As the temperatures start to rise in the Inland Northwest, you know it’s time for the beginning of summer, which in Spokane means it’s time for Volume Inlander Music Festival. Organized by Spokane’s weekly newspaper the Inlander, this annual festival showcases local and regional talent. Not only will you be able to check out some 80 bands, but you’ll get an excellent sampling of the music venues we have in Downtown Spokane as the festival is hosted at eight different locations in the downtown area.

Held during the first weekend in June, the 1st and 2nd, Volume Music Festival will take you around downtown to The Baby Bar, The Bartlett, The Big Dipper, Mootsy’s, nYne, The Observatory, Red Room, and Washington Cracker Co. Building. For those music lovers who are not quite 21 yet, The Bartlett, The Big Dipper and the Washington Cracker Co. Building are all-ages during the event, while The Baby Bar is all-ages until 9pm.

With some 80 bands in attendance over the two-day event, there will be amazing music all over Downtown Spokane. Local favorites include Marshall McLean and the Holy Rollers, Indian Goat, Donna Donna, Mama Doll, Lavoy, Trego, and Super Sparkle. Also appearing will be Portland’s electro-rock duo Helio Sequence, Chicago’s Maps & Atlases, and synth-pop quartet Broncho. Passes for the two-day festival can be purchased in advance for $25 from here, or you can purchase the two-day pass at the event for $35. Individual day passes will also be sold on the day of the festival for $20 and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult pass holder.

If you can’t make it to this year’s Volume Music Festival, don’t worry, there are still plenty of opportunities to see great live music downtown. The Baby Bar is the best dingy bar you haven’t been to yet. The drinks are good (and cheap!) and they regularly host both live music, and on Wednesdays they even have poetry night. The bar is tiny and dark, but everything from the atmosphere to the amazing burritos next door at Neato Burrito, is just what you need on a Friday night. Make sure to check out their $4 well drinks and $4 microbrews Monday- Friday from 5pm-7pm as well. If dark and a little punk rock isn’t your style, head on over to The Bartlett instead. Designed with a relaxed and simple approach, The Bartlett is classic and comfortable. Located in Downtown Spokane, all of this hip venue’s shows are all-ages unless otherwise noted and kids under 8 get in free. Think you have what it takes to hop on stage? Once a month The Bartlett hosts its own Open Mic Night, so start warming up your vocal chords!

There are so many talented artists coming to Downtown Spokane this summer, whether you head out to Volume Inlander Music Festival June 1st and 2nd, or one of the many other shows happening downtown this summer, you won’t be disappointed by what Downtown Spokane has to offer. Check out our events calendar for the next show coming your way.

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