St for some live music with Idaho based singer, songwriter and producer, Jacob Robin.

9 Live Music with Mike and Sadie. Father-daughter duo, Mike and Sadie, take the stage at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m. They fill the winery with style, charm, and soaring vocals of Classic Rock, pop, and folk.

9 Live Music with Endless Switchbacks. Join at 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Endless Switchbacks.

9 S.O.L.E. Backcountry Film Festival. Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE) invites you to the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival starting at 7 p.m. at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. Doors open one hour before the show. This all-ages event celebrates winter adventure while supporting underserved youth through SOLE's SnowSchool Experience Program, which has provided over 36,000 hours of outdoor education to more than 4,800 rural youth over the past 14 winters. Produced in partnership with Boise-based nonprofit Winter Wildlands, the festival features award-winning films that highlight human-powered experiences, plus a Holiday Silent Auction with gifts from local vendors, gear vendors, raffle prizes, local brews, and other surprises. Tickets are available through S.O.L.E., at the door, or at select locations, and all proceeds benefit SOLE's nationally recognized SnowSchool curriculum, which includes snow science, winter ecology, conservation literacy, avalanche education, and outdoor living skills. This family-friendly event is a great way to connect with the community and support a meaningful cause.

10 Live Music with The Cole Show. Join in from 5-8 p.m. for this one man with a full band sound. Loop pedal, pop, and easy rock from 5-8 p.m.

10 Live Music with Paul Taylor. Join at 6 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Paul Taylor.

10 $5 Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox. The Panida Theater continues its Wes Anderson Series with a screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox at 7 p.m. (doors open 30 minutes prior). Audiences can enjoy the tale of Mr. Fox's daring escapades while also taking in a special Art and Fashion Show presented in partnership with Sandpoint High School art students. The series is sponsored by La Chic Boutique and Pend d'Oreille Winery. Get tickets here.

12 Open Jam Night. Every Monday night is an 'open jam' where musicians are encouraged to come and join in the fun of music creation. Every odd Monday of the month is an Irish Style Jam led by Seamus Divine. Every even Monday of the month is a Bluegrass Jam led by Jim Rosauer. 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St.

13 Live Piano with Jennifer Stoehner. From 5-7 p.m. hit up Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. for some traditional, inspirational, and contemporary songs on the grand piano with vocal accompaniment.

14 CHAFE 150 Registration begins. Sandpoint Rotary hosts the annual 150-mile CHAFE bike ride through Montana and Idaho, along with an 80-mile option and Family Fun Ride. Proceeds benefit the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Literacy Initiative and after-school reading programs. Get more information CHAFE150.org.

14 Live Piano with Bob Beadling. Don't miss Bob Beadling playing a contemporary set at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-7 p.m.

14 TANGO Night. Join for a beginner Argentine Tango lesson at 6:00 p.m., followed by a practica at 7:00 p.m. at Barrel 33 Sandpoint, 100 N. 1st Ave. No partner is necessary, and please wear shoes you can pivot in. Admission is $15 per person, and participants receive 10% off food and beverages. The evening is taught by instructor Muffy Nye. For more information, call (406) 599‑5696.

14 Live Trivia. Head down to Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. starting at 7 p.m. for Live Trivia on Wednesday. $5/person entry fee. On Wed, Jan. 21 enjoy a Trivia Tournament of Champions $100/team (max of 5 people).

15 Cribbage Tournament. Join in at 6 p.m. at Connie's, 323 Cedar St. for a cribbage tournament. $5 per person. Thursday nights.

15 POAC Performing Art Series: Living Voices 'The Klondike'. Experience history with Living Voices, where dynamic solo performances and archival film merge to narrate the hunt for gold with one independent young woman who risks everything for the promise of wealth and a fresh start during a time of global turmoil. Tickets $15 Adult, $10 Youth. Get tickets here, at the POAC Gallery, 313 N. Second Ave., or by calling 208-263-6139. This show will be held at the Panida, 300 N. First Ave. 7 p.m.

15 SHS One Act Plays. Don't miss the SHS drama students performing short one-act plays at the Sandpoint High School, 410 S. Division St. starting at 7 p.m. $5.

16 Live Music with Carson Rhodes Band. The Carson Rhodes Band is piano-centered with a jazzy, groovy, rockin' sound and will be playing at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m.

16 Live Music with Jason Perry. Join at 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Jason Perry.

16 Live Music with Bright Moments Jazz. Join in at Baxter's, 109 Cedar St. for an evening of live jazz with Bright Moments Jazz. 6-8 p.m.

16-18 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival. This Film Festival World Tour returns to Sandpoint with three nights of adventure films at the Panida, 300 N. First Ave.. Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. Featuring approximately 27 films across three unique programs. Doors open one hour before showtime. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with a discounted three-night pass available for $57. A full film list will be announced upon release from the Banff Centre. Presented by Mountain Fever Productions. Get more info or tickets at Panida.org.

16-19 Northern Lights at Schweitzer. The Deschutes crew is coming back to Schweitzer over MLK Weekend. There will be a snow bar in the village (weather permitting) near the clock tower, and kicking things off on Friday evening. come out on Saturday to check out the torchlight parade, and fireworks. Schweitzer.com

17 Live Music with Pamela Benton. Pamela Benton rocks the house with stunning vocals and electric violin. Don't miss it at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m.

17 Live Music with Angel Urrea. Join at 6 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Angel Urrea.

17-19 Banff Mountain Film Festival. The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Films are on mountain culture, sport, lifestyle or environment. Shows will be at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. The shows on the 17th and 18th will be at 7:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. on the 19th. A different program is shown each night. Get tickets at Panida.org.

19 Open Jam Night. Every Monday night is an 'open jam' where musicians are encouraged to come and join in the fun of music creation. Every odd Monday of the month is an Irish Style Jam led by Seamus Divine. Every even Monday of the month is a Bluegrass Jam led by Jim Rosauer. 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St.

21 Live Piano with Peter Lucht. Enjoy some jazz and contemporary piano at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-7 p.m.

21 TANGO Night. Join for a beginner Argentine Tango lesson at 6:00 p.m., followed by a practica at 7:00 p.m. at Barrel 33 Sandpoint, 100 N. 1st Ave. No partner is necessary, and please wear shoes you can pivot in. Admission is $15 per person, and participants receive 10% off food and beverages. The evening is taught by instructor Muffy Nye. For more information, call (406) 599‑5696.

21 SPECIAL: Live Trivia. Head down to Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. starting at 7 p.m. for Live Trivia on Wednesday. $5/person entry fee. On Wed, Jan. 21 enjoy a Trivia Tournament of Champions $100/team (max of 5 people).

22 Cribbage Tournament. Join in at 6 p.m. at Connie's, 323 Cedar St. for a cribbage tournament. $5 per person. Thursday nights.

23 Toyota Ski Free Friday. Bring your Toyota, Scion, or Lexus to Schweitzer on January 23, 2026 and you get one free lift ticket for the day. Get more info at Schweitzer.com.

23 Winter Pint Night. Join at MickDuff's, 314 N. First Ave. with Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness for a cozy winter pint night from 5-8 p.m. Swap winter trail stories, connect with fellow Scotchman supporters, and raise funds to support the Winter Tracks program. Everyone is invited.

23 Live Music with Wiebe Jammin. They perform a fresh setlist of favorite pop tunes each time they perform at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. Don't miss them from 5-8 p.m.

23 Live Music with Tucker James. Join at 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Tucker James.

24 Winter Farmers Market. Join at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. for live music, festive vibes, and seasonal shopping with the Farmers' Market at Sandpoint from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held in the Community Rooms.

24 Book Signing. Check out this meet and greet with local authors at The Bernklau, 316 Pine St. from 10 a.m. to three p.m. Attending authors: J.Q. Wenzel, Kendra Oliviera, Mark P. Ready, Michael Desind.

24 Live Music with Zach Simms. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. welcomes singer/songwriter Zach Simms back to the winery for charming vocals and an acoustic set of easy rock and indie songs from 5-8 p.m.

24 Live Music with Double Shot Band. Join at 6 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Double Shot Band.

24 Swan Lake. The Grand Kyiv Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake to the stage with stunning costumes, intricate sets, and world-class dancers from the Ukrainian National Opera and Ballet Theater. This classic tale of Prince Siegfried and the enchanted Princess Odette unfolds with grace, emotional depth, and the timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil. Don't miss it at the Panida, 300 N. First Ave. at 7 p.m. with doors opening an hour prior to the show. Get tickets at Panida.org.

26 Open Jam Night. Every Monday night is an 'open jam' where musicians are encouraged to come and join in the fun of music creation. Every odd Monday of the month is an Irish Style Jam led by Seamus Divine. Every even Monday of the month is a Bluegrass Jam led by Jim Rosauer. 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St.

27 Live Piano with Jack Purdie. Relax and enjoy some ambient jazz and improvisational piano from 5-7 p.m. at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. with Jack Purdie.

28 TANGO Night. Join for a beginner Argentine Tango lesson at 6:00 p.m., followed by a practica at 7:00 p.m. at Barrel 33 Sandpoint, 100 N. 1st Ave. No partner is necessary, and please wear shoes you can pivot in. Admission is $15 per person, and participants receive 10% off food and beverages. The evening is taught by instructor Muffy Nye. For more information, call (406) 599‑5696.

28 Live Trivia. Head down to Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. starting at 7 p.m. for Live Trivia on Wednesday. $5/person entry fee.

29 Cribbage Tournament. Join in at 6 p.m. at Connie's, 323 Cedar St. for a cribbage tournament. $5 per person. Thursday nights.

30 Live Music with Bright Moments Jazz. They've been playing eclectic jazz together for decades, yet each performance feels new. Don't miss this one at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m.

30 Live Music with Wiebe Jammin'. Join at 5 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Wiebe Jammin'.

30-Feb. 7 Cheaper By The Dozen: Live Theater. Cheaper by the Dozen comes to The Panida, 100 N. First Ave, with performances on January 30, 31, February 1, 6, and 7. Showtimes vary depending on date. This fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt play follows Frank Gilbreth as he runs his household of twelve children with the same logic he applies at work, balancing discipline, love, and humor along the way. Tickets are $20-$25, and more information is available at honeypearlproductions.ludus.com.

31 Live Music with Rhyse Gerwin. Rhyse is a music instructor and multi-instrumentalist. His performance is refined, yet engaging. Check him out at Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. from 5-8 p.m.

31 Live Music with Sydney Dawn. Join at 6 p.m. at Connie's Lounge, 323 Cedar St. for live music with Sydney Dawn.