Local Guide: Fall Fest and Labor Day Weekend in Sandpoint

Photo Credit: Schweitzer Mountain Resort

If you've never spent Labor Day weekend in Sandpoint, you’re in for a treat. The weather is good, the people are better, and the activities are a blast!

Here’s your local guide to Labor Day weekend in Sandpoint.

First of all, it’s a long weekend… need I say more? Now, head on up to Schweitzer Mountain for their annual Fall Fest! This is the event that closes out summer on the mountain, but it’s not over for Sandpoint. The boating season will keep going as long as the sun is out.

Fall Fest at Schweitzer Mountain

Now, as far as Fall Fest is concerned, this is a blast and a half all on its own. Stay in Sandpoint or stay on the mountain. Either way, head out to Schweitzer Village each day for draft beers, live music, and local vendors.

There is a great selection of good food, shopping, and tunes to make it an all-day trip. Ride the shuttle bus up and down or drive up early to secure the best parking spot.

You can browse, drink, eat, and be merry with the mountain crew! One thing I’d definitely recommend is a ride around on the Great Escape chairlift with the crew. You can just go up and back down, or stay for a little while at the top and have a drink and appetizer at the Sky House.

This will be Schweitzer's closing weekend for the lift and mountain biking operations, so make sure you make the most of it.

Fall Fest

• Live music

• Draft beer

• Local vendors

• Food trucks

• Activities (for kids too!)

Schweitzer Closing Weekend

• End of lift operations

• Biking

• Hiking

A Great Way to Spend Labor Day Weekend in Sandpoint

Photo Credit: Schweitzer Mountain Resort

If you ask me, here’s one fun way to spend Labor Day weekend in Sandpoint:

Start with boating while the water is quiet, soak up some sun, and then head back to town for a quick change.

From there, take the shuttle up to Schweitzer Village.

Get your cups and drink tickets, then grab a beverage (whatever fills your cup), and lunch from the food trucks. After eating, browse the local vendors and enjoy the live music. Bringing the kiddos? There are plenty of activities to keep them entertained (and hopefully wear them out a little). Check out Schweitzer for more information on that!

Take a chairlift ride, come back to the village, and do some shopping. Take your goodies, grab another beverage, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

For dinner, either enjoy a meal at the Crow’s Bench or take the shuttle back to town for dinner in Sandpoint.

Afterward, keep the evening going with some après. Head down to 1st Street or stick with the locals at Pucci’s Pub on the mountain.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend, but this is one of my favorite ways to experience Sandpoint on Labor Day weekend.

What Will Be Up With the Alpine Shop?

Well, normally our mountain location is only open for the winter ski season, but during Fall Fest, we’re open!

For the 2026 Fall Fest:

• Friday: 2:00 PM–7:30 PM

• Saturday: 11:00 AM–7:30 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM–7:30 PM

This year, we’re going to be deeply discounting our winter apparel and some of this year’s apparel as well.

So come, have a drink, listen to some music, shop, and enjoy the community!

We’ll see you on the mountain!