Volunteer with Downtown Spokane

Downtown Spokane is looking for interested individuals or groups who would like to participate in a service, event, or office based activities that help keep downtown moving.

About This Series

Volunteer opportunities vary. Some are re-occurring, some are individual-day events, and others are a part of a larger community celebration.

We've detailed a few events here and all volunteer activities will be listed as an event below. To sign-up to participate please complete the online form and a representative from downtown will be in contact.

Volunteer Sign-up Volunteer Safety Memo Volunteer Waiver

First Friday Hospitality Team

  • When: The Tuesday immediately prior to First Friday.
  • Where: Participating First Friday Venues
  • What: Deliver First Friday walking guides and posters to participating venues. Check  in and make sure that venues needs are met and network among local art supporters.

Volunteers should have an interest in art, be available mid-afternoon and have the ability to walk for longer distances around downtown Spokane.

Spring Planting

Help plant 150+ sidewalk planters in the downtown core as a team or individual. Number of planters in planting zones vary. First come first served.

  • TBD: Volunteers needed 4, Monroe Street, Mallon
  • TBD: Volunteers needed 2, Main Ave, Riverside Ave, Sprague Ave, Wall Street, Howard Street

Fall Fest

When:

    • Fall Fest Carnival October 2, 11:00am to 2:00pm- 16 Helpers
    • Fall Fest Carnival October 2, 2:00-5:00pm- 16 Helpers
    • Fall Fest Carnival October 3, 11:00am to 2:00pm- 16 Helpers
    • Fall Fest Carnival October 3, 2:00-5:00pm- 16 Helpers

Where: Wall Street between Main and Spokane Falls Blvd

What: Manage various carnival games at the Fall Fest Country Carnival. Give away prizes and have fun! Manage pumpkin patch distribution.

Need: 10-15 volunteers per shift. Four hours of parking validation will be provided for River Park Square.

Crescent Window Display Refurbishment

  • When: Saturday / Sundays in September and October
  • Where: To be determined
  • What: Help bring the tradition of holidays displays back to life in downtown Spokane! The Crescent Window Displays returned for the 2018 holiday season and a whole new set of found figurines need to be prepared to delight families again in 2019.

Volunteers needed: If you have experience working with small motors, backdrops, set design or with fabrics and costuming, please indicate an interest in volunteering to refurbish displays. A downtown representative will reach out with specific tasks.

Coming Up

Past Events

  • Wednesday, Feb 21 / 12:00pm

    Virtual event: Pathways Forward

    Pathways Forward is a free, virtual, educational, roundtable discussion series designed to pave a path forward by engaging the community in conversations with local experts, leaders, and YWCA staff members. Join YWCA Spokane during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month as we engage the community with key Spokane experts in a progress-minded conversation on self-regulation and social emotional learning centered on youth.

  • Saturday, Mar 23 / 11:00am

    Spokane Volunteer Fair

    Hello there!
    We have heard repeatedly from non profits that have utilized the Womans Club the lack of volunteerism that has really come to a head since COVID. We thought about the rich history of volunteerism embodied in our club from Mae Hutton thru 2 world wars to the present day, and thought what better way to celebrate Womans History month than a volunteer fair!

    What: Volunteer Fair with 15-20 local non profits, simple lunch included free

    When: March 23rd from 11-4

    Where: The Womans Club of Spokane at 1428 W 9th Ave

    Cost: Free both for our neighbors/community and for the non profits to host a table

    Why: Because the motto of the Greater Federation of Womans Clubs is "live the volunteer spirit."

  • Monday, Apr 29 / 12:00am

    Spring Clean Week 2024

    Spring is blooming in downtown Spokane, and we're calling on the community to join us from April 29 to May 3 to brighten our city center.

    Throughout the week, various volunteer opportunities await, both downtown and nearby. Join as a team or individually to prep downtown for Spring and the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations of Expo 74.

    Here's a short list of activities in the downtown BID:

    Register as a team of individual through Volunteer Spokane here.

    All participants will receive a voucher for a free slice at David’s Pizza.

    Downtown Clean-Up Team Challenge!

    Join us for the Downtown Clean-Up Challenge during Spring Clean Week and let's make our streets shine brighter than ever! Teams can earn points and go home with the ultimate downtown trophy.

    How to participate:

    • Gather your squad of enthusiastic cleaners.
    • Sign-up for a volunteer shift at Volunteer Spokane
    • Earn Team Points and be named the 2024 Downtown Clean-up Challenge Champion!

    How to earn points:

    • Each member earns your team 10 points for attending the clean-up event. Maximum number of team members is 7. Teams greater than 7 in size will be divided into smaller teams.
    • Teams will earn 5 points for each social media post they share about the clean-up event on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Each team can earn points for a maximum of two social media posts per team member during the duration of the clean-up event.
    • Teams who share Clean Week Facts posted to Facebook during Spring Clean Week to a company account will earn 2 points for every fact shared.
    • Make sure to tag @downtownspokane and hashtag #SpringClean2024 and #YourTeamName

    Sponsor a downtown sidewalk planter

    Elevate downtown Spokane's appeal. For just $50, sponsor a sidewalk planter and infuse the heart of the city with vibrancy from spring through September. With the Clean Team's expert care, your support ensures meticulous upkeep, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Join us in shaping Spokane's urban beauty! Support anonymously or in honor of a friend, family member or organization.

    Sponsor now

    Business Solutions

    Pledge to reduce waste, litter, and energy use. During Spring Clean Week, implement one or more of these suggestions to make a big impact, step by step:

    • Incentivize reusable mugs or containers for to-go beverages.
    • Establish designated smoking areas with proper disposal solutions.
    • Promote reusable bags or limit bag usage to bulky items.
    • Beautify sidewalks with flower planting and maintenance.
    • Secure trash receptacles to prevent rummaging.
    • Install motion sensor lights in alleys for safety and energy efficiency.

    Sustainable Effort

    Became an Low Waste Impact Ambassador! In honor of the Expo 74 50th Anniversary Celebration, Spokane Zero Waste has developed a program to reduce waste, both upstream and downstream. Waste Ambassadors will receive training and help event vendors and promotors properly dispose of waste. Learn more

    Safety First

    Remember to dispose of materials safely. Avoid reaching into bushes or areas with potential hazards, and use gloves at all times. Report any issues to the Clean Team at 509.624.9111 or graffiti to the City of Spokane at 3-1-1.

    Stay safe and courteous

    Follow traffic signs and signals, wear reflective vests when working on sidewalks, and avoid disturbing anyone in your path.

    Spring Clean Week is presented by the Downtown Spokane Partnership in collaboration with the City of Spokane Office of Neighborhood Services. Let's make downtown shine together!

    Spend just 15 minutes a week to keep our community clean year-round. Whether solo or with a team, pledge to tidy up problem areas around your home or workplace. Contact us to coordinate a group clean-up and receive supplies and support.

Latest News & Projects