Tune in to virtual theater! Enjoy a local theater production from your living room when the Zoom Reader's Theater presents the first in a series by playwright and director Teresa Pesce - Coffee Shop, streaming now through Jan. 31. It features some of Sandpoint's most gifted actors: Scott Johnson, Tim Martin, Andrew Sorg, Alex Cope, Steve Neuder and Patricia Walker (the Panida's own executive director) in a comedic turn as a neurotic marriage counselor. Virtual Theater is new territory for the Panida and they encourage everyone to take a coffee break and enjoy. The series is sponsored by Panida supporter Evans Brothers Coffee. Get more info»

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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 January!

22 Toyota Free Ski Friday. Drive your Toyota, Scion, or Lexus to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and get one free lift ticket for the day! Schweitzer.com. *Note: Event is subject to change depending on Covid protocols in place.

22-29 Junior Starlight Series. Independence Racing hosts the Junior Starlight Series at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This series is a low-cost ski racing opportunity for both experienced and new racers, and it offers kids a chance to meet others with the same interests. The emphasis is on introducing the fun of ski racing to our youth. Racers will meet at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, for the first session. During this first session participants will receive coaching, get to practice in a race course, and take two timed NASTAR runs. Subsequent sessions are 5:30 p.m. to  7 p.m. Jan. 15, 22, and 29. To register or for more information, call 208-263-3552, email [email protected], or visit IndependenceRacing.com.

22 Winery Live Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., hosts live music featuring Honey & Kitten with Fiddlin Sarah Jean and Cris Lucas. Sarah Jean, of the Powers, and Cris Lucas, of the Rub, come together providing acoustic original and variety music. Come early for a seat - this is sure to be a great performance! POWine.com.

22 Winter Paint and Sip. Uncorked Paint hosts a Winter Paint and Sip at 6:30 p.m. in the Cedar Street Bridge. Paint "Bird's Eye View," bring your sip, and enjoy some munchies while you paint. $35 per guest; reserve your spot online or call Kem Hughes Davis at 208-219-7915.

21-23 Ready, Set, Suzuki! Parent Workshop. An introduction to Suzuki violin and cello is held during this five-hour workshop. The Suzuki philosophy will be explained in detail and parents will learn correct set up: how to place a bow properly, how to hold the violin/cello and the seven basic Suzuki rhythms so they can help their child with successful practice at home. Cost: $150 including materials, binder, bag and practice bow. Workshop offered by Suzuki String Academy, 102 S. Euclid Ave., Suite #106 in Sandpoint. Space is limited for this class. Register at SuzukiStringAcademy.com or email [email protected]

23, 29 FSPW Winter Hikes. Hiking in wintertime is a fun, rewarding experience. And now Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness has launched its winter hiking season, so there are plenty of great outings to add to your calendar! The scheduled free hikes provide a chance to explore our wild backyard on snowshoe with fellow nature lovers. FSPW volunteers lead the snowshoe hikes, which include: Ross Creek Cedars Snowshoe on Jan. 23; and Round Lake Stewardship Hike on Jan. 29. Visit the FSPW Winter Hike page to sign up!

23 Winery Live Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., hosts live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Daniel Mills of Son of Brad. Mills returns to the winery for a memorable night of music, as he puts his whole soul, body, mind, and effort into each performance. POWine.com.

24 Piano Sunday. Dwayne Parsons is a local favorite musician who brings a story to his music during his Piano Sunday performance from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. Come in for a glass of wine, pizza, and an entertaining performance! Parsons' hands hold the secret to making the grand piano sing! Apres Ski Special: $5 glass of Bistro Rouge or Bistro Blanc when you show your ski pass! POWine.com.

24 Bingo at the Winery. Sunday night is the new Bingo Night at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. Starts at 6 p.m. Free to play with limited occupancy/seating. Fun prizes, great food, and as always wonderful wines! POWine.com.

* Here's what's happening this week through Sunday, January 31 *

29 Winter Food Distribution Event. Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 Pine St., partners with 2nd Harvest of Spokane to bring its first-ever winter emergency food distribution to the Sandpoint area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until supplies run out). The event will be held in the parking lot of the church - rain, snow, or shine! Guests are asked to enter through the Lincoln Avenue side of the parking lot and exit right onto Pine Street; no documentation needed. 208-263-7516

29 Winery Live Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., hosts live music with Okay, Honey from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Okay, Honey is Spokane's premier brewery and winery band, featuring a singer-songwriter folk-inspired male and female duo performing guitar, fiddle, and dynamic harmonies. Come down for a glass of Friday night wine! POWine.com.

30 Winery Live Music. Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., hosts live music with Kevin Gardner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gardner of Spokane band Spare Parts will be back performing a solo set that will have you singing along and swaying in your seats. Join this fun-filled Saturday night at the winery! POWine.com.

30 Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will be virtually hosting one of the largest outdoor recreation film festivals in the country - the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Join for a premiering of nine awe-inspiring outdoor films from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. You'll also have the chance to win outdoor gear and speak with local artists (like Erik Daarstad) in a live Q&A session. FSPW is partnering with Utara Brewing Co. to offer ticket and dinner bundles for the night. Don't miss this special night in, with films, food, beer, and a celebration of wild places. Tickets are limited - buy online.

31 Piano Sunday. Athena Robinson returns to the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., playing all the classical favorites from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Robinson's extensive background and outstanding display of skill will fill the tasting room. Come enjoy a glass of Merlot, a handcrafted meal, and a room filled with an inspiring piano performance. POWine.com.

31 Bingo at the Winery. Sunday night is the new Bingo Night at the Pend d'Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. Starts at 6 p.m. Free to play with limited occupancy/seating. Fun prizes, great food, and as always wonderful wines! POWine.com.

Through Feb. 8 Panida's Secret Valentine. Order a $10 hand-delivered Valentine for your Valentine, sweetened with chocolate, to addresses in Sandpoint, Kootenai, and Ponderay. Simply go to Panida.org, click on the Valentine image, follow it to the Valentine form, contribute $10 (which will be dedicated to restoration of the Panida's beacon-of-hope marquee), and your handmade Valentine will be on its way on Feb. 13! Last day to order a valentine is Feb. 8.

Banff Mountain Film Festival - Virtual Edition. For 2021, Banff Mountain Film Festival's primary intent is to keep patrons safe. This year's films, which are new and current for 2021, are offered online this year -- and there are two individual programs available of 8 to 9 films each. Films are only available through an internet connection, and cannot be downloaded. To give as a gift, there will be an option that appears on the Checkout Page. Programs cost $15 each, or bundle both for $28. Get your tickets online.

All month - Schweitzer Skiing. A limited number of tickets are available to purchase. If you are a non-passholder itching to make some turns, now is your chance! Tickets must be purchased at Schweitzer.com before heading to the ticket window. Face coverings are required both when inside the lodges and also when waiting in lift lines.

Here is what's coming up in February!

6 Free First Saturday at the Museum. Enjoy free admission at the Bonner County History Museum, 611 S. Ella St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This month's event is sponsored by Elizabeth Wargo and Jason Welker. BonnerCountyHistory.org.

6 BGH Heart Ball. Have a Heart, and a Ball. The 13th Annual Bonner General Health Heart Ball is coming Feb. 6, and this year Sandpoint's liveliest gala is a virtual event. All you need is an Internet connection and a generous heart. It's a major fundraiser for the BGH Foundation. See more and sign up now»

8-14 Dark Love Stout Week. The 219 Lounge in downtown Sandpoint hosts Dark Love Stout Week Feb. 8-14. There will be a full week of celebrating stouts and love! Limited glassware available starting on Feb. 8, with two new stouts being tapped each day. Take in live music with the Jason Perry Trio on Feb. 13. Check their Facebook for more info. Ages 21-plus.

14 Let It Glow Fireworks Show. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts fireworks over the village during Presidents' Day Weekend! Free and open to the public. Schweitzer.com. *Note: Event is subject to change depending on Covid protocols in place.

Here is what's coming up in March 2021!

6 Free First Saturday at the Museum. Enjoy free admission at the Bonner County History Museum, 611 S. Ella St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This month's event is sponsored by Jack and Colleen Filipowski. BonnerCountyHistory.org.

(Tentative) 2,400 Feet of Schweitzer. Schweitzer Mountain Resort hosts world's longest GS race to benefit the Cystinosis Research Foundation. 24HoursforHank.org.

6 Mega Demo Day. Join Schweitzer Mountain Resort as they help raise money for Panhandle Alliance for Education (PAFE) - while getting to sample 2022's newest skis and boards! Try out new gear all day long. Schweitzer.com. *Note: Event is subject to change depending on Covid protocols in place.
Presidents' Day Weekend! Free and open to the public. Schweitzer.com. *Note: Event is subject to change depending on Covid protocols in place.

Here is what's coming up in April 2021!

* Schpring Finale. Celebrate the end of another great season at Schweitzer Mountain Resort featuring the Big LeBREWski and Rotary Ducky Derby. Schweitzer.com. 208-255-3081

* K&K Spring Fishing Derby. Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club holds 49th annual spring fishing contest; live auction held April 26. LPOIC.org.