Downtown Sandpoint comes alive with art this weekend

SANDPOINT — It could be considered the region's biggest art gallery.

From artwork to jewelry, from metal work to photography, the Pend Oreille Arts Council's annual Arts & Crafts Fair will fill downtown Sandpoint this weekend. The 53rd iteration of the beloved summer tradition will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Spanning Main Street and Second Avenue from Church to Cedar, and stretching from First Avenue to Third, the fair transforms the heart of downtown into a vibrant outdoor marketplace featuring more than 120 talented artists and makers from across the region and beyond. The event is free to attend and offers something for everyone, whether you’re shopping for unique handcrafted gifts or simply soaking in the creativity and community spirit.

Attendees can expect a diverse mix of work, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, woodworking, and much more. 

“There’s so much to discover at the fair this year,” says Claire Christy, POAC arts coordinator. “From exciting new artists to longtime favorites, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”

In addition to artist booths, the fair features interactive elements, live demonstrations, and children’s activity stations, making it a fun and enriching experience for families. Food vendors will also be on hand, including the ever-popular Azar’s Greek Food, back with their fan-favorite gyros.

As a special addition this year, POAC invites everyone to stick around on Sunday evening for a free live performance by local blues band The Blues Crew at Farmin Park, just across the street from the fair. The music kicks off at 4 p.m., right after the fair closes, and offers a perfect way to cap off a day of art and community.

POAC has organized this iconic event for over five decades. All booth fees directly support the nonprofit’s educational programs, including Kaleidoscope, which brings art lessons into local elementary classrooms, and Ovations, which offers live performance experiences to students. Artists retain 100% of their sales, making the fair both a community fundraiser and a vital economic opportunity for participating makers.

Each year, the fair draws over 4,000 visitors, reinforcing Sandpoint’s reputation as a thriving arts town. 

"This event is a celebration of creativity and community,” Christy adds. “It’s a weekend full of art, inspiration, and connections, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone downtown!”

For more information, visit artinsandpoint.org or follow POAC on Facebook.