EVENT
PLANNING
Signature Events
The Downtown Spokane Partnership team collaborates with community partners each year to produce a variety of events that drive foot traffic and engagement downtown. Explore our signature events below and learn how to get involved.
First Friday
About First Friday
Designed to showcase Spokane’s art and retail scene, retailers and restaurants have joined forces with downtown to stay open, feature artists and musicians and offer special promotions.
2026 First Friday Dates
January 9* | February 6 | March 6 | April 3 | May 1 | June 5 | July 10* | August 7 | September 4 | October 2 | November 6 | December 4
Hours
5:00 to 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise listed
Location
>Downtown First Friday happens inside the 80 block area served by the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District.
*Second Friday
Fees
First Friday promotions are paid for by the Ratepayers of the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District (BID). Venues located outside of the BID are eligible for BID specific First Friday promotions via two options:
- Venues located in Kendall Yards are eligible to participate in promotions through Greenstone, a dues paying member of the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP), which serves as the program manager of the BID.
- Venues located within the perimeter of the downtown boundaries of the downtown plan as defined by the City of Spokane, or the Spokane University District, may pay a monthly fee of $15 per month to be listed on the map, or an annual fee of $120.
Email info@old.downtownspokane.org to inquire about First Friday fees.
Find an Artist
Downtown Spokane does not place artists for First Friday. Venues seeking new artists may resource Spokane Arts’ Artist Roster.
First Friday Face Off
About the face off
First Friday Face Off is a live draw-off style art competition that brings creativity into the heart of downtown Spokane. Each month, a select group of artists create original work live during a two-hour public event.
Designed to celebrate Spokane’s creative community, the event gives artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, connect with the public, and share their artistic process in a fun, energetic atmosphere. Visitors can watch artwork come to life in real time while exploring downtown galleries, businesses, and First Friday activities.
Why Participate?
Be the Poster Artist
Each month’s Draw-Off winner will have their artwork featured as the official promotional artwork for the following month’s First Friday, with wide distribution throughout downtown and across digital platforms.
Advance to the Finals
Monthly winners will advance to our Brushes & Boughs Year-End Championship in December, where selected artists from throughout the year will compete in a celebratory finale and be recognized as a First Friday Artist of the Year finalist.
Amplification & Promotion
All participating artists receive:
- Inclusion in First Friday promotions and event listings
- Visibility to thousands of attendees, downtown workers, and visitors
- On-site engagement with the public during the event
- $100 Stipend
What to Expect
- 120 minutes of live creation during First Friday
- Artwork inspired by the month’s theme
- Live winner announcement at the event
- Winner featured as next month’s First Friday poster artist
- $100 Stipend
Monthly Themes (2026)
- January: New Year: New You
- February: Love Letters
- March: Women of Spokane History
- April: Celebrate Spring
- May: Power of Purple
- June: Rainbow LGBTQ
- Jul: USA 250th Anniversary
- Aug: Summer Sizzle
- Sep: Back to School / Fall Celebration
- Oct: Spooky Season
- Nov: Light Up the Night
- Dec: Brushes & Boughs / Holiday
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is open to both emerging and established artists working in paint.
We’re excited to celebrate Spokane’s creative community and bring live art to the heart of Downtown each month. We hope you’ll apply and be part of this new First Friday experience!
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Vendor Opportunities
- Makers: Artists working in mediums beyond painting are invited to inquire about hosting a vendor table. Each space includes one 6′ table and designated vendor area.
- Food Service: Food trucks are invited to operate on Howard Street during Face Off events. The Downtown Spokane Partnership will coordinate a reserved parking space and communication with nearby restaurants. Food trucks must provide their own power source (generator) and point-of-sale system.
To inquire, email info@downtownspokane.org.
Wine on Wall
About Wine on Wall
Wine on Wall transforms Wall Street into a lively downtown tasting experience on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. The event draws an engaged mix of young professionals, residents, visitors, and wine enthusiasts, creating a consistent, high-visibility opportunity for wineries to connect directly with consumers.
Participating wineries receive booth space, coordinated marketing exposure, on-site branding, and the ability to sell bottles, all designed to build awareness, drive traffic, and position your brand as part of a signature downtown experience.
Vendor Participation
When
June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, tent October 21
5:00–7:30 PM
Where
Wall Street | 211 N Wall
Who Should Participate
- Spokane Winery Association members
- Downtown tasting rooms
- Regional wineries seeking exposure
Participation Fees
- Free: Spokane Winery Association members and downtown BID tasting rooms
- $50 per event: All other wineries
What’s Included
- 10×10 booth space with table and chairs
- Inclusion in event marketing
- Access to 300–600 attendees
- On-site bottle sales
- Up to $15 reimbursement per bottle opened during the event
Why Participate
- Build brand awareness
- Connect directly with new customers
- Drive traffic to your tasting room or retail locations
- Be part of a well-promoted, high-quality downtown event
Vendor Requirements
- Valid Washington State license to serve wine
- 2–4 wines for tasting (3–4 oz pours)
- 1–2 staff onsite
- Certificate of Insurance (if required)
- Participation in light event promotion
HOW WE CAN HELP
Big and small, downtown staff are here to help your event grow and thrive as a resource to help you plan the next big thing. Special events can consist of block parties, parades, festivals, car shows, markets/fairs, concerts, sporting events and more.
Pre-Planning
What are the resources and partnerships that you need to make your idea happen? Downtown staff are ready to brainstorm partnership opportunities and offer historical perspective.
Media Relations
Located at the center of Spokane’s economic development, downtown maintains positive relationships with all local media and can help you spread the word about your business or event.
Business-Opening Resources
Thank you for choosing our neighborhood to do business in. As part of our Ratepayer benefit package, the downtown Spokane team is available to help celebrate your grand opening.
Assets
When you create something in downtown the whole neighborhood benefits. Contact the office to learn about what assets we have in place for turn-key community activities.
Event Logistics
Hundreds of events, big and small, are held annually on the streets of downtown Spokane. Our staff are here to help your event grow and thrive.
Choosing a Location
Selecting your event location can have as much effect on your success as the activities. We can help you find the perfect space to be successful.
Street Events
Spokane is known for adventurous and unique street-based activities. Our staff are experts at working with the City of Spokane and adjacent properties to quickly and efficiently vacate streets.
Logistics
From power to port-o-potties, the logistics of creating events from the asphalt-up can be challenging to first-timers. We are here to hold your hand and walk you through the whole process.
Food and Beverage
Feed them and they will come. From integrating with existing restaurants, applying for alcohol permits or partnering with the perfect vendor, let us help you feed your fans!