Here’s a list of some of the “can’t miss” events that happen annually in North Idaho. For a more detailed listing of events and other fun things to do in the area, visit the North Idaho Calendar page.
Coeur d’Alene
Ironman Coeur d’Alene
A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run all run in succession highlight this annual event in Coeur d’Alene. Athletes begin their day at 7:00 a.m. with a swim on Lake Coeur d’Alene and have until midnight to complete what is considered one of the toughest endurance events in the world of sports. Held annually in August, and Ironman 70.3 held annually in June. (208) 664-3194 or (877) 782-9232
Car d’Lane Classic Car Show
On Father’s Day weekend in June, the Car d’Lane Classic Car show is a “kick-off” to summer. Enjoy the Friday night “cruise” on Sherman and Lakeside with the whole family. Area restaurants and vendors have concessions available along the route. Grab a seat along the sidewalk and enjoy the show!
4th of July Festival
Check out one of the area’s many fabulous fireworks displays. Coeur d’Alene makes a day of it, with an afternoon parade, concerts in the park, and other activities. The grand finale is a spectacular fireworks display over the lake, viewable from most of downtown. Come early to get the best seat in the house on the Resort lawns or at the city park.
Most North Idaho communities host celebrations and fireworks.
Art on the Green, Taste of the Coeur d’Alenes
If you’re here the first weekend of August, don’t miss Art on the Green, Coeur d’Alene’s three-day celebration of the Arts on the North Idaho College campus – complete with hundreds of booths, children’s hands-on art projects, famous ears of corn, and “clothes line” art collections by local artists. At the same time, ‘Taste of the Coeur d’Alenes‘ in the lakeside city park offers food vendors and crafts, along with a seven-block ‘Downtown Street Fair‘ in Coeur d’Alene, making for a full weekend of shopping and sightseeing.
Holiday Light Show
Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the Coeur d’Alene Resort turns up the bright lights with it’s Holiday Light show. Throughout the holiday season you can experience America’s largest floating holiday light show and laser extravaganza. Cruise boats take you on Lake Coeur d’Alene to view the animated light displays and holiday scenes along the Coeur d’Alene Resort shoreline, and then a special visit to Santa’s workshop. Other events include breakfasts with Santa, Sunday brunches with Dickens Carolers and Mrs. Clause, Santa Cruises for the very young, a downtown Christmas lighting ceremony, fireworks shows and a lighted parade. (208) 664-3194
Bayview Annual Events
Bayview Daze
This wildly popular small town event is held the first weekend of July and features: a 3-day arts and crafts fair, street parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, lighted boat parade & fireworks Saturday night and MORE. (208) 683-2926
Post Falls Annual Events
Post Falls Days
Held the second weekend in July, Post Falls Days features a parade, arts and crafts fair, carnival, car show and much more.
Julyamsh Pow Wow
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe hosts the largest outdoor pow wow in the Northwest. Complete with Indian Horse Parade, art auction and all of the pageantry of Native American Dance. Held in late July at Greyhound Park Events Center. (800) 523-2464
Northwest’s Best Alpaca Show
The Pacific Northwest Alpaca Association’s annual gathering welcomes the public to learn about these lovable creatures. Held at the end of summer, the event features vendors, education, halter & fleece show, seminars and a silent auction.
Sandpoint Annual Events
Lost in the 50s
Held in May, this car show, dance and festival is not to be missed. (208) 263-9321 or (208) 265-5678
Antique And Classic Boat Festival
Come see a huge assortment of antique and classic boats the second weekend of July. Food & craft vendors. (208) 265-2449
The Festival at Sandpoint
Sandpoint is well known for its commitment to the arts. Each summer, the Festival at Sandpoint features the Spokane Symphony Orchestra along with other international talents. Held at rivers edge this grass field covered with picnic blankets of wine and cheese create storybook memories that will last a lifetime. (208) 265-4554. Held in early August.
Bonners Ferry
Borders 3 Jamboree Car Show
Downtown Bonners Ferry on the first Saturday in June, Borders 3 (Idaho, Montana and Canada) is hosted by the Rod Benders Car Club. Family fun, food and lawnmower races help make it a fun day.
SWISH 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Held the end of July, SWISH is held in downtown Bonners Ferry. With brackets from age 9-10 and up, there’s action for everyone.
Boundary County Fair
The Fair is in the latter part of August at the Fairground.
Harrison
Pig in the Park and June Bug Craft Fair
Held the 3rd weekend in June at Harrison City Park, these events feature great, local food and unique, beautiful and sometimes quirky arts and crafts.
Old Timer’s Picnic
The 4th weekend in July plays host to Harrison’s Old Timer’s Picnic. Featuring King and Queen Coronations on Friday, Kid’s Fishing Derby on Saturday and a picnic all day Sunday. All weekend is the ever popular Community Yard Sale.
Winter Fest Celebration
Downtown Harrison greets the Winter with it’s annual Winter Fest Celebration. Held the first Sunday in December, this event is a must for locals and visitors alike!
Priest Lake Events
Sled Dog Races
In early February, Priest Lake plays host to the U.S. Pacific Coast Championship Sled Dog Races at the USFS Airstrip. Bundle up, grab your thermos of hot chocolate and come out to enjoy the fun! (208) 443-3191
Spring Festival
Memorial Day Weekend celebration featuring Coolin Days Parade, Art & Crafts Fair at Coolin Corners and the annual People Helping People Live Charity Auction at Elkins Resort. (208) 443-3191
Huckleberry Festival
Huckleberries, a round, purple berry native to North Idaho are celebrated during this annual event sponsored by the Priest Lake Senior Center mid-August. (208) 443-3191
Wallace Events
Gyro Days & Lead Creek Derby
A long-standing tradition, this event includes a family carnival on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Visitors can watch a giant beach ball’s progress as it tumbles along the clear water of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River from Mullan to Wallace. Time chances are sold in anticipation of it reaching its final destination. Gyro event runs the third weekend of June. (208) 753-7151 or email director@wallaceidahochamber.com
ATV Jamboree
Family fun is in store for you during this six day event in mid-July. Enjoy beautiful scenery during hosted trail rides including an overnight campout. Participate in an ATV Rodeo, parade, and other exciting events. The festival ends with an Awards Ceremony and Steak-Fry dinner. All activities are designed to include all ages and abilities for your family’s enjoyment. The High Mountain ATV Club, whose motto is “Ride with Family, Ride with Pride”, hosts the event. (208) 556-4308
Huckleberry Festival
Huckleberry Sheriff and Huckleberry Hound reign during this exciting three-day event that features activities for the whole family. Craft vendors on the lawn of the NP Depot Museum, tantalizing food (including Huckleberry Pancakes!) and entertainment on the Gazebo. Hands-on displays. Annual 5K Run. Huckleberry Bake-Off. This festival runs Fri-Sat-Sun the third week of August. (208) 753-7151 or director@wallaceidahochamber.com
Yuletide Celebration
What better way to start a celebration than with a pie & coffee social sponsored by the Senior Center?! Little ones have the opportunity to have lunch with Santa and have their pictures taken. Enjoy a great performance of The Nutcracker by local dance students. Entertainment, mini-festival of trees, and the crowning of Little Miss and Master Snowflake highlight the celebration. Round out the day as you walk throughout the brightly lighted residential area on the Winter Walk. This Chamber event is held on the first Saturday of December. (208) 753-7151 or director@wallaceidahochamber.com.
Athol Events
Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach Water Park
A variety of family friendly activities are scheduled throughout the summer. From “American Pride & Service Day” to “Spiritfest”, there’s always something exciting happening at Silverwood.
Rathdrum Events
Rathdrum Days
In the middle of July the town of Rathdrum celebrates it heritage with three days of activities including parade, car show, Wiener Dog races, Lawnmower races, music, craft & food vendors at the park and more. (208) 687-2866
St. Maries Events
smART on the River
Annual Festival of the Arts and St. Joe Valley Car Club Show N’ Shine. Held in mid-July at Cherry Bend Boat Park.
Paul Bunyan Days
Labor Day Weekend in St. Maries comes alive with the annual celebration Paul Bunyan Days. Food & Craft vendors, music, logging competitions and more highlight this family friendly send-off to summer.