Monday Night Dinner is back, and while it promises to be bigger and better than ever, one thing hasn’t changed: All are welcome for a great time.

“Everyone can play a part in bringing this world closer together,” said Adam Schluter, founder, host and organizer of the nonprofit event that started in 2018 with a few folks sitting down to enjoy burned mac and cheese and each other’s company.  

The 105th Monday Night Dinner — and first of the season — is scheduled Monday, May 25, at Coeur d'Alene Eagles 15th Street Pavilion on Cherry Hill and hundreds are expected. Schluter said everyone who wants to attend needs to bring a side dish plus a $10 donation to support the band and dinners.  

“One hundred percent goes back to the community,” he said. 

The kickoff for 2026 includes music by Nu Jack City, activities for kids and free food and beer courtesy Bombastic Brewing. It is recommended that people arrive at 5:30 p.m. Schluter will deliver a short speech at 6:15 and dinner will follow. 

Schluter is grateful for the surprising success of Monday Night Dinner that over the years has brought thousands of friends and strangers to his backyard for an evening of camaraderie and conversation over eats and drinks.

He started the open call for people to join him after settling in Coeur d’Alene, feeling a bit lonely after a breakup and looking to meet people. 

"I moved here with nothing,” he said. 

It didn't last.

Today, the photographer travels occasionally for work, has plenty of friends and received national recognition for Monday Night Dinner last year when his home was selected for a backyard renovation by the PBS television show "Ask This Old House."

Schluter said it’s been an emotional ride, that he is humbled by all that has happened and is thankful that the community has rallied around him. 

“It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about everybody stepping up.” 

Monday Night Dinner has risen in other areas as word has spread. One in Cheney is already attracting more than 100 people. They have sprung up in Oakland, West Virginia, St. Louis, South Carolina and Southern California.

“This is always not my thing. Anyone is able to start their own," he said.

Schluter loves how Monday Night Dinner does what he most wanted: Connects people.

“This is about people getting to know each other,” he said. 

    The crowd at a previous Monday Night Dinner at Adam Schluter's Coeur d'Alene home gathers for a picture.