Information
Landmark: Panida TheaterCity: Sandpoint
Country: USA Idaho
Continent: North America
Panida Theater, Sandpoint, USA Idaho, North America
The Panida Theater is a historic cinema located in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA.
It serves as a community arts and performance venue.
Visual Characteristics
The Panida Theater is a single-story structure with a rectangular footprint. Its exterior is primarily constructed of red brick. The main facade features a prominent marquee with illuminated lettering. The roofline is flat. The interior auditorium seating capacity is 350.
Location & Access Logistics
The theater is situated at 300 North First Avenue in downtown Sandpoint. It is approximately 0.2km from the Sandpoint City Center. On-street parking is available on First Avenue and surrounding streets, with time limits enforced. The closest public transport stop is the Sandpoint Amtrak Station, located 0.8km South, with local bus routes serving the downtown area.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Panida Theater was constructed in 1927. It was originally built as a movie palace. The architect was George W. Stone. Its purpose was to provide entertainment to the growing population of Sandpoint.
Key Highlights & Activities
The venue hosts film screenings, live theatrical productions, musical performances, and community events. Specific event schedules are available on the theater's official website. Attendees can purchase tickets at the box office or online.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within the theater. Limited seating areas offer some shade outside the entrance. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable in the downtown area. Food and beverage vendors are located within a 0.5km radius of the theater.
Best Time to Visit
For film screenings, check the daily showtimes. For live performances, event start times vary. The best time of day for exterior photography is late afternoon when the sun illuminates the brick facade. Weather in Sandpoint is most favorable for outdoor activities during July and August.
Facts & Legends
A local anecdote suggests that the theater's name, "Panida," is a portmanteau derived from the names of the surrounding counties: Pend Oreille, Bonner, and Kootenai. The original projection booth is still intact and can be viewed during select backstage tours.
Nearby Landmarks
- Sandpoint City Hall - 0.3km West
- Lake Pend Oreille - 0.6km South
- The Hive - 0.4km Northwest
- Pend Oreille Arts Council - 0.2km West
- Farmin Park - 0.5km Northwest