Living in the Northwest, it is easy to be inspired by the beautiful surroundings. Fortunately, we live in an area where artists, both visual and performing, love to take that inspiration and create beautiful things for us to enjoy.
With an abundance of things to choose from, from concerts to art shows, here are just a few ways to take in all there is to see and do.
Sandpoint is home to an up-and-coming country music performer who just recently released a new album, “Game Over.” Devon Wade has performed all over the Pacific Northwest, from Sandpoint to Post Falls to the Knitting Factory in Spokane where he has opened for stars such as Kip Moore. Devon has also performed in Seattle and just recently finished up a three-city tour in Texas and Louisiana. Check him out on Facebook and be sure in take in one of his many shows. You won’t be disappointed!
Pend Oreille Arts Council in Sandpoint hosts many wonderful events throughout the year, one of which is the Arts and Crafts Fair in August. For the last 45 years the event has been held at City Beach, but this year it will move to downtown on 2nd and Main. This year’s event is August 11 and 12, which is also the second weekend of the popular Festival at Sandpoint. It’s one of the busiest—not to mention one of the most fun—weekends in this beautiful town.
Speaking of the Festival at Sandpoint, this event draws people from all over to enjoy eight days of delightful music of various genres. It takes place at Memorial Field overlooking the Pend Oreille River. The Festival welcomes 25,000 people each year and has been providing top-notch entertainment since 1983, making it a destination vacation for many in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Year-round musical entertainment can be found in many Sandpoint venues, include the recently renovated iconic 219 Lounge. Located in Downtown Sandpoint, the “Niner” has live musical entertainment from bands throughout the Pacific Northwest. But it’s not just music you’ll find here; they also have comedians, karaoke and more. In the summertime, enjoy the outdoor patio and beautiful murals depicting life in North Idaho. Be sure to check out their website at 219.bar for the latest acts happening at the 219 Lounge.
Head south to Coeur d’Alene and you will be delighted by another “arts” town. From August 3 through 5, don’t miss Art on the Green in Coeur d’Alene on the campus of North Idaho College. This annual event will celebrate its 50th year this summer and is host to more than 190 artists, including musicians and performers. And it is no small feat to put together, with more than 500 volunteers participating to make this a memorable event. While you are there, be sure and enjoy the beer and wine garden for some refreshments.
From April through December in Coeur d’Alene, you can enjoy locally and nationally acclaimed artists the second Friday of the month from 5 to 8pm during Artwalk. With galleries, shops, restaurants and businesses displaying beautiful pieces of art, it is a great way to enjoy beautiful Downtown Coeur d’Alene.
The Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is something you won’t want to miss. With performances this summer such as Guys and Dolls and Legally Blonde, you will want to keep coming back to experience more of this amazing talent. Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is Idaho’s oldest performing arts organization, first established in 1967.
In addition, throughout the summer, you can enjoy a variety of weekly outdoor concert series, from Riverstone to City Park, to the always fun Live after 5 at McEuen Park. You can also find live music Thursdays in Hayden at McIntire Family Park.
Spokane is also proudly home to a multitude of cultural events to keep you busy year-round. From art galleries to museums to performing arts, there is a wide variety of events and activities to inspire your soul.
The art galleries include a wide variety of disciplines. If photography is what you enjoy, visit Brick Wall Photographic Gallery. This unique gallery located on Main Street in Downtown Spokane features color and black and white photography including everything from landscapes to abstract. Each month a different photographer’s work is displayed, and you can peruse the past exhibits on their website.
You can also head on over to Gonzaga University and visit the Jundt Art Museum. Its permanent collection features a vast variety of genres and artists including the impressive Old Master prints by Rembrandt as well as contemporary artist Andy Warhol. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also is host to traveling exhibitions.
If you are looking for a bit of history, stop by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Here you will find exhibits that showcase the history and art of the region including the culture of Native Americans.
You’ll be pleased to know you don’t have to go to Seattle or New York to enjoy first-class Broadway shows. The INB Performing Arts Center, which is currently under renovation, hosts some of the greatest musicals that Broadway has to offer.
For those who enjoy a great concert, Northern Quest Casino in nearby Airway Heights is an excellent venue to enjoy some great names. Some of this summer’s concerts include Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Huey Lewis, Rascal Flatts and Train. While you are at it, you may want to check out their latest renovation, a smoke-free gambling area!
Whether you want to explore your own hometown, or you want to get away for a day trip or overnight, there is plenty to do in the Inland Northwest!
