Art on the Green, Taste of Coeur d’Alene and the downtown Street Fair give you three big reasons to visit Coeur d’Alene
The first weekend in August is the perfect time to be in Coeur d’Alene. In addition to all the other activities — being on the water, outdoor dining, live music, shopping, spending time with family — the first weekend is the trifecta of events Friday-Sunday, Aug. 2-4.
Located throughout the campus of North Idaho College along the lake, ART ON THE GREEN started more than 50 years ago as a regional, high quality arts event. Stroll along more than 165 artist booths, including the juried art show. Look for your favorite artisans, or discover new makers, as there are more than 60 new artists showing their works this year. Children can create their own works of art in the Children’s Art Garden, where the art supplies and instructions are provided. Stop at either of the stage areas to rest your body and take in live performances from bluegrass, to jazz, to folk, all of it led by the blessing of the festival by members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe on Friday morning. Plenty of food is on hand, too, as well as a beer and wine garden. Friday, noon-10 pm, Saturday, 10 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm; North Idaho College.
For an even larger selection of food, continue on to City Park to find TASTE OF COEUR D’ALENE. Benefiting the local Kiwanis community service organization, this event features great eats: tacos, barbecue, coffee, ice cream pizza and more! The park is also filled with arts and crafts vendors and live entertainment in the City Park bandshell. Friday, noon-8:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-8:30 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm; Coeur d’Alene City Park.
The third event, the COEUR D’ALENE STREET FAIR, transforms several blocks of Sherman into a vibrant outdoor marketplace featuring more than 250 different vendors. Most of your favorite Sherman Avenue businesses will have a booth set up, interspersed with guest vendors selling everything from handcrafted clothing to candles to home décor. Friday, 10 am-8 pm, Saturday, 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm; Sherman Avenue, near the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
If you go: Consult a map for parking options first. Take advantage of free parking at North Idaho College and the free shuttle up to the street fair. There is free two hour parking in the Coeur d’Alene Avenue Parking Garage. Or park in town and plan on walking — a lot! Bring a water bottle to refill, but leave dogs at home — they are not allowed on campus, nor in the park except on city paths. This event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Finally, hours vary slightly for each event so check the respective website and plan accordingly.
Special Events
First Date
AUGUST 1-4
Award-winning Broadway producer Laura Little brings First Date back to Coeur d’Alene, for a special dinner theater engagement. Watch and laugh as a date unfolds in real time, and twists from dating disaster to something special. Theater-style seating $35, dinner and the show $55; Thursday-Sunday 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm; Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn.
Duets
AUGUST 1
Support Red Bird Theatre and experience a magical evening as a piano and cello duo performs while you enjoy a decadent meal prepared by Satay Bistro. $60; 7 pm; the Innovation Den.
Circling Raven Anniversary
AUGUST 2
Circling Raven is turning 15, but golfers are the ones getting the presents when greens fees are rolled back to 2004 rates! Enjoy live music and killer golf equipment deals (only 10 percent over cost this day only) to boot. $70 per round; Circling Raven Golf Club, in Worley.
