The Festival at Sandpoint summer concert series returns for its 42nd year. While much remains the same since the first notes rang from the stage in 1983, there are a lot of changes in store this season. For first-timers and locals alike, here’s a quick guide:
Tickets and lines
Purchase tickets at festivalatsandpoint.org. Tickets are digitally delivered before the performance. There are different types of tickets: general admission, early bird and sponsor. Gates open for general admission ticketholders at 6 p.m., while early bird and sponsor ticket holders can enter War Memorial Field at 5:45 p.m. Be sure to stand in the right line (ask any Festival staff member and they’ll direct you). Ticket exchanges, replacements and refunds are not allowed, including for weather reasons. Children 2 years and under are free for all concerts.
Photo by Racheal Baker
The growing ‘no’ list
The Festival at Sandpoint added a few more items to the “no” list this year — the big one, starting this season, is that concertgoers will no longer be allowed to bring in outside liquids.
“Obtaining adequate insurance has become increasingly difficult, with more insurers declining coverage altogether due to our previous beverage policy, therefore threatening our ability to sustainably fulfill our mission and serve our community,” FAS organizers wrote. “We are extremely proud the Festival at Sandpoint was able to keep this tradition, years and decades past most other venues, however, the liability risk to our nonprofit organization has simply become too great.”
No glass is allowed either, and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring empty 32-ounce (or less) water bottles, as there will be water stations available throughout the venue.
There is also no re-entry, no hard-sided coolers, rolling coolers, wagons, strollers or other personal transportation such as skateboards. No framed backpacks, gum or sunflower seeds are allowed. No animals, other than service dogs, will be allowed.
There are no drugs or paraphernalia allowed, nor tents, umbrellas, tarps or shade stands. No toy guns, water guns or sling shots are permitted. No hula hoops. No full face masks/helmets, which obscure the identity of the wearer. No large chains, wallet chains or spiked bracelets, poi or weapons of any kind. No aerosol products, air horns, bullhorns or noisemakers. No audio recording devices, professional cameras, video cameras, drones or remote-controlled vehicles. Finally, don’t bring laser pointers, laptop computers or tablets, massagers, selfie sticks, tripods, sleeping bags, walkie talkies or paint pens. Finally, the Festival is a cashless venue, so debit or credit cards are the only accepted forms of payment.
Parking/shuttle
The SPOT shuttle provides fast, free transportation to and from the War Memorial Field during the entire concert series. The shuttle operates from 4-11 p.m. each performance night. To use the shuttle, park at the Sandpoint High School (410 S. Division Ave.) and a bus will give you a ride to the venue and bring you back.
Security
There are security checkpoints at all entrances. Security personnel work quickly to move the line, so make their jobs easier by preparing for the checkpoint. Open any soft-sided coolers or backpacks to speed up the inspection process and ensure ahead of time that you’re not carrying any prohibited items through the gates.
Standard vs. seated shows
Most Festival at Sandpoint shows are known as “standard,” meaning the area immediately in front of the stage is standing room only for dancing. If a show is listed as a “seated show,” it means the area in front of the stage is short chair and blanket seating only, with dancing areas to the left and right of the stage.
Cheap tickets?
For those who can’t afford to attend a regular Festival at Sandpoint performance, the organization has offered a budget-friendly option on Wednesday, July 30 with Community Night. Four regional bands will play and ticketgoers only pay $15 to attend the entire show.
Visit festivalatsandpoint.org for a full list of policies, to purchase tickets or learn more about artists.
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