New Orleans-style fun is back in town. The season of Carnival is upon us - 6 days of mad, mad celebration that make up the outrageously entertaining 8th annual Sandpoint Mardi Gras. Events begin Thursday, Feb. 11, and don't finish up until Fat Tuesday, Feb. 16. Highlights include the Open Mic and Costume Contest Kickoff Event in the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar Thursday, Feb. 11, when folks dress up in crazy attire and take to the stage, plus the weeklong Guess the Beads contest begins that night, as well. Another enticing event is the Merlove & Chocolate taste sensation at Pend d'Oreille Winery Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14. And what would Mardi Gras be without The Follies, Friday and Saturday at the Panida. There are only a handful of tickets left for this adult-rated entertainment show, so check with local retailers or visit Sandpoint Online's General Store for availability. And with such a plentiful calendar of events this year, visit SandpointMardiGras.com to strategize your party plans.

Calling all outdoor sporting enthusiasts. If you love fishing, hunting, archery and numerous other outdoor pursuits, make plans to attend the 2nd annual Outdoor Sports Expo in the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Men's Alliance of Christian Churches and the Sandpoint Business Community, this is the largest sports expo in northern Idaho. The event includes a variety of events: a kids' build-it booth, gun raffles, workshops, an antique lure display, knot demonstrations, free bow tune-ups, fishing demonstrations, wagon rides, a fishing pond, and much more! Click to read a news release for more details. Open Friday, Feb. 12 from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. And there will be an 8 a.m. Sunday morning church service. Admission is $5 per day or $7.50 for the entire weekend; youth ages 16 years and under are free!

Here's what's happening in February!

Through Feb. 16 Dine Around Sandpoint. Fifteen area restaurants are participants in Dine Around Sandpoint, offering fixed price three-course dinners and other specials through Feb. 16. There is something for every taste and budget with prices ranging from $15 to $35 per person. Best of all, every time you have dinner at one of these restaurants, you can enter a drawing to win terrific prizes including the grand prize - dinner for 2, once a month for a year, at 12 participating restaurants. To learn more and view the special offerings at the restaurants, visit DineAroundSandpoint.com. And remember to check back frequently as specials may change from week to week.

8 Open Mic Blues Jam. Eichardt's hosts a weekly Monday Night Blues Jam with an open mic beginning at 8 p.m. 208-263-4005

9 Trivia Tuesday. Test your trivia knowledge at MickDuff's, 312 N. First Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. every Tuesday night. 208-255-4351

11-16 Sandpoint Mardi Gras. Join the wild and wacky fun during this 8th annual Mardi Gras celebration throughout downtown Sandpoint. Find a complete calendar on the Sandpoint Mardi Gras website. 208-255-1876

11 Mardi Gras Open Mic Night and Costume Contest. Coldwater Creek Wine Bar hosts a wild and crazy evening to kick off the Mad Cap Mardi Gras celebration. Arrive incognito in a crazy Mardi Gras costume and belt out fave songs during an Open Mic Night, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also happening is the kickoff of the Guess the Beads contest - ongoing all week through Fat Tuesday at participating businesses. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

12 CD Release Show with Mighty Squirrel. Di Luna's Café, 207 Cedar St., hosts a CD release show with Mighty Squirrel at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). This lively world-folk string band plays everything from Appalachian old time and classic country to Yiddish swing, Celtic, and French Canadian - it's essentially old-time music from around the world. Mighty Squirrel features Spokane locals Caridwen Irvine-Spatz on vocals and fiddle; Greg Spatz on bouzouki and fiddle; Ivan Rosenberg on dobro and banjo; and David Keenan on guitar, banjo and mandolin. Individually, they have received two Juno nominations, appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, and had music on Oprah and Deadwood, among other distinctions. Tickets are $5; dinner and drinks available before and during the show. For tickets and reservations, call 208-263-0846.

12 Under 21 Mardi Gras Party. EFX Bowling hosts the Under 21 Mardi Gras Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

12 Wine Bar Music. The Coldwater Creek Wine Bar, 311 N. First Ave., hosts live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Bright Moments. 208-263-6971 

12-14 Valentine's at the Winery - Merlove & Chocolate. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts a special Valentine's weekend in conjunction with Sandpoint Mardi Gras, featuring Merlot, chocolate and live music. The winery will be offering the Merlot Library Flight paired with locally made chocolate, which bring out the characteristics of each Merlot. Plus enjoy live music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with guitar rock duo Mike & Shanna Thompson (Friday), and Mick Croon (Saturday). POWine.com or visit Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

12-13 The Follies. Angels Over Sandpoint presents their annual adult variety show production, The Follies, featuring zany local acts in the Panida Theater. The performance begins at 8 p.m. each night (doors open at 7 p.m.). Please note, you must be 21 years or older to attend. This show is rated R; the producers urge that it is NOT for the easily offended! Tickets are $20, available at Petal Talk, Eve's Leaves and Eichardt's; or purchase tickets online in the General Store (a $2 online handling fee will apply; please specify date when ordering). AngelsOverSandpoint.org. 208-597-3670

12-14 Outdoor Sports Expo. The Men's Alliance of Christian Churches and the Sandpoint Business Community host the 2nd annual Outdoor Sports Expo at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. The largest sports expo in northern Idaho, this year's event includes activities for the entire family, plus over $2,500 in door prizes will be given away. Enjoy demonstrations, seminars and many other free events; read a news release for more details. Hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be an 8 a.m. Sunday morning church service. Admission is $5 per day, or $7.50 for the entire weekend; youth ages 16 and under are free. 208-263-9887

13 Mardi Gras Downtown Golf Scramble. Calling all golfers – or not! No matter what kind of golf game you play, don’t miss the hilarious fun in the Downtown Golf Scramble. Warning: May involve libations and misbehavior. For all who want to enjoy a great time golfing in the middle of winter, downtown Sandpoint businesses host a fun, creative and outrageous golf course for your playing pleasure! Get a team together, dress up in your Mardi Gras best and bring your putters! Shotgun start at 9 a.m. with an awards luncheon at 1 p.m. Price to play is $25 per person or $12 for caddies. Fees include awards and lunch. In the past, this has been one of the best parts of Mardi Gras! Play as a single, get a team together ... don't miss out! There is still room for golfers, so register by Feb. 9 - click to download a Golf Scramble registration form or call the DSBA at 208-290-7565. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

13 Mardi Gras Rubber Chicken Fling. Stressed, overworked, need a release? We have the answer for you! Visit participating businesses downtown from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and try to throw a rubber chicken into a container or target. Each business has a different theme and will be handing out more beads to collect. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

13 Live Music with Peter Lucht. 41 South, at the south end of the Long Bridge, features Peter Lucht on the baby grand piano, beginning at 6 p.m. in the lounge. 208-265-2000

13 Game Night at DiLunas. If you want to get together with friends and play a game or just want to challenge someone to chess while listening to great music and enjoying great food at the same time, come on down to DiLuna's, 207 Cedar St. in downtown Sandpoint. Beth Pederson and Bruce Bishop are the "House" band. Playing games is not a prerequisite! DiLunas.com. 208-263-0846

13 Wine Bar Music. The Coldwater Creek Wine Bar, 311 N. First Ave., hosts live music from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Highway 1. 208-263-6971

13 Music on the Mountain. Taps Bar at Schweitzer Mountain Resort welcomes live music with The Acorn Project. $5 cover; must be 21 and older. Schweitzer.com.

13-14 "Recreate Romance" Valentine Dinner. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch hosts a Recreate Romance Valentine Dinner, with reservations available at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Enjoy an elegant dinner while enjoying songs of love performed by Jackie Henrion. To complete the evening, reserve a guest room or secluded cabins. Also available are horse-drawn sleigh rides before or after your dinner. Cost is $33.50 per person; make a reservation at 208-263-9066 or e-mail stay@westernpleasureranch.com. WesternPleasureRanch.com

14 Mardi Gras Family Day. Cedar Street Bridge hosts a Mardi Gras Family Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can enjoy free events such as mask making, spam carving and Oreo cookie-stacking contests. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

14 Valentine's Day at DiLuna's. DiLuna's, 207 Cedar St., celebrates Valentine's Day all day long with specials beginning at breakfast, dinner service beginning at 5 p.m., and Bruce Bishop will begin performing at 6 p.m. No cover charge. 208-263-0846

-- What's happening the week of Monday, Feb. 15 through Sunday, Feb. 21 --

15 Mardi Gras Poker Run. Downtown businesses host the Mardi Gras Poker Run throughout town from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy this family-friendly activity as you earn your poker hand by visiting participating businesses and following their instructions. They may ask you to do something ridiculous like sing, make an animal call, etc., or ask you a trivia question in order to earn your card. Then, bring your poker hand to MickDuff’s at 6 p.m for an awards party. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

15 Open Mic Blues Jam. Eichardt's hosts a weekly Monday Night Blues Jam with an open mic beginning at 8 p.m. 208-263-4005

16 Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Finale. Downtown Sandpoint businesses throughout the "French Quarter" celebrate the Mardi Gras Finale on Fat Tuesday. Sandpoint Mardi Gras. 208-255-1876

16 Relay for Life Mardi Gras Kickoff. The Masonic Lodge in Sandpoint, 319 N. 2nd Ave., hosts the kickoff of the Relay for Life at 5:30 p.m. Appetizers, plus wine and beer, will be provided by Laughing Dog and Pend d'Oreille Winery. Everyone is invited to join in this event, and find out how you can have a special part in the fight against cancer (plus get your beads!). For more information, contact BJ Tietjen at 208-263-2441, e-mail bjnet@hughes.net, or visit RelayforLife.org/bonnerid.

16 Sagle Theater Night with Aesop's Network. The Panida Theater hosts Sagle Theater Night with Aesop's Network, a production by Idaho Theater for Youth. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. 208-263-9191

16 Trivia FAT Tuesday. Test your Mardi Gras trivia knowledge at MickDuff's, 312 N. First Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. 208-255-4351

17 Five Minutes of Fame. Cafe Bodega at Foster's Crossing hosts a Five Minutes of Fame open mic event at 6:30 p.m.

18 Art Benefit. Idaho Lights, 402 Cedar St., hosts an Art Benefit for Kinderhaven from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The store will feature the work of renowned local sculptor Bryan K. Ross, best known for his moose for the Excel Foundation's "No Moose Left Behind." Also on display will be paintings and ceramics by Sandpoint's best-kept secret, Nicole Black. A portion of the art event's proceeds will benefit Kinderhaven. In addition to the art viewing, Holly McGarry, a wonderfully talented acoustic guitarist and Sandpoint's "Acoustic Teen," will be performing, plus Pend d'Oreille Winery will be on hand offering some of their delicious wines by the glass - a portion of the wine sales will also benefit the charity. 208-265-2308

18 Argentina Wine Tasting. Pend Oreille Pasta and Wine on Highway 95 in Ponderay hosts a tasting of wines from Argentina. The tasting begins at 6 p.m. and lasts approximately 1½ hours. The tasting features both red and white wines including Cabernet, Malbec and Torrentes. Price per person is $10, and includes light appetizers. Space will be limited, so please make required reservations early by calling John or Valerie at 208-263-1352 or reply by e-mail to albi@televar.com.

19 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts live music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring poet and guitarist Levi Ware, visiting from Seattle. 208-265-8545

19 Art Opening Reception. The Sandpoint Center for the Arts hosts an opening reception for "The Art Experience: Works from Arts Alliance Classes." The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Sandpoint Center for the Arts at the corner of 6th and Oak. The event is free and open to the public. This exhibit includes a variety of media by adults and youth who have participated in Arts Alliance classes; some work will be for sale. The exhibit continues through March 19. The Arts Alliance holds art classes year-round, and a new schedule is offered every 6 to 8 weeks. For a list of upcoming classes, visit ArtsAlliance.info or call 208-265-ARTS.

20 Meet the Artist. Art Works Gallery, 214 N. First Ave., hosts a Meet the Artist event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with metal sculpturist Bob Brinkerhoff of Spokane. His art will be featured in the gallery during the month of February. 208-264-5703

20 Battle of the Bands. The Sandpoint High School Men's Choir present the Battle of the Bands competition, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Panida Theater. $15 general admission. 208-263-9191

20 Live Music with Peter Lucht. 41 South, at the south end of the Long Bridge, features Peter Lucht on the baby grand piano, beginning at 6 p.m. in the lounge. 208-265-2000

20 Game Night at DiLunas. If you want to get together with friends and play a game or just want to challenge someone to chess while listening to great music and enjoying great food at the same time, come on down to DiLuna's, 207 Cedar St. in downtown Sandpoint. Beth Pederson and Bruce Bishop are the "House" band. Playing games is not a prerequisite! DiLunas.com. 208-263-0846

-- What's happening the week of Monday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 28 --

22 Open Mic Blues Jam. Eichardt's hosts a weekly Monday Night Blues Jam with an open mic beginning at 8 p.m. 208-263-4005

23 Trivia Tuesday. Test your trivia knowledge at MickDuff's, 312 N. First Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. every Tuesday night. 208-255-4351

25 Linda Randle, Roy Webb and the Ministry Team Gospel Concert. The Panida Theater hosts the Linda Randle, Roy Webb and the Ministry Team Gospel Concert at 7 p.m. General admission is $25; group price is $20. 208-263-9191

26 Winery Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts live music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring String Along, two rockin' local ladies who bring out the best in folk and bluegrass. 208-265-8545

26 CD Release Party. Panida's Little Theater hosts the Not Quite Punk CD Release Party beginning at 7 p.m. 208-263-9191

26-27 Outrageous Air Show. Olympic skiers join local talent in a Big Air Show at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Crazy themed parties follow in Taps. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

26-27 An Education. The Panida Theater hosts the film An Education at 7:30 p.m. each night. This coming-of-age tale, and winner of the 2009 Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, is part of the Global Cinema Cafe film series. Find more details on the Sandpoint Movies Page. Tickets are $7 adults, $6 seniors/students; available in advance at Pack River Potions and Pedro's, or at the ticket booth on the night of the show. 208-263-9191

27 Live Music with Peter Lucht. 41 South, at the south end of the Long Bridge, features Peter Lucht on the baby grand piano, beginning at 6 p.m. in the lounge. 208-265-2000

27 Game Night at DiLunas. If you want to get together with friends and play a game or just want to challenge someone to chess while listening to great music and enjoying great food at the same time, come on down to DiLuna's, 207 Cedar St. in downtown Sandpoint. Beth Pederson and Bruce Bishop are the "House" band. Playing games is not a prerequisite! DiLunas.com. 208-263-0846

Here is what's coming up in March!

3 KPND Ski & Board Party. Slate's Prime Time Grill, on Highway 95 in Ponderay, hosts the KPND Ski & Board Party. 208-263-1381

5 Calo Flamenco. Pend Oreille Arts Council presents Calo Flamenco at 7:30 p.m. in the Panida Theater. Calo Flamenco brings an unforgettable experience that leaves audiences energized and awestruck. This electrifying dance and music ensemble will arouse the passion of the human heart in a brilliant display that only flamenco can deliver. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for POAC members, and $8 for youth; available at the POAC office inside the Power House building, Eve's Leaves and Eichardt's. ArtinSandpoint.com. 208-263-6139

6 Haden Kistler Benefit Dinner and Auction. Residents of the Bonner County community are joining forces to host a Benefit Dinner and Auction to benefit Haden Kistler and his family. Haden, age 11, underwent emergency surgery at Sacred Heart Medical Center to remove two brain tumors, and doctors have diagnosed them as cancerous. Haden is currently undergoing radiation treatments in Seattle, and has a long fight ahead of him. He is the only child of a self-employed single mom. The event begins at 3 p.m. in the Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School, and features a chili supper, plus live and silent auctions - view a list of auction items. There is no cost to attend; please just feel free to contribute what you can for Haden. Donations from businesses throughout Bonner County are appreciated (all donations will be recognized, and proceeds benefit the family). On behalf of all local community members, a "thank you" in advance for your consideration of this request. For information, contact Christie Anderson at 208-266-0455 or Darlene Stevens at 208-266-1290.

6 Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival. The Idaho Conservation League sponsors the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival, celebrating the human-powered experience, at 7 p.m. in the Sandpoint Events Center at Pine and Euclid. Tickets are $5 at the door. Visit BackcountryFilmFestival.com for more information, or call 208-265-9565.

7 The Perfect Religion. The Gardenia Center, 400 Church St., hosts the play The Perfect Religion, at 10 a.m. as part of the Sunday service. Lead female role features Susan Fiskin, who has many local actress credits. The play, sponsored by Pine Productions, contains some blasphemy, so discretion is advised for those sensitive to being offended. Designed to entertain you, not save you. Cost is free, but there will be a collection. 208-265-2897

-- What's happening the week of Monday, March 8 through Sunday, March 14 --

12 Extravaganza - Scott Kirby Piano Concert. The Panida Theater hosts Extravaganza, a Scott Kirby piano concert, at 7 p.m. 208-264-9191

13 Heuga Center Vertical Express for MS. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts this annual event to help raise funds for the Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

13 Sandpoint Friends of the NRA (SFNRA) Banquet. The Sandpoint Friends of the NRA hold their annual banquet at 6 p.m. in the Ponderay Events Center. Gun owners, hunters, shooters and families - come out and enjoy good food, great prizes and have loads of fun at the SFNRA Banquet and Auction. Tickets are $30, available at Johnson Heating and Cooling, The Sub Shoppe in Kootenai, Wrenco Arms and Army Surplus. For more details, call 208-263-8473 or visit FriendsofNRA.org.

13-14 Library Wine Weekend. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts a Library Wine Weekend with tastings of some of the past vintages of Pend d'Oreille Winery. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

14 Grom Stomp. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts a grom-sized slopestyle and boardercross competition for those ages 6-11. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555 

-- What's happening the week of Monday, March 15 through Sunday, March 21 --

16 Banff Radical Reels. Mountain Fever presents high-adrenaline extreme sports films beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Panida Theater. 208-263-9191

17 KPND Ski & Board Party. Priest River Inn, 114 Main St. in Priest River, hosts the KPND Ski & Board Party. 208-448-1097

19 Student Art Show. Pend Oreille Arts Council opens the annual Student Art Show with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Power House. ArtinSandpoint.com. 208-263-6139

19-21 Stomp Games. Catch some gnarly riding when Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts its popular Stomp Games. The region's best riders compete for serious cash prizes, and spectators are treated to phenomenal stunts. Categories include Rail Jam, Slopestyle and Ridercross. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

20 SHS Grad Night Auction and Dinner. A dinner and auction to raise money for the SHS Grad Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) in the Panhandle State Bank building. Event proceeds help fund the graduating Sandpoint High School seniors' Grad Nite Safe and Sane Party, held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds on the night of graduation (June 12). Tickets are $15 each, or two for $25. Sponsored by the SHS Grad Night Committee; tickets are available at Sharon's Hallmark or by calling 208-683-3236.

-- What's happening the week of Monday, March 22 through Sunday, March 28 --

26 Mud Bay Jugglers. Pend Oreille Arts Council presents the Mud Bay Jugglers, at 7:30 p.m. in the Panida Theater. A hit with young and old alike, the Mud Bay Jugglers blend juggling, comedy, dance and music into a unique and amazing performance. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for POAC members, and $8 for youth; available at the POAC office inside the Power House building, Eve's Leaves and Eichardt's. ArtinSandpoint.com. 208-263-6139

Here is what’s happening in April!

3 KPND Ski & Board Party. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts the KPND Ski & Board Party as part of the Tropical Daze festivities. 208-265-5100

3-4 Tropical Daze. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts two days of fun in the sun (hopefully!) with games, derby and live music. Schweitzer.com. 208-263-9555

11 Telluride Mountain Film Festival. The Selway-Bitterroot Foundation presents this independent documentary film festival at 7 p.m. in the Panida. 208-263-9191

16 Manding Jata. Pend Oreille Arts Council presents Manding Jata at 7:30 p.m. in the Panida Theater. Uniquely staged and culturally authentic, the Manding Jata feature 800 years of cultural arts and include a drum ensemble, flutes, dance, masquerade, acrobatics and Mande songs of celebration. It's spectacular! Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for POAC members, and $8 for youth; available at the POAC office inside the Power House building, Eve's Leaves and Eichardt's. ArtinSandpoint.com. 208-263-6139

23 Annual Wine Tasting, Dinner and Auction. The Festival at Sandpoint hosts their annual fundraiser, a gala event at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. FestivalatSandpoint.com. 208-265-4554

24 Blend your Own Bistro Day. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 220 Cedar St., hosts a Blend Your Own Bistro Day. Be a winemaker for the day at the winery, and spend time in the cellar putting together your own Bistro Blend. POWine.com. 208-265-8545

24-May 2 K&K Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club holds its annual spring fishing contest. LPOIC.org. 208-448-1365

30 Escaping Reality - Abstract Expressionists Art Reception. Pend Oreille Arts Council hosts a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Power House. ArtinSandpoint.com. 208-263-6139

Here is what’s happening in May!

13-16 Lost in the '50s. Sandpoint goes retro with a vintage car parade, concerts, a street dance, car rally and fun run. 208-265-5678

29-Sept. 4 Summer Sounds at Park Place. Pend Oreille Arts Council presents free concert series with shows every Saturday, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, at the Park Place Stage on the corner or First and Cedar. ArtinSandpoint.com. 208-265-5678