Five Weekends You Shouldn’t Skip in Coeur d’Alene This Summer
Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, kicks off three months of jam-packed events in the city by the lake. So get out your calendar, and block out the following five weekends you won’t want to miss.
Can’t swing a vacation in the Hamptons this summer? Then at least get a taste of that upscale New England haven at the COEUR D’ALENE RESORT’S Clambake by the Lake on Memorial Day. Let the Resort’s talented chefs treat you to an over-the-top New England-style buffet of clams, crab, shrimp, Hawaiian poke and much more. Enjoy spectacular lake views, oversized yard games and live music as you welcome the unofficial start of summer ($75 adults, $30 children 10-14, ages 9 and under eat free; Hagadone Event Center).
On June 14-15, CAR D’LANE takes over downtown Coeur d’Alene. The weekend starts off with the largest classic car cruise in North Idaho from 6-9 pm. Saturday, get up close to all these classic cars and even peek under the hood at the “show n’ shine” on Sherman Avenue, 8 am-4 pm, also free. Take a break from shop talk with live retro-styled music and a beer garden at McEuen Park.
Join your friends and neighbors honoring America’s independence with the Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July parade, 10 am along Sherman Avenue, then amble to City Park for live entertainment and food vendors, 10 am-7 pm. And what’s the Fourth without fireworks? You won’t have to find out; be back downtown at dusk when the sky lights up just past the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Looking for something with a little more sparkle? Check out the COEUR D’ALENE RESORT’S website for information on fireworks cruises, a special steak n’ sparklers buffet and other events.
Also in July, the second annual BREWFEST and live music event is Saturday, July 6, 2-8 pm in McEuen Park, and features several dozen of your favorite local beers and ciders, live music and food trucks. Your admission includes six 5-ounce pours — additional pours can be purchased for $2 — and is waived for designated drivers and children. Purchase your ticket online for $20 or pay $25 at the gate.
The first weekend in August has meant ART ON THE GREEN at the campus of North Idaho College for 50 years! Event hours this year, which runs Aug. 2-4, are Friday, noon-9 pm; Saturday, 11-9; Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. Featured are nearly 200 visual and performing artists, a juried art show and numerous food vendors. The same weekend as Art on the Green is the downtown STREET FAIR on Sherman Avenue, sponsored by Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association and TASTE OF THE COEUR D’ALENES in City Park, sponsored by the Panhandle Kiwanis. Just several hundred more reasons to stroll, shop and savor your way through Coeur d’Alene this summer.
Special Events
Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater Cruise
MAY 24
Get a taste of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s summer season aboard a scenic lake cruise. The beloved theatre troupe will be performing songs from their upcoming seasons, accompanied by the Coeur d’Alene Symphony. $40; 5:30-8 pm.
Silver Mountain Opening Weekend
MAY 25-26
Take a scenic gondola ride or haul out your mountain bike and shred the shale. Silver Mountain reopens this weekend. Depending on snow levels, some bike trails may still be restricted.
Coeur d’Alene Marathon
MAY 26
Coeur d’Alene’s marathon is one of the most beloved in the country for its breathtaking views. This year’s event features some exciting changes, including a new 10K distance. Half marathon and 5K routes are also an option.
