[SPOKANE, WA] Downtown Spokane Partnership invites the community to celebrate the arrival of spring at First Friday on May 1, 2026, as downtown galleries and creative spaces come alive ahead of a signature weekend in the city.
Serving as the cultural kickoff to the season, First Friday sets the stage for the upcoming Bloomsday Run on May 3, highlighting Spokane’s vibrant arts scene just as thousands prepare to gather downtown. With nearly 30 participating venues this month, along with local retail, dining, and more to explore, First Friday offers a full evening experience in the heart of the city.
At First Friday Face-Off (112 N Howard), kick off your Friday at a high-energy live art battle where artists transform blank canvases in real time alongside music, drinks, local vendors, and hands-on creativity. This May’s “Power of Purple” theme features Rebecca Clinard, Abe Kenney, Chris Rosendahl, and Angelina Hayes, with opportunities to connect with the community and experience Spokane’s arts scene springing to life, plus a selection of cards and prints from past Lilac Legacy artists of the Spokane Lilac Festival available for purchase.
Inside the historic Liberty Building, The Atrium Gallery (203 N Washington St) anchors the night with a vibrant group exhibition featuring Heidi Barnett, Katie Frey, Sara Conybeer, and Shelly Matthews. With live painting and music, the gallery creates an immersive, welcoming environment that reflects the renewed energy of spring and the spirit of community that defines downtown Spokane.
At Terrain Gallery (628 N Monroe St), visitors can experience “The Table Is Set” by Liv Hebert Watkins, a thoughtfully curated exhibition centered on gathering and shared experience. Through symbolic imagery and everyday objects, the work elevates the simple act of coming together, offering a timely reflection on connection as the city moves into one of its most celebrated weekends of the year.
First Friday is free and open to the public, offering a welcoming way to explore Spokane’s thriving arts scene, support local artists, and connect with the community.
Most venues are open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. For a full list of activities and artists, visit www.firstfridayspokane.org. Navigate to the online media kit for images, a printable event listing, and additional details.
About First Friday
First Friday Spokane launched in November 2003 in partnership between the Downtown Spokane Partnership and Spokane Arts Commission. Today, venues across downtown participate each month to bring visitors to the city center and promote arts patronage throughout the region—for the opportunity to see it first, hear it first, and find it first. First Friday occurs on the first Friday of every month with official hours from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.firstfridayspokane.org.
About Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP)
The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is a private, non-profit membership organization that serves as Spokane’s central city advocate and service provider, dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of downtown Spokane as the foundation for a healthy region. DSP fulfills its mission through advocacy, business and project development, planning, beautification, public safety, and marketing programs that ensure downtown’s continued success. Learn more at www.downtownspokane.org.