Celebrate the end of summer and the glorious start to fall in Coeur d’Alene
September means back to school, sweaters at night and scrambling to enjoy every last moment outdoors. Mark your calendar for these September must-do events.
Ride the waterslide one last time at SILVERWOOD THEME PARK’S BOULDER BEACH, which closes Sept. 2. The main park, however, remains open on weekends until the end of September. Starting Oct. 3 things get scary… as in the chilling, thrilling SCARYWOOD!
Work Hard and Play Harder is the name of the game at CIRCLING RAVEN GOLF COURSE on Sept. 2 when the usual pin and tee positions have been moved to make a magnificent course even more challenging to play. Enjoy this Golf Digest Top 100 course on a perfect early fall day, then pop into their Twisted Earth Grill for a special $15/person dinner. Can’t make it? That’s OK. Aim instead for Sept. 20 when Twisted Earth Grill is home to a $20 Scotland-inspired Whiskey and Cigar Tasting for players.
Back by popular demand, The Rub returns to LIVE AFTER FIVE for a Sept. 5 performance ($5). It’s classic rock and roll and more from this favorite local band in a family-friendly concert at McEuen Park against the backdrop of the lake. Bonus: Visit the KOOTENAI FARMER’S WEDNESDAY MARKET on Sherman and Fifth before they conclude for the summer (Sept. 25) and enjoy live music, fresh produce, scratch-made goods and plenty of socializing.
With five levels of participation, the annual COEUR D’FONDO on Sept. 21 showcases beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene by bicycle. Families might enjoy the 15-mile leisurely fun ride from downtown out along Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive and back ($35). For competitors, your paid admission includes entrance to OKTOBERFEST downtown Coeur d’Alene at the conclusion of the race and offers four distance levels. The Piccolo is 40 miles departing from Harrison, while the Centro is 50 miles departing from downtown and arriving in Harrison ($90, including boat ride one way). The Medio is 90 miles roundtrip while the Gran Fondo is 117 miles ($90). Register before Aug. 31 to receive a $5 discount.
Not interested in riding but want to support the riders? Join them on the boat ride down and back to Harrison ($30, exclusions apply).
You can also experience Oktoberfest without two wheels. The two day bash, Sept. 20-21, features eight live bands, 30+ beers and ciders, and three biergartens. Dress up in lederhosen or a dirndl and you’ll earn a free meal ticket! Speaking of tickets, don’t wait to purchase yours. They’re on sale now for $25-$35 and include a commemorative glass or stein and eight 4 oz. tastings.
Another way to experience the lake is like a bird… with CDA PARASAIL, which is accepting reservations up until Sept. 15 (weather permitting). Do a solo ride ($79) or tandem ($109) over the lake at an astonishing elevation of 600 feet or for $20 more, go 200 feet higher and get a digital image to commemorate your aerial adventure.
Special Events
Bands on Boats
AUG. 30
The Ryan Larson Band offers the season finale of the Bands on Boats summer concert series aboard the Mish-an-Nock. Enjoy country tunes, good views and good times. $26.50; ages 21+; boarding begins at 6:30 at Independence Point.
Coaster Classic Car Show
AUG. 31-SEPT. 1
Classic cars converge on Silverwood for the 14th Annual Coaster Classic Car Show — one of the biggest events of its kind in the Inland Northwest. If you like cars that go fast, look good, or just remind you of the good ol’ days, then head to Silverwood. Participants pay only $20 for one-day admission or $35 for two-days. With entry, each driver and one passenger will get FREE admission into the theme park.
Fall Fest
AUG. 30-SEPT. 2
Head to the hills, Schweitzer, that is, for four days of live music and a bevy of regional wines, microbrews and hard ciders. Kids can create their own concoctions at the soda tent. This is also the final weekend of summer operations and the chairlift will be open for sightseeing, hiking and biking. Go to visitcda.org for the schedule of events.
