Sandpoint 4th of July Celebration

In Sandpoint, Idaho—a town where summer feels stitched together with lake breezes, community parades, and sunlit mountain peaks—the 4th of July is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a day-long celebration of freedom, family, and small-town pride, all set on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Hosted by the Sandpoint Lions Club, this beloved tradition, known locally as the Sandpoint 4th of July Celebration, returns Friday, July 4, 2025, with all the hallmarks of an iconic American summer.

It’s where Main Street becomes a runway for patriotic flair, and the lake turns into a mirror for one of the region’s most dazzling fireworks displays.

Who It’s For

This is a celebration built for everyone: families with young kids, multi-generational gatherings, visitors discovering the Inland Northwest, and locals who’ve walked in the parade since they were kids themselves. The atmosphere is inclusive and down-to-earth, with no VIP zones or complicated ticketing—just open streets, open skies, and a day full of memory-making.

2025 Event Highlights

Downtown Sandpoint
9:30 AM – Children’s Parade
Kids in red, white, and blue take over downtown in a cheerful procession of bikes, wagons, and homemade floats.

10:00 AM – Grand Parade
Community organizations, fire trucks, local marching bands, and classic cars make their way through the town center. The route starts west of Fifth Avenue, winds down Church Street, First Avenue, and Cedar Street, and returns via Fifth—passing by local icons like Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Pend d’Oreille Winery, and Panhandle Cone & Coffee.

City Beach Park – Lakeside Festivities
After the parades, the action shifts to City Beach, where the whole town gathers for a full afternoon of live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. From face painting and lawn games to sandcastle contests and paddleboard rentals, there’s something for every age group.

Featured food vendors typically include local favorites such as MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Trinity at City Beach, and gourmet food trucks from across Bonner County.

Evening – Fireworks Over Lake Pend Oreille
As dusk falls, anticipation builds for the grand finale: a spectacular fireworks show launched from barges on the lake. Set against the Cabinet Mountains and reflected in the deep waters of Pend Oreille, it’s one of the most scenic displays in the state—and a true capstone to a day full of small-town joy.

Getting There

Sandpoint is located in northern Idaho, accessible via US-95 and US-2, just under two hours from Spokane International Airport (GEG) and about 90 minutes from Coeur d’Alene Airport (COE). For those arriving by boat, Sandpoint Marina and public docks near City Beach provide easy access to lakeside festivities. Free parking is available downtown, with local shuttle services often available for the day.

Why It’s Special

Because few places blend small-town tradition with natural grandeur like Sandpoint. The 4th of July Celebration feels both humble and epic—where you might spot someone you know in the parade and later find yourself lying back on a beach blanket watching fireworks ripple across the lake.

Signature experiences include:

• Watching the Grand Parade with a huckleberry ice cream cone in hand
• Playing beach games at City Beach while a local band covers classic rock hits
• Dining al fresco at Beet and Basil, Connie’s Café, or grabbing a beer at Matchwood Brewing Company
• Taking a paddleboard out at golden hour before the fireworks launch

The Takeaway

The Sandpoint 4th of July Celebration isn’t just a holiday—it’s a community homecoming wrapped in sunshine, patriotism, and lakeside beauty. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or walking a block from your front porch, this is a day that captures the soul of summer in Idaho.