Busy week is packed with the gift of yuletide fun

SANDPOINT – Yuletide fun awaits, hearty revelers. Grab a coffee, mark your calendar and get ready for a packed week of ho-ho-holiday funs with everything from holiday balls and concerts to artist receptions and Christmas faires and more, for starters. Don’t forget the backcountry film festival, family movie at the Panida and the always magical Kinderhaven Festival of Trees.

So, without further ado, here we go:

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

Bonner General Health Parade of Trees

Venue: Bonner General Health classrooms, 520 N. Third Ave.

Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The annual Bonner General Health Parade of Trees silent auction is held through 4 p.m. today so come browse and bid on beautifully decorated trees, which are donated to raise money for the Bonner General Health Volunteer Council Education Fund.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Kinderhaven Festival of Trees Family Nigh

Venue: Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Get a peek at beautifully decorated trees, have your picture taken with Santa and enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate. All proceeds from these events will go to Kinderhaven, a group foster home and emergency shelter for abused and neglected children.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

East Hope Tree Lighting

Venue: Across from Davis Grocery, 620 Wellington Place

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Come celebrate the holiday season as East Hope hosts its annual Christmas lighting ceremony at the park across the street from Davis Grocery. Following the lighting, the store is holding a holiday gathering with wine, cookies and cocoa. Hosted by East Hope City Council, join the fun at Davis Grocery Cafe for drinks, goodies, and community

Admission: Free and open to the public.

National Wild Turkey Federation Pint Night

Venue: Matchwood Brewing Co., 513 Oak St.

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Come learn more about the National Wild Turkey Federation and efforts to build a local chapter in Sandpoint. There will be door prizes and a raffle for some outdoor gear.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Repeal Day Prohibition Party

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 N. First

Time: 5:30-9 p.m.

Enjoy live music, a Prohibition-style exhibit and entertainment, purchase a plate of hot eats, and slide up to the bar for some cool drinks. Use the password “coffin varnish” to access A secret Prohibition-era cocktail menu.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

Kinderhaven Festival of Trees Holiday Luncheon

Venue: Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer

Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Doors open at 11 a.m. with silent auction bidding from 11 a.m.-noon.

Lunch will be served family style around 12:15 p.m. and the event will conclude by 1:30 p.m.

Tickets and information: kinderhavensandpoint.com

‘My Favorite Christmas’

Venue: Circle Moon Theater, Highway 211, 3 1/2 miles north of Highway 2, near Newport, Wash.

Time: 6:30 p.m., dinner service; 7:30 p.m., show begins

Northwoods Performing Arts proudly presents its annual chorale holiday celebration, entitled “My Favorite Christmas”, with performances set for Dec. 6-7, 10, 12, and 13-14. Sleigh bells, angels and stars, hot cocoa, Baby Jesus – the show offers reminiscent stories shared by Northwoods performers, and “My Favorite Christmas” wraps all of them up in a warm blanket of gorgeous holiday music.

Admission: $35 dinner/show only

Tickets/reservations: 208-448.1294 or northwoodsperformingarts.com

RFB (aka Right Front Burner)

Venue: MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St.

Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

RFB is Sandpoint’s finest party band featuring funk, disco, rock and groovy tunes. Known as the Inland Northwest’s funkiest band, RFB has the power to make your booty shake and get your groove on.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

BareGrass Trio

Venue: Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.

Time: 4-7 p.m.

In collaboration with Pend Oreille Arts Council, the winery welcomes local artist and architect, Bill Klein, whose early paintings and recent abstract art will be on display. Performing from 5-8 p.m. will be BareGrass and they always pack the house! BareGrass is two acoustic guitars, an upright bass, and three voices. All members are songwriters, but you’ll recognize a familiar favorite from time to time.

After visiting local art galleries and merchant shops, join the winery for prize drawings and specials during its First Friday After-Party 6:30-8 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Bright Moments Jazz

Venue: Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St.

Time: 5-7 p.m. – Fri., June 28

When these musicians perform, make it a point to get out and enjoy the good vibes.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Cedar and Boyer

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave.

Time: 8-11 p.m.

Sandpoint duo, Justin and Jen Landis. Having roots in the singer-songwriter tradition, their sound is a shifting combination of instruments and arrangements. 8 to 11 pm.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Truck Mills & Carl Rey

Venue: Matchwood Brewing Co., 513 Oak St.

Time: 5 p.m.

Join us for old style blues, country blues, and jazz with local acclaimed guitarist Truck Mills and Carl Rey on harmonica. Acclaimed Northwest guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, Mills is a musical explorer. Rey is a 30-year veteran of the jazz and blues music scene with a classic “old style” delivery honed to a contemporary edge.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Backcountry Film Festival

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave.

Time: 7 p.m.

Grab your skis, backcountry buddies, and get ready for some serious fun for a darn good cause - getting underserved youth in our community unplugged and connected to their winter wildlands!

Information: soleexperiences.org

‘Elementary Holiday’

Venue: Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union St., Newport, Wash.

Time: 7 p.m.

Kick off your Holiday celebrations with plays written by local elementary school kids! That’s right -— written by little kids, acted and directed by teens and adults — you’ll laugh so hard, you’ll cry. Additional performances Dec. 7-8, Dec. 13-15.

Admission: $12, adults; $10, seniors (65 and over); and $7 for students (18 and under). Information: pendoreilleplayers.org

POAC First Fridays

Venue: Little Carnegie Hall, 110 Main St.; Columbia Bank Plaza, Third and Oak; and Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.

Time: 5-7 p.m.

“Idaho Inspiration,” at the Columbia Bank Community Plaza, features artwork by 2019 Artist of the Year Terrie Kremer. Terrie is a quilt artist and teacher who experiments with a wide variety of cutting edge techniques. The 5th annual Winter Art Market, at the POAC Gallery, features small artworks and ornaments by POAC’s plethora of fine artists. The gallery will also be open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, for more gift shopping. The Pend d’Oreille Winery will exhibit Bill Klein, longtime Sandpoint architect and visual artist. Generously sponsored by the Pend d’Oreille Winery.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

Venue: East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Delectable cookbooks, how-to for crafters who like to give handmade items, books to tickle the funny bone, mysteries for the sleuth, classics and book sets. Bonus sale: All electronic media (CDs and movies) will be half price.

Information: 208-263-6930

First Free Saturday

Venue: Bonner County History Museum, 611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint.

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: Free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of local sponsors.

Information: 208-263-2344

Waldorf School Christmas Faire

Venue: Sandpoint Waldorf School, 2007 Sandpoint West Drive

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Unique handcrafted gifts by local artisans, live musical entertainment, puppet shows, delicious homemade food and desserts, creative children’s activities and more!

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Information: 208-265-2683

‘Elementary Holiday’

Venue: Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union St., Newport, Wash.

Time: 7 p.m.

Admission: $12, adults; $10, seniors (65 and over); and $7 for students (18 and under). Information: pendoreilleplayers.org

‘My Favorite Christmas’

Venue: Circle Moon Theater, Highway 211, 3 1/2 miles north of Highway 2, near Newport, Wash.

Time: 6:30 p.m., dinner service; 7:30 p.m., show begins

Admission: $25 dinner/show or $12 for show only. Seniors and youth tickets are 10.

Tickets/reservations: 208-448.1294 or northwoodsperformingarts.com

Nick Wiehe

Venue: Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St.

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Nick Wiebe is a seasoned musical artist from the Pacific Northwest who has been influenced by everything from reggae, country, and classic rock to ’80s, ’90s pop and more during this live show. Nick combines intimate acoustic jams for heartfelt songwriter sounds and a skillful use of a loop pedal to sound like a full band. Join us for an evening of unique musical styles and favorite songs.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Artworks Holiday Reception

Venue: Artworks Gallery, 214 N. First Ave., Sandpoint

Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Come enjoy appetizers, live music and conversation with artists, while browsing Sandpoint’s premier art gallery. It’s the perfect place to find that special, one-of-a-kind, locally-created gift, and all purchases made during reception hours will discounted 10 percent.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Justin Lantrip

Venue: Idaho Pour Authority, 203 Cedar St.

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Nate Jackson

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave.

Time: doors open 7 p.m., show begins 8 p.m.

Get here early and prepare for a good time as the Two-One-Niner welcomes stand-up comedians Nate Jackson, Sam Miller and Morgan Preston. Tickets available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Information: 219.bar

Honeybee

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave.

Time: 3 p.m.

Celtic fusion music with identical twin sisters Deby Benton Grosjean, fiddle; and Pamela Benton, vocals, electric violin & guitar; Honeybee celebrates the sounds of the season. The band also features Taylor Belotte on drums, Joel Wilson on bass, and Tyler Coulston on guitar.

Admission and tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at the door; online at panida.org

‘Holiday Ball’ Dance at Community Hall

Venue: Ponderay Events Center, 401 Bonner Mall Way

Time: 7-10 p.m.

This holiday themed dance will feature live music by the Variety Pack Band and starts with a Waltz lesson taught by a local professional instructor from 7- 8 pm, followed by general dancing, refreshments, door prizes, mixers, and an overall great time. Please bring an appetizer to share and a donation of non-perishable food for the Bonner Community Food Bank. Singles and couples are welcome.

Admission: $9 adults, $6 USA Dance members and $5 teens. USA Dance events are alcohol and tobacco free.

Information: 208-699-0421 or go online to usadancesandpoint.org

Kinderhaven Festival of Trees Gala at the Fairgrounds

Venue: Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer, in Sandpoint.

Time: 5:30 p.m. – Sat., Dec. 1

Doors open at 5:30 pm for hors d’oevres, no-host bar, and silent auction items. Once the silent auction is over, guests will move to the main event for a wonderful dinner catered by Ivano’s Ristorante and a live auction of the fabulous trees and packages.

Tickets and information: kinderhavensandpoint.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 8

‘Elementary Holiday’

Venue: Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union St., Newport, Wash.

Time: 3 p.m.

Admission: $12, adults; $10, seniors (65 and over); and $7 for students (18 and under). Information: pendoreilleplayers.org

Piano Sunday with Bob Beadling

Venue: Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301. Cedar St.

Time: 2-4 p.m. – Sun., Oct. 28

Bob is an incredibly talented pianist who always presents a memorable performance. Come enjoy the afternoon of music with your friends and families.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Sunday Brewery Brunch

Venue: Matchwood Brewing Co., 513 Oak St.

Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

An all-day brunch, special, DIY mimosas and you as Matchwood Brewing launches Sunday Brewery Brunches.

Admission: matchwoodbrewing.com

MONDAY, DEC. 9

Monday Night Blues Jam

Venue: Eichardt’s Pub & Grille

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Host Truck Mills invites local and visiting musicians to join him on the Eichardt’s stage. Come down and play or watch and enjoy micro brew from one of our 13 taps.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

TUESDAY, DEC. 10

‘My Favorite Christmas’

Venue: Circle Moon Theater, Highway 211, 3 1/2 miles north of Highway 2, near Newport, Wash.

Time: 6:30 p.m., dinner service; 7:30 p.m., show begins

Northwoods Performing Arts proudly presents its annual chorale holiday celebration, entitled “My Favorite Christmas”, with performances set for Dec. 6-7, 10, 12, and 13-14. Sleigh bells, angels and stars, hot cocoa, Baby Jesus – the show offers reminiscent stories shared by Northwoods performers, and “My Favorite Christmas” wraps all of them up in a warm blanket of gorgeous holiday music.

Admission: $25 dinner/show or $12 for show only. Seniors and youth tickets are 10.

Tickets/reservations: 208-448.1294 or northwoodsperformingarts.com

Night-Out Karaoke

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 First Ave., in Sandpoint.

Time: 9 p.m.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

c Christmas

Venue: Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave.

Time: 7 p.m.

Awarding winning Irish trio Affiniti brings their sounds of harp, violin and voice bring a classical/Celtic feel to festive favorites. Special guest Howard Crosby, nephew of the great Bing Crosby, will join Affiniti.

Information: panida.org

Cornhole League

Venue: MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., in Sandpoint.

Time: 6-9 p.m. (Every Tuesday until Dec. 17.)

All skill levels, drop-ins welcome. For more information, check out: Facebook.com/SandpointIdahoCornhole or email: SandpointCornhole@gmail.com

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

The Conversation — A Call to Artists

Venue: Creations for Sandpoint, Cedar Street Bridge, 334 N. First Ave.

Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Festival of the Bards, Northwest locals entertaining Northwest locals, produces 15 original one-act plays all weekend long at the Panida in July 2020. Interested? Come to The Conversation to meet the festival’s organizers and to learn all the details.

Everyone from playwrights and directors to actors and set designers and everything in between from throughout the region is invited and welcome to take part.

The Conversation is a free monthly event with the intent to support the tenacity it takes to make and market art in the visual, literary, and performing fields.

The Conversation is graciously sponsored by the nonprofit Creations for Sandpoint on the Cedar St. Bridge

Information: Mary Maio, 208-263-1592 (no texts)

Open Mic with Kevin Dorin

Venue: MickDuff’s Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St.

Time: 6-9 p.m.

MickDuff’s Beer Hall and Kevin Dorin are excited to welcome all local artists over 21 years of age for a fun and open night of playing at the Beer Hall. Come out for a positive environment to share your passion or just come to take it all in. All levels of performers are welcome. The set will be recorded live and artists will have access to the audio! Also, this an opportunity for you to work with a professional sound guy who will work to mic you up and get your levels to show the best version of you

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

Wind Down Wednesday

Venue: 219 Lounge, 219 N. First Ave.

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Live music with Truck Mills and a guest.

Admission: Free for those 21 and over.

IPAC Snow Pit Chat

Venue: Matchwood Brewing Co., 513 Oak St.

Time: 6 p.m.

Hosted by Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center and Matchwood Brewing Company, the chats are a chance to ask questions, learn valuable information and tips on safe travel in the backcountry throughout the snow season, and get to know your IPAC staff and members.

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Celebrating Idaho with Carl Rowe

Venue: The Longshot, 102 S. Boyer Ave.

Time: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

The Idaho Conservation League, Carl Rowe and the Pend Oreille Arts Council host a two-day special art showing celebrating the diverse beauty of Idaho’s vast landscapes. Drop by anytime during The Longshot’s regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to experience the splendor of Idaho’s diverse landscapes from ICL’s 2019 artist in residence Carl Rowe. After traveling across the Gem State during his 2019 residency, Rowe created a body of work that tells the story of Idaho.

Admission: Free and open to the public.