By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff
Getting there
Walking or biking to War Memorial Field is ideal. Driving to the venue, while possible, will probably still mean walking quite a ways thanks to limited street parking. The best option is to park at Sandpoint High School and catch a free SPOT bus ride to the field, then get ferried back after the show.
Shook Twins play at the Festival Friday night. Photo by Racheal Baker.
Lines & Security
What line you should be in depends on the ticket in your hand. General admission ticket holders line up to the right when facing the main entrance. Sponsor/patron ticket holders line up along the fence to the left. Season pass holders and early-entry ticket holders enter at the lakeside early entry gate.
Be ready to have your bags and coolers briefly searched upon entry, as the Festival works to keep the venue safe for everyone. While cheese knives are not considered weapons, larger knives and firearms are not allowed at the Festival.
There is now also an “Express Lane” for general admission ticket holders who aren’t carrying coolers or bags. Ask a nearby volunteer where to hop in line.
Supplies
Coolers full of food and drinks from home are welcome, along with blankets and lawn chairs. Blankets must be 8 feet by 8 feet or smaller. Chairs are also available to rent for $3 if you forget your own, or don’t want to pack them to the venue. Don’t forget cash for Festival Street treats and a sweatshirt for when the evening cools off.
Setting up camp
Dancers should congregate toward the front, where concert goers typically end up standing for the main act. Those looking forward to a low-key evening while seated in high-backed chairs should choose a spot toward the back. Talking during the show isn’t outlawed, but be mindful of the people around you who came to hear the music, not the latest gossip.
Odds and ends
Pets are not permitted at the Festival. Shows happen rain or shine, unless organizers determine there is a safety risk. Festival attendees are welcome to start lining up at 6 a.m. the day of their show, but no earlier.
Week 2 shows
Lake Street Dive + Darlingside + brew tasting
Thursday, Aug. 8; early entry gates open at 5:45 p.m., brew tasting and general admission gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.; general admission $49.95, early entry $74.95.
The Avett Brothers + Che Apalache
Friday, Aug. 9; early entry gates open at 5:45 p.m., general admission gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.; general admission $74.95, early entry SOLD OUT.
Kool & the Gang + LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends
Saturday, Aug. 10; early entry gates open at 5:45 p.m., general admission gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.; general admission $64.95, early entry $89.95.
Grand Finale: Spokane Symphony + Sybarite5 + wine tasting
Sunday, Aug. 11; gates open at 4:30 p.m. for complimentary wine tasting, show starts at 7:30 p.m.; $39.95 for adults, $10.95 for youth 18 and under.
All shows are at War Memorial Field, 801 Ontario St., 208-265-4554, festivalatsandpoint.org.
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