10 Spokane Festivals and Events Every Local, Newcomer, and Visitor Needs to Check Out

10 Spokane Festivals and Events Every Local, Newcomer, and Visitor Needs to Check Out

Time Stamp: May 9, 2023 4:13 PM
Source Node: 2639927

Spokane is a city that loves to celebrate, and its vibrant and diverse festival scene is a testament to that. From the Lilac Festival to Hoopfest, Spokane’s festivals offer something for everyone living in or near Spokane, no matter if you’re a lover of music, food, art, or sports. With events taking place throughout the year, the festival scene in Spokane is a reflection of the city’s dynamic culture and community. Whether you’re currently looking to rent an apartment in Spokane on Redfin or purchase a home in the area, we will take a closer look at some of the best festivals that Spokane has to offer, giving you a taste of the excitement and fun that awaits in this beautiful city.

Spokane from above

1. Hoopfest

The world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Hoopfest is held annually during the last weekend in June and attracts thousands of players and spectators from all over the world. The event features competitive and recreational brackets for players of all ages and skill levels, as well as a slam dunk contest, a 3-point shootout, and a skills challenge. 

2. Spokane County Interstate Fair

The Spokane County Interstate Fair is an annual 11-day event that takes place in September at the Spokane County Fairgrounds. The fair has been a staple in the community for over 140 years. It features a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, games, food vendors, live entertainment, and a wide range of exhibits and competitions. Visitors can also enjoy the nightly concerts, which feature a mix of local and national musical acts. In addition to the traditional fair activities, the Spokane County Interstate Fair also offers educational and interactive exhibits, such as animal displays and agricultural demonstrations. 

3. Pig Out in the Park

Pig Out in the Park is an annual food and music Spokane festival, typically held in August. The festival features over 40 food vendors serving a wide variety of cuisines, including traditional fair food, ethnic dishes, gourmet meals, and dessert. Visitors can also enjoy live music from local and national artists on several stages scattered throughout the park. 

Manito Park

4. Lilac Festival

The Lilac Festival is a week-long celebration that takes place every year, typically in May. It’s one of the city’s largest and most popular festivals, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events, including a parade, a street fair, food vendors, live music, and more. The highlight of the Lilac Festival is the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, which is one of the largest nighttime parades in the country. The parade features high school marching bands, floats, and military units from all branches of the United States Armed Forces. 

5. Bazaar

Bazaar is a craft and vendor market that takes place on select weekends throughout the year. The market features a wide variety of local vendors selling unique and handmade items, including clothing, jewelry, home decor, and art.

6. ArtFest

An annual Spokane arts festival that is typically held in early June, ArtFest is one of the city’s largest and most popular events, attracting artists and visitors from all over the region. ArtFest features over 150 juried artists who display and sell their artwork, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and more. In addition to the art displays, the festival includes live music, food vendors, and a variety of interactive activities.

Downtown Spokane

7. Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival

The Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival features over 40 craft breweries from the Pacific Northwest, showcasing their unique and innovative brews. Visitors can sample a variety of beers and ciders from local and regional breweries, including many small-batch and limited-edition releases. The festival also has beer and food pairings, brewery tours, and educational seminars. 

8. Spokane International Film Festival

The Spokane International Film Festival typically occurs in late January to early February. It showcases a variety of independent and international films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. This Spokane festival also hosts special events and guest speakers, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with filmmakers and industry professionals. The festival’s mission is to promote and celebrate the art of filmmaking and to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience.

9. Bloomsday Run

Bloomsday is an annual running event, typically on the first Sunday in May. The event is one of the largest road races in the country and attracts runners from around the world. The race takes place over a 12-kilometer course that winds through the city, passing by many of Spokane’s most iconic landmarks. Bloomsday is a popular event for both serious runners and casual joggers, as well as walkers and wheelchair participants. The event also features live music and entertainment along the course, as well as a post-race party and awards ceremony. 

10. Winter Glow Spectacular

WinterGlow Spectacular is an annual Spokane holiday event, typically in early December. The event features a variety of festive activities, including a lighted parade, ice skating, and a tree lighting ceremony. 

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