SANDPOINT — There may not be much snow on the ground, but the magic of winter will be celebrated over the next few weeks as the Sandpoint Winter Carnival kicks off with today's Parade of Lights.

Created as a "sure antidote to cabin fever," the annual celebration honors all things winter.

Kicking things off is the "just for fun" Winter Carnival Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. today. Featuring lights, floats and community fun, floats leave the city parking lot before heading down Church to Second Avenue, then Main/Oak to Fourth and then back to Church Street.

Following the parade, the Pend d'Oreille Winery hosts a block party on Third Avenue between Cedar Street and the Jeff Jones Town Square. There will be music, hot cocoa, s'mores, a photo booth, live performances and a chance to meet the reigning Miss Sandpoint USA and Miss Dover USA.

The fun continues after the parade with the Great Thaw Post-Parade Party at Connie's, a performance by Whitefish, Mont.- musician Todd Cowart at 8 p.m. at the 219 Lounge and a number of musical performances are taking place throughout the downtown.

Also on Friday, Bella Terra hosts Galentine's Day, Fleetwood Mac tribute band Paper Flowers performs at The Hive, Sunshine on Cedar kicks off the lunar year and more.

On Saturday, Schweitzer hosts the first of three days of events celebrating both Winter Carnival and Presidents' Day weekend, Marigold Cafe is holding a special Valentine's Day dinner event, Connie's is hosting a special Valentine's Day trivia content, and Paper Flowers will perform an unplugged version of Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumors' album.

In addition, the Sandpoint Farmers Market is appearing at the Sandpoint Library in its monthly popup "Winter Farmers Market" with live music, festival vibes and seasonal shopping with produce, baked goods and local artisans and craftspeople.

On Sunday, Music Conservatory of Sandpoint staff perform in concert, featuring everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. MCS' Teatime Winter Serenade starts at 2 p.m. in the conservatory's Little Carnegie Hall, 110 Main St.

Also on Sunday, Denver-based Float Like a Buffalo brings its bold, horn-heavy sound back to the 219 Lounge for an explosive live show that blends deep-pocket fund and soulful grooves.

Monday, the Kaniksu Land Trust partners with the Idaho Pour Authority for a special trivia night at 6 p.m. — arrive early for a good seat.

Tuesday, the Little Live Radio Hour kicks off its 2026 season in an all-new venue — The Hive. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and features Justin Landis and Josh Hedlund, also known as Little Wolf.

Matchwood Brewing, Evans Brothers Coffee and Toasty Mobile Saunas are teaming up on Thursday, Feb. 19 for Matchwood Toastyfest from 4-8 p.m. The family-friendly wellness event features a mobile sauna, cold plunge, mini-massages, music, herbal tea and more.

Friday and Saturday feature a number of live musical offering and, on Sunday, Eichardt's K-9 Keg Pull caps the 2026 season. The fan-favorite event sends dogs (and their owners) racing down a snowy course on Cedar Street. The event, which raises funds for the Better Together Animal Alliance, opens registration at 10:15 a.m. with racing set to start at 11 a.m.

Information: sandpointwintercarnival.com