Sandpoint’s 39th Annual Lost in the 50s Festival Returns with Parades, Car Shows and Chubby Checker
Sandpoint, Idaho — Downtown Sandpoint is set to transform into a full-scale tribute to mid-century American culture this weekend as the 39th annual Lost in the ’50s festival kicks off Thursday, May 14, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country for a long weekend of classic cars, live music, and vintage-style dancing.
The festival, which has celebrated hot rods, rock ‘n’ roll, and retro fashion since 1987, remains one of North Idaho’s most anticipated community events. Events are scheduled across multiple venues from Thursday through Saturday, with something on the calendar for all ages.
Thursday and Friday: Welcome Party, Cars and Coffee, and the Parade
The weekend opens Thursday evening at Connie’s Lounge on Cedar Street, where local cover band Hot Cheetos will play era-appropriate music at a retro welcome party running from 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday’s schedule begins at the Idaho Club Clubhouse Restaurant off U.S. 2, which hosts a “Cars & Coffee” gathering from 9 to 11 a.m. — coffee and donuts served alongside a collection of classic vehicles.
The crown jewel of Friday’s lineup is the annual car parade, departing Sandpoint High School at 6 p.m. The procession will roll down Cedar Street to Division Avenue, over to Church Street, and conclude on First Avenue. Once the parade wraps, the Oak Street area near the city parking lot and Jeff Jones Town Square will close to traffic for an all-ages street party, with local DJs spinning old-school rock ‘n’ roll into the night.
Friday evening concludes at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, where classic rock cover act Rocky and The Rollers will headline a 21-and-over concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. The band is set to perform hits from every artist that has appeared at the festival since its founding. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $40, available at lostinthe50s.com.
Saturday: Car Show, Chubby Checker, and Free Family Dancing
Saturday brings the main car show, running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. along First, Second, and Third avenues. Classic and custom vehicles from the parade will be on display for close inspection, with judges handing out awards to standout hot rods at the end of the day.
Saturday evening features the festival’s marquee concert: rock ‘n’ roll legend Chubby Checker and the Wildcats take the Bonner County Fairgrounds stage at 7:30 p.m. Checker, an inductee in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, rose to prominence in the 1960s with dance-floor staples including “Let’s Twist Again” and “Pony Time,” which helped popularize the twist and the pony as mainstream dance styles. Tickets for the Chubby Checker show are $60 at lostinthe50s.com.
Simultaneously, The Hive on North First Avenue will host an ’80s-themed dance night beginning at 8 p.m., featuring Spokane-based cover band Gigawatt performing hits from the Cars, Genesis, Bon Jovi, the Police, and R.E.M. Tickets are $10 in advance at livefromthehive.com or $15 at the door. The event is 21 and over.
For families and younger attendees, Sandpoint Parks and Recreation and Sandpoint Dance are partnering for a free, kid-friendly ’50s dance party at Sandpoint Community Hall on South First Avenue. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., with East Coast Swing lessons offered from 6 to 7 p.m. Open dancing follows until 9 p.m. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Lost in the ’50s festival is a cornerstone of the Sandpoint community calendar, reflecting the kind of locally rooted celebration that continues to draw visitors while strengthening community ties — much like other recent Sandpoint-area highlights such as the Nordic folk music scene taking root in North Idaho and the Bonner Community Food Bank’s planned expansion to better serve area residents.
What Comes Next
The 39th annual Lost in the ’50s runs Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, across multiple Sandpoint venues. For a full schedule of events and ticket purchases, visit lostinthe50s.com or follow updates on the festival’s official Facebook page.