North Idaho Weekend Report
Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025 - Coeur d’Alene & Sandpoint Area
Happy Friday and Happy Halloween weekend! Here’s your guide to the best events and seasonal things to do around North Idaho - from festive nights on Lake Coeur d’Alene to fall drives through Sandpoint’s golden foliage. Whether you’re a local resident, visiting guest, landlord, or tenant, there’s plenty to enjoy this weekend as October wraps up and November rolls in.
Grab your coat, carve that pumpkin, and get ready to soak in the last of autumn’s magic across Kootenai and Bonner Counties.
Coeur d’Alene Area Highlights
🎃 Moonlit Monster Halloween Cruises
Oct 31 – Nov 1 | Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises | 5:30 PM – 9 PM departures
Halloween on the water? Yes, please. These “Moonlit Monster” cruises are one of the most unique ways to celebrate spooky season in North Idaho. Aboard the Lake Coeur d’Alene cruise boats, you’ll find eerie décor, creepy surprises, and a hauntingly beautiful backdrop under the moonlight.
Perfect for couples, teens, or adventurous families.
Tip: Get your tickets early - the Halloween weekend sailings often sell out fast!
👉 cdacruises.com
🕯️ Trick-or-Treat the Downtown Streets
Fri, Oct 31 | Downtown Coeur d’Alene | 4 PM – 6 PM
Bring the kids (and maybe a costume yourself) for the downtown Coeur d’Alene trick-or-treat walk hosted by local shops and restaurants. Enjoy music, candy stations, and spooky storefront displays. It’s a safe, family-friendly event right in the heart of CDA.
Bonus: Local businesses along Sherman Ave and 4th Street go all-out with creative costumes and themed windows - worth a stroll even if you’re not collecting candy.
🍂 Fall Colors & Scenic Walks
Not into the Halloween crowds? Spend Saturday or Sunday enjoying the cooler temps and bright gold hues still hanging on across the area.
Tubbs Hill Trail: 2-mile lakeside loop right in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
North Idaho Centennial Trail: Flat and easy, stretching from CDA through Post Falls toward Spokane - ideal for a bike ride or walk with coffee in hand.
Tip: Stop by The Vault Coffee Shop or Bakery by the Lake for a cozy start before heading out.
📍 Sandpoint & Bonner County
👻 A Hogwild Halloween at The Hive
Fri, Oct 31 | The Hive, 207 N First Ave | Doors 7 PM | Music 8 PM
End your Halloween night in style with live music from Hogwire, dancing, and a costume contest inside Sandpoint’s favorite downtown venue. Swing dancing lessons kick off the evening before the band hits the stage - perfect for date night or a friends’ night out.
👉 livefromthehive.com
☕ Downtown Fall Stroll & Local Shops
Sat & Sun | Downtown Sandpoint
Even without big festivals this weekend, Sandpoint’s small-town charm delivers. Walk through local boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops dressed up for autumn. Stop for lunch at Beet & Basil or grab pastries from Evan’s Brothers Coffee Roasters.
Pro Tip: Park near the Sandpoint City Beach lot for easy walking access and postcard-perfect lake views.
🌲 Nature Break — Schweitzer or Lake Pend Oreille Loop
Anytime
If you’re ready for peace and quiet, take a slow scenic drive up toward Schweitzer Mountain Resort or around the Lake Pend Oreille loop. The fall color is at its peak, with golden larches and red maples painting the hillsides. Pack a thermos, take your camera, and breathe in that crisp North Idaho air.
✅ Quick Weekend Tips
Arrive early at popular events - especially Friday’s trick-or-treat and cruises.
Bring layers! Evenings drop fast near the lake.
Keep an eye out for small craft fairs or pop-ups in both CDA and Sandpoint — great for early holiday shopping.
If you’re a property owner or tenant, this is a great weekend to capture exterior photos before winter settles in.
Don’t forget: clocks “fall back” next weekend (Nov 2 = Daylight Saving Time Ends).
Enjoy your weekend exploring North Idaho!
If you come across a great local event we should feature in next week’s roundup, send it our way at 208-676-5100 or message us online.
See you out there,
– Chris, Freedom Path Property Management
