By Reader Staff
The sixth annual Sandpoint Pride will once again spread a message of peace, love and acceptance for all in a joyful series of celebrations Thursday, July 9-Sunday, July 12. Each event is free to the public and promotes kindness, connection and open dialogue in an increasingly divisive world. For more information, visit safe-idaho.org/sandpointpride.
Thursday, July 9
The long weekend kicks off with the Paddle to Pride Beach Party at Sandpoint City Beach from 5-7 p.m. Swim, float, paddle or just hang out on the sand and chat.
“Paddle to Pride is about representation, common ground and endurance, which the LGBTQ+ community has been demonstrating for decades and more,” wrote organizers.
SAFE board members Ammi Midstokke and Lindsey Zembower will be taking the long way to the party by swimming the length of Lake Pend Oreille from Buttonhook Bay to City Beach to ring in Pride.
Friday, July 10
There are two options for entertainment on Friday, which will see both Teen Gayme Night and the Queer+ Open Mic. Gayme Night at Eichardt’s Pub (212 Cedar St.) is open to all teens from 5:30-7 p.m. and will have ping-pong, shuffleboard, putt-putt golf and plenty of other games alongside free snacks and soda.
Then, from 6:30-9 p.m., the open mic night at the Heartwood Center (615 Oak St.) invites everyone to share poetry, songs, stories, ideas and more with an accepting and respectful audience. Nashville-based bluegrass and country artists Megan McCormick and Amanda Fields will also perform their original, multi-award-winning music. Listen at butterfly-seahorse-bxla.squarespace.com.
Matchwood Brewing Company will provide the bar, which will be open and contributing a portion of its proceeds to SAFE until 7:30 p.m. A guardian must accompany anyone 14 years of age or younger.
Saturday, July 11
Saturday is the main event, with all-day celebrations taking place throughout town. Pride-goers are encouraged to support allied businesses using the list on SAFE’s website. Shop around until 3 p.m., when the Sandpoint Pride Celebration at the Granary officially opens its doors. Enter from Oak Street near Matchwood Brewing (513 Oak St.) and present ID. Weapons are not allowed on the premises.
The festival includes specialty foods, a beverage garden, bingo, tie-dye, facepainting, a bounce house, hula-hoops, friendship bracelet-making, best-dressed contests and other family-friendly activities. More than 35 advocacy groups and local nonprofits will also set up booths for the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fair, handing out merch, stickers and information on area services.
Taking the big stage at 3:30 p.m. will be the Mighty PJAMRS Marching Band (a.k.a. Peace and Justice Activist Musical Rascals of Spokane). At 5:30 p.m., SAFE leaders will give a few short speeches and toasts before introducing the main musical headliners: Grace Love, Aquasha DeLusty and Jazmyn, Shook Twins and Coral.
Writer, musician, storyteller, chef and overall multi-disciplinary artist Love opens at 6 p.m. Her thrilling, alt-soul music can lean into a garage-rock slant or go full ’70s, depending on the mood, but always centers on resilience, identity and love. Learn more at gracelove.co.
At 7:15 p.m., the stage transforms into a glittery, rainbow extravaganza with the annual drag show, hosted by DeLusty and Jazmyn. Queens and kings from across the Pacific and Inland Northwest will strut their stuff and perform their all-ages-appropriate routines until it’s time for returning stars Katelyn and Laurie Shook to bring the house down.
Everyone in Sandpoint knows local legends Shook Twins, but if you’re new here, get ready for the twins to parade a sparkling entourage of women onto the stage and unleash a tidal wave of talent. Whether performing their original indie-folk pop or covering famous female hits with added angelic harmonies, Shook Twins’ concerts leave everyone energized, hypnotized and dancing in the streets. They will entertain audiences from 8:30-10 p.m. and close out Pride’s main event.
If that wasn’t enough excitement, head over to Pivo Peaks Alehouse (119 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint) for an energetic, 21+ afterparty with renowned producer and electronic music mixer Coral.
Sunday, July 12
Those with energy left to spare can head back to the Granary District anytime from 8:30-11 a.m. to hang out and help clean up. Afterward, organizers will meet on the lake for the Rainbow Regatta and spend the afternoon chillin’ on boats. Follow @SandpointPride on Instagram to find out the time and meet-up spot.
