Hey, Coeur d'Alene! We're halfway through October, and National Arts and Humanities Month is in full swing, bringing our community's creative spirit to life. We're inviting you to join the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance in celebrating the arts within you, whether you're a painter, a theatre buff, want to attend a Harvest Party, or just love a good story. The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission has been lighting up the month with incredible events, and there's still so much to look forward to!

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's own Executive Artistic Director Chuck Ethridge (pictured) is one of the Arts Commissioners helping to ensure there is an art experience for everyone!  Check out their full calendar HERE! Unforgettable performances, and hands-on workshops, October's lineup is all about sparking joy and connection through the arts, (and you better believe it that we here at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre have a spotlight to share with you, too!)

The month began with October 1st with a heartfelt event featuring local artist Dale Young playing soulful melodies on the Native American flute and Poet Laureate, Jennifer Passaro, sharing an original poem. There has also been workshops in Stained Glass Windows, and Gallery Walks & Exhibits all around town (which are still on-going through the month!). Surrounded by stunning artwork, it's been a beautiful and creative way to launch the celebration. As Mary Lee Ryba, Chair of the Arts Commission, says, "Art and humanities make Coeur d'Alene an incredible place to live." We're thrilled to honor the artists and educators who make our city so vibrant, and we can't wait to share what's next!

What We've Loved So Far

This month has been packed with creativity, and we're still buzzing from some amazing moments: 

• Fall Family Fun Fair at Shared Harvest Community Garden (October 4th): This free event was a hit, with Music Conservatory students playing lively tunes and families building scarcrows while enjoying compllimentary pumpkins. It set the perfect community-focused tone for the month. 

• Aspire Theatre presented Sweeney Todd (October 3rd-12th): This chilling musical about a vengeful barber left audiences in awe. If you caught it, you know the energy was electric. The buzz is still alive, so share your thoughts with friends!

• Custer's Grassband Bluegrass at the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center (October 10th-11th): Grammy-associated fiddlers brought Pacific Bluegrass to life, filling the room with foot-tapping fun. It was a night to remember for music lovers.  

• Emerge's Ceramic Halloween Decoration Workshop (October 8th): Families got crafty with instructor Kelli Vaupel, making spooky clay wall hangings. With scholarships for kids 18 and under, it was a stress-free way to spark Halloween creativity. 

Don't Miss the Cabernet Cabaret at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre!

Here at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre, we are enthusiastic about our Cabernet Cabaret featuring artists you are all familiar with on our stage!

You'll be entertained by Jesse Hampsch, Amy D'Orazi, and Elaina DeJong while sipping on some delicious cabernet, enjoying tasty appetizers, all while soaking in the intimate cabaret vibe.

This is a perfect date night or outing with friends. Tickets are limited, so be sure to click the link to get yours now to join us for this incredible theatre experience!

The National Arts and Humanities Continues with...drum roll please!

The rest of October is brimming with opportunities to dive into the arts. Discover many unique opportunies like stained glass workshops at Gizmo Gallery or The Art Spirit Gallery's exhibit exploring myth and memory, there's learning how to hand sew "felt friends," costume workshops for the family, and more! Whatever you love, there's an event waiting for you!

​​​​​​​Check out the full schedule HERE! Some highlights include:

Harvest Festivals

• Museum of North Idaho Harvest Festival (October 18th):Join us for a fun day to celebrate the autumn season! From hayrides and pumpkin painting to food vendors, live music and a beer garden, the harvest festival promises fun for the whole family. Don’t forget about the history demonstrations and programs too. The Harvest Festival is free and open to the public. Some activities are available for purchase. Free, non-ticketed event!

• Kootenai County Farmer's Market Harvest Festival (October 25th): Since 1986, the Kootenai County Farmers’ Market has been providing our community with the freshest produce available and an ever changing array of local products—from cheese to chairs, artisan bread to pickles. The Harvest Festival will feature live music, children’s fall themed activities, a food court, pumpkins, and more!

History and Heritage Come Alive

• Museum of North Idaho: Cometary Walking Tours (through November 1st): These guided tours through Forest and St. Thomas Cemeteries share stories of pioneers. It's a unique blend of history and spooky charm, perfect for curious minds 

• Voices & Voters Exhibit (October 11th-November 29th): Visit the museum of North Idaho to explore local stories of voting rights. It's a thought provoking way to connect with our community's past. 

Theatre and Music to Inspire

• "Blackbird" Music of the Beatles at the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center (October 16th-17th): Clarinetist Ken Peplowski reimagines Beatles classics with a jazzy twist. It's a fresh take on songs you love, so grab your tickets for a soulful night.

• Shakespeare CDA presents Hamlet (October 17th-26th): Shakespeare's timeless tale of betrayal hits the stage with local passion. Whether you're a fan or new to the Bard, this production with captivate you. 

The Big Finale: 29th Annual Coeur d'Alene Arts Awards

Join us on October 22nd at the Hagadone Event Center for a free celebration of our arts community. We'll honor the artists and leaders who make Coeur d'Alene special. RSVP to mryba@gold.uidaho.edu to save your spot or visit THIS LINK and cheer on our local stars!

A Brief History of National Arts and Humanities Month

National Arts and Humanities Month, established by Americans for the Arts in 1985, is a nationwide celebration of the power of creativity to transform communities. It began as a way to recognize the contributions of artists, cultural organizations, and educators in fostering connection, education, and economic vitality. Over the decades, it has grown into the largest annual celebration of arts and culture in the United States, encouraging communities like ours to showcase local talent and inspire participation. In Coeur d'Alene, we embrace this tradition to highlight the arts that shape our identity and bring us together.

National Arts and Humanities Month reminds us how creativity strengthens our community. In Coeur d'Alene, it's a chance to celebrate what makes us unique. You don't need to be an artist to join in! Try a workshop or visit a gallery. It's all about finding art within you.