Living in Spokane means having a front-row seat to an incredible lineup of events all year long. From massive celebrations that shut down entire streets to intimate farmers markets where you’ll run into your neighbors, our city knows how to throw a party – no matter the season.
I’ve been keeping track of Spokane events for years, and let me tell you, there’s always something happening. Whether you’re new to town or a lifelong resident who’s gotten stuck in a routine, this guide will help you discover (or rediscover) what makes each month special in the Lilac City.
January
First Night Spokane (New Year’s Eve) Okay, technically this starts in December, but First Night Spokane rings in January with family-friendly entertainment downtown. Bundle up and enjoy ice sculptures, live music, and fireworks at midnight.
Spokane Winter Glow Spectacular (Mid-January) This lantern festival at Riverfront Park transforms winter darkness into magic. Hot cocoa, fire pits, and thousands of lights make it worth braving the cold.
Restaurant Week (Late January) Three-course meals at Spokane’s best restaurants for $31? Yes, please. This is when I finally try those places I’ve been eyeing all year. Pro tip: Make reservations early – everyone else has the same idea.
February
Spokane Home & Garden Show (President’s Day Weekend) The Spokane Convention Center fills with dreamworthy landscaping ideas and home improvements. I always leave with big plans and a lighter wallet.
ValenTango Festival (Valentine’s Weekend) Downtown comes alive with Argentine tango performances, lessons, and milongas. Even if you have two left feet (like me), watching the professionals is mesmerizing.
Terrain’s Bazaar (Monthly, First Friday) While Terrain hosts events year-round, their February bazaar at 1230 W Summit Pkwy features local makers perfect for unique Valentine’s gifts.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Run (Saturday before St. Pat’s) Downtown goes green with one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades west of the Mississippi. The Shamrock Run beforehand lets you earn your corned beef and Guinness.
Spokane Symphony’s Masterworks (Throughout March) The Fox Theater hosts world-class performances. Their March lineup usually includes crowd-pleasers perfect for symphony newcomers.
Spring Craft Beer Week (Mid-March) Local breweries collaborate on special releases and events. The passport program gets you touring breweries you might’ve missed.
April
Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade (Third Saturday) This kicks off Lilac Festival season with one of the largest armed forces parades in the nation. Downtown fills with veterans, active military, and grateful citizens.
Earth Day Spokane (April 22) Riverfront Park hosts eco-friendly vendors, workshops, and activities. It’s where I learned composting isn’t as complicated as I thought.
Spring Barrel Tasting (Spokane Valley) Local wineries open their cellars for tastings of upcoming releases. The Spokane Valley Wine Trail makes planning your route easy.
May
Lilac Festival & Bloomsday Run (First Weekend) The granddaddy of Spokane events. Bloomsday brings 40,000+ runners downtown, while the Lilac Festival fills Franklin Park with food, crafts, and yes, lilacs. Even if you don’t run, the finish line party is epic.
Spokane International Film Festival (Early May) The Garland Theater and other venues showcase independent films from around the world. My favorite part? Q&As with filmmakers after screenings.
Opening Day at Farmers Markets (May through October) The downtown market (Saturdays) and South Perry market (Thursdays) return. Nothing says spring like local asparagus and greenhouse tomatoes.
Unity in the Community (Mid-May) Riverfront Park celebrates diversity with music, food, and cultural performances. The kids’ activities and international food court make it a family favorite.
June
Hoopfest (Last Weekend) The world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament takes over downtown. Even non-players love the street festival atmosphere and watching games on every corner.
Pride Parade & Festival (Mid-June) Downtown erupts in rainbows for Spokane Pride. The parade down Riverside and festival in Riverfront Park celebrate love and acceptance.
Juneteenth Celebration (June 19) Liberty Park hosts this important celebration of freedom with music, food, speakers, and community connection.
First Friday Art Walk (Monthly) While this happens year-round, June’s perfect weather makes gallery hopping downtown extra enjoyable.
July
Fourth of July at Riverfront Park The city’s official Independence Day celebration features live music all day and fireworks that reflect off the Spokane River. Stake your spot early.
Pig Out in the Park (Late July/Early August) Six days of food trucks and free concerts at Riverfront Park. My strategy: Go multiple times to try everything. The music lineup rivals ticketed venues.
Hillyard Festival (Mid-July) This neighborhood celebration on North Market Street features a parade, car show, and street fair with serious community pride.
August
Spokane County Interstate Fair (Early September) Technically starts in August, the fair brings carnival rides, concerts, and deep-fried everything to the fairgrounds. The PRCA Rodeo is legit.
Music on the Monroe (Thursday Evenings) Free concerts at Franklin Park feature local bands. Bring a picnic and enjoy Spokane summer evenings at their finest.
Valleyfest (Late August) The Spokane Valley’s signature event fills CenterPlace with rides, vendors, and entertainment. The car show draws impressive classics.
September
Fall Folk Festival (Second Weekend) Spokane’s diversity shines at this free festival featuring music, dance, and crafts from around the world. The food row is a United Nations of deliciousness.
Sustainable September (Various Events) Multiple organizations host green living workshops, farm tours, and sustainability fairs throughout the month.
Oktoberfest (Multiple Weekends) Several venues host German celebrations, but the Mountain Gear Oktoberfest downtown combines beer, brats, and outdoor gear demos.
October
Green Bluff Apple Festival (Weekends) Technically outside city limits, but every Spokanite makes the pilgrimage for apple picking, cider, and pumpkin patches at area farms.
Spokane Ghost Tour (Throughout October) Downtown walking tours share Spokane’s spooky history. The stories about the Steam Plant and Davenport Hotel give me chills.
Monster Dash (Late October) This costume-friendly 5K/10K brings out creative runners. The post-race party beats any Halloween house party.
November
Fall Craft Bazaar Circuit (Various Weekends) Multiple venues host holiday craft fairs. The Spokane Community College bazaar is massive and perfect for unique gift shopping.
Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving Morning) Earn your turkey dinner with this family-friendly run/walk at Spokane Falls Community College. The costume contest gets competitive.
Small Business Saturday (After Thanksgiving) Downtown and neighborhood districts offer special deals and events supporting local shops. Skip the mall madness and shop local.
December
Christmas Tree Lighting (Friday after Thanksgiving) Riverfront Park’s massive tree lighting kicks off the holiday season with music, cocoa, and visits with Santa.
Spokane Nutcracker Ballet (Multiple Weekends) The INB Performing Arts Center hosts this holiday classic. Taking kids (or yourself) creates lasting memories.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks (December 31) Multiple venues offer celebrations, but watching fireworks from the Monroe Street Bridge is a local tradition.
Events That Happen Year-Round
First Friday Art Walks (Monthly) Downtown galleries stay open late with new exhibitions, wine, and mingling with artists.
Mobius Science Center Programs (Weekly) Hands-on science fun for kids happens constantly at this downtown gem.
Concerts at The Knitting Factory & The Bartlett (Weekly) These venues bring touring acts through Spokane regularly. Check their calendars for surprise big names.
Spokane Comedy Club Shows (Thursday-Sunday) National touring comedians perform downtown. The local showcase nights feature rising Spokane talent.
Insider Tips for Spokane Events
Parking Strategy: For big downtown events, park at the Convention Center or use the park-and-ride lots with shuttle service. Your stress level will thank you.
Weather Reality: Layer up. Even summer events can turn chilly when the sun drops behind buildings. I keep a jacket in my car year-round.
Hidden Gems: The smaller neighborhood events often have the best community feel. Don’t skip Hillyard Festival or Perry Street Fair just because they’re not massive.
Food Hack: Hit food trucks early at festivals. Popular items sell out, and lines get ridiculous by prime eating hours.
Kid Tip: Most Spokane events are surprisingly family-friendly. Even Hoopfest and Pig Out have dedicated kids’ areas.
Making the Most of Event Season
Living in Spokane means you’re never more than a few days from the next festival, concert, or community gathering. The trick is planning ahead – mark your calendar for can’t-miss events and buy tickets early for the popular stuff.
My personal rule? Try at least one new event each season. Last year I discovered the Unity in the Community festival and wondered how I’d missed it for so long.
Follow event Facebook pages and sign up for newsletters to get the earliest announcements. Some events (looking at you, Restaurant Week) book up fast.
Your Spokane Event Calendar
This guide covers the big stuff, but Spokane’s event scene goes deeper. Neighborhood associations host block parties, churches throw festivals, and new events pop up constantly.
What’s your favorite Spokane event? What did I miss that deserves a spot on this list? Drop a comment below – I’m always looking for new events to explore.
Remember to check event websites for exact dates, as many shift weekends year to year. And when you’re out enjoying these events, share your photos and tag #GuidetoSpokane – let’s show the world how our city celebrates.
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