Davenport’s Festival: What to Expect & How to Enjoy It

The Pacific Northwest Food & Wine Festival celebrates the region’s bounty, shining a spotlight on local chefs, winemakers, and the stories behind the ingredients and wineries.

Highlight Events to Plan For

  • Culinary & Wine Experiences (Saturday, Sept 27, 10 am – 4 pm)
    In-depth tastings, masterclasses, cocktail seminars, chef demos, this is where you lean in and learn more than just “this tastes good.”

  • Davenport Legacy Dinner (Saturday, 6–9 pm)
    A signature, multi-course pairing dinner under the stars, bringing together featured chefs and winemakers for an elevated evening.

  • Moonlight Mixer (Saturday, 9–11 pm)
    End the night with champagne, dessert pairings, and a relaxed, festive vibe.

  • Jazz Brunch (Sunday, Sept 28, 11 am – 2 pm)
    Wind down the weekend over a leisurely brunch with live jazz in Davenport’s signature style. Attendees also enjoy perks — for instance, 20% off rooms at Davenport properties with ticket purchase.

Insider Tips for Festival Goers

  • Pace yourself. Three days of tasting can sneak up on your palate. Alternate rich bites with lighter fare, take water breaks, and rest your tastebuds.

  • Map the events. Because the festival takes place across Davenport’s properties in downtown Spokane, it’s handy to plan your route and timing.

  • Take notes & photos. You’ll sample so many wines and dishes that jotting down what you liked helps you revisit favorites later.

  • Mix festival with local exploration. Between festival slots, step out into Spokane’s downtown, it’s full of stellar wine rooms, restaurants, and hidden gems.


️Beyond the Festival

While the Davenport festival is the centerpiece, downtown Spokane itself is a treasure trove for food and wine lovers. Here are standout spots worth visiting:

Dine Downtown

Between tastings, Spokane’s downtown restaurants offer flavors as rich and varied as the wines you’ll be sampling. Here are four can’t-miss stops:

  • Gander & Ryegrass: Known for its inventive tasting menus and Italian-inspired cuisine, this spot is perfect for a leisurely dinner with thoughtful wine pairings.

  • Tavolàta: A modern Italian favorite featuring house-made pastas and seasonal dishes that pair beautifully with Washington wines.

  • Clinkerdagger: A Spokane classic offering steak, seafood, and stunning views of the Spokane River — ideal for a celebratory dinner.

  • Wiley’s Downtown Bistro: Intimate and welcoming, with an elevated bistro menu that makes it a go-to for foodies looking for bold flavors in a relaxed setting.

Wine Tasting Rooms & Wineries Within Walking Distance

Spokane’s downtown core hosts 15 award-winning wineries within walking distance of its shopping, dining, and cultural districts. See all our downtown wine & beer HERE.

Here are a few favorites:

These tasting rooms make for ideal breaks between festival sessions or for evening wind-downs.

Shopping Downtown While You’re Here

In between tastings and dinners, downtown Spokane is also a great place to browse and shop. From big-name favorites to local gems, you’ll find plenty of ways to round out your weekend:

  • Pendleton: Iconic wool blankets, apparel, and accessories with timeless Northwest style.

  • Anderson & Co.: A locally loved boutique featuring carefully curated clothing, shoes, and accessories.

  • Anthropologie: Trendy fashion and home décor in a beautiful downtown storefront.

  • Nordstrom: A longtime Spokane shopping staple, offering everything from designer fashion to beauty and lifestyle essentials.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, a cozy gift, or just a little retail therapy between sips, downtown Spokane’s shops have you covered.