Nearly 40 years since its inception, the annual Lost in the ’50s festival, celebrating hot rods, poodle skirts and copious amounts of hair gel, is still going strong. The long weekend of events will transform downtown Sandpoint, inviting thousands of visitors from across the U.S. to don their dancing shoes and twist with the best of them.
Thursday, May 14
Celebrations begin Thursday at Connie’s Lounge (323 Cedar St.) with a retro welcome party from 5-8 p.m. Local high-energy cover band Hot Cheetos will play on-theme hits throughout the night.
Friday, May 15
The day begins at the Idaho Club Clubhouse Restaurant (151 Clubhouse Way off U.S. 2), which will host “Cars & Coffee” by serving up coffee and donuts from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The star of the show — the ’50s car parade — begins at 6 p.m. at Sandpoint High School and will travel down Cedar Street to Division Avenue, then to Church Street and finally down First Avenue.
A rainy Lost in the ’50s in 2025. Photo by Zach Hagadone
Immediately following the parade, the area of Oak Street adjacent to the city parking lot and Jeff Jones Town Square will shut down for a street party. Kids of all ages can dance the night away to old-time rock ’n’ roll thanks to local DJs.
To end the night, classic rock cover band Rocky and The Rollers will light up the stage at the Bonner County Fairgrounds (4203 N. Boyer Road), playing hits from every artist that’s headlined this festival since 1987. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m., 21+ show. Find tickets for $40 at lostinthe50s.com.
Saturday, May 16
The long weekend concludes with Saturday’s celebrations, beginning with the car show from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Classic and custom vehicles from Friday’s parade will line First, Second and Third avenues so everyone can stroll by and get an up-close look. The show ends with awards for the judges’ favorite hot rods.
Several events are competing for attendees that evening, beginning with a special concert starring Chubby Checker and the Wildcats. Checker, a member of the Rock and Roll and National Rhythm and Blues halls of fame, was a mover and shaker — literally — in the 1960s. A singer and dance icon, he popularized the twist and the pony dance styles with his songs “Let’s Twist Again” and “Pony Time.” The popularity of his art persists, and even the youngest generations can still sing along to his music.
This concert will also take place at the fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 at lostinthe50s.com.
At the same time, The Hive (207 N. First Ave.) will mix things up with an ’80s dance party beginning at 8 p.m., with live music from Gigawatt. The Spokane-based cover band is a local favorite, bringing to life hits from bands like the Cars, Genesis, Bon Jovi, the Police and R.E.M. Tickets are $10 at livefromthehive.com or $15 at the door for this 21+ concert.
Finally, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and Sandpoint Dance will team up for a ’50s-theme dance party at the Sandpoint Community Hall (204 S. First Ave). The free event is kid-friendly, though an adult must accompany children under 15. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and East Coast Swing lessons run from 6-7 p.m. After that, attendees can dance however they want until the bell tolls 9 p.m.
To stay up-to-date with Lost in the ’50s events, check out facebook.com/lost50s.
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