Holiday happenings. Despite the challenging year, there's still so much to be thankful for ... namely that we're in beautiful Sandpoint! Schweitzer opens Friday to passholders and lodging guests only, but if that doesn't include you there's still more to check out - including the K&K Thanksgiving Fishing Derby - on the Entertainment Calendar, below. And Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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COVID-19 Update: Get information, news and resources on the COVID-19 coronavirus response in Sandpoint and Bonner County on the COVID-19 Update Page.

Here's what's happening in November!

24-25, 27-29 K&K Thanksgiving Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club's annual fall fishing contest. Put on your long johns and come join this exciting outdoor event on Lake Pend Oreille! LPOIC.org.

25 The Powers of Gratitude (Modified Event!). Join Matchwood Brewing for the 3rd annual Thanksgiving Eve event, The Powers of Gratitude, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a modified event due to Covid, focused on the act of giving and kindness. Matchwood will light an outdoor gratitude tree and host a virtual show featuring The Powers on Facebook! To be a part of this event, make a donation to the Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women (diapers, feminine hygiene products, non-perishables, and monetary donations welcome); pick up Matchwood craft beer and food-to-go for your holiday weekend; bring or decorate an ornament for the 2020 Outdoor Gratitude Tree (some supplies are available at Matchwood!); and tune in to watch The Powers at 5:30 p.m. from home on Facebook for a live virtual show!

25-29 Stardust. The Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., hosts screenings of the film Stardust. Starring Johnny Flynn and Marc Maron, Stardust offers a glimpse behind the curtain of the moments that inspired the creation of David Bowie's first and most memorable alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, capturing the turning point that cemented his career as one of the world's greatest cultural icons. See showtimes and more information on the Sandpoint Movies page.

26 Happy Thanksgiving!

27 Schweitzer Opening Day. Schweitzer Mountain Resort opens for the season, but is limiting access to passholders and lodging guests at this time due to early-season terrain and capacity restrictions with regards to Covid. Schweitzer.com.

27 Downtown Tree Lighting. *Canceled*

28 Small Business Saturday. Help support our small businesses on Small Business Saturday in downtown Sandpoint. Come out and get your Christmas shopping done early, and find lots of great deals! Free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].

28 Blue Bird Nesting Box Sale. The Idaho Master Naturalists are holding a Blue Bird Nesting Box Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Super Drug parking lot on Fifth Avenue. Constructed by Idaho Fish & Game and volunteers to blue bird nesting specifications (but other birds also like them as well!). At $10 each, these make a great stocking stuffer idea!

29 MCS Radio Broadcasts. The show must go on! The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint theater students understand the 2020 version of this saying. This fall they have been having fun working on two new productions, amidst restrictions brought on by our current community health status. From six feet apart they have been developing skills in voice acting, recording, and sound effects. And now ... the theater students of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint are proud to present, two exciting broadcasts on KRFY! In a partnership with Community Radio 88.5 KRFY, the Music Conservatory students will be presenting a dramatization of School News Report, performed by the Young Performers class, will air at 6 p.m. Live streaming available at KRFY.org. Tune in to hear these amazingly talented students bring these dramatic and hilarious works to life!

* Here's what's happening this week through Sunday, Dec. 6 *

Here is what's coming up in December!

1 BCRWI's Christmas Bash. BCRWI host their annual Christmas Bash at 6 p.m., featuring Christian comedian Brad Stine. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, and sparkling cider will be served, plus there will be a silent auction offering lots of fun items to bid on. Tickets are $25. Contact Robin Gray at [email protected] to purchase.

3-13 Kinderhaven's Tour of Trees. Replacing their annual Festival of Trees event, Kinderhaven's Tour of Trees includes bidding on a variety of fantastic Christmas trees that takes place online beginning Dec. 9. Stop by the Little Panida Theater, Kinderhaven's "headquarters" for the Tour of Trees, and pick up your Tour of Trees map! Bids may also be placed for table top trees, gift baskets, and wreaths starting Dec. 6. Online bidding for all items ends Dec. 12. As always, trees will be wrapped and delivered to the winning bidder. The trees will be displayed at various local business locations, where the public can view them on Dec.12. This is Kinderhaven’s major fundraiser for the year! KinderhavenSandpoint.org.

4 Backcountry Film Festival. Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education hosts the Winter Wildlands Alliance film festival at the Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. Proceeds help fund SOLE's SnowSchool Experience program. SoleExperiences.org.

4 Girls Night Out Shopping Event. Party! Bring your girlfriends and hit the streets of historic downtown Sandpoint during Girls Night Out! Enjoy snacks, prizes, and deals, deals, deals! After-party held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tasty's in the Cedar Street Bridge, 334 N. First Ave. For more information, email [email protected].

5-6 Santa at Cedar Street Bridge. Santa's coming to town! Come see Santa at the Cedar Street Bridge, 334 N. First Ave., where children can share their Christmas wishes. Free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].

5 Holiday Ball. *Canceled.*

12-13 Santa at Cedar Street Bridge. Santa's coming to town! Come see Santa at the Cedar Street Bridge, 334 N. First Ave., where children can share their Christmas wishes. Free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].

18 Slackers Night Out. 'Oh no, it's almost Christmas and I still need to shop!' Don't worry, come out to Slackers Night Out in downtown Sandpoint for some fun and to get your last-minute Christmas gifts purchased. For more information, email [email protected].

19-23 Santa at Cedar Street Bridge. Santa's coming to town! Come see Santa at the Cedar Street Bridge, 334 N. First Ave., where children can share their Christmas wishes. Free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].

23-24 Santa's Traditional Schweitzer Visit. Santa hits the slopes and then stops off at the Selkirk Lodge on Christmas Eve. Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081

25 Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!

31 New Year's Eve. Schweitzer hosts festive parties to usher in the new year at Taps and other locations at the resort. Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081

Here is what's coming up in January 2021!

1 New Year's Day. Polar plunge at City Beach.