First Friday is designed to showcase the downtown art and retail scene. Downtown retailers and restaurants feature artists, musicians, exclusive activities, product launches and specialty food and beverage on the first Friday of each month.
January 9* | February 6 | March 6 | April 3 | May 1 | June 5 | July 11* | August 7 | September 4 | October 2 | November 6 | December 4
*Second Friday
5:00 to 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise listed
Downtown First Friday happens inside the 80 block area served by the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District.
Downtown Spokane does not place artists for First Friday. Venues seeking new artists may resource Spokane Arts' Artist Roster.
Find Professional Musicians at AFM Local 105.
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:
Email info@downtownspokane.org to inquire about First Friday fees.
This live draw-off art competition is held during Downtown Spokane’s monthly First Friday events. Each month, up to four artists create original artwork live during a 90-minute, theme-based paint-off, engaging the public in a high-energy downtown setting. Monthly winners advance to the Brushes & Boughs Year-End Championship in December, where one artist will be named First Friday Artist of the Year.
Artists receive a $100 stipend, promotional exposure, and retain full rights to their work. DSP provides the venue and basic supplies, with completed pieces exhibited downtown throughout 2026 and offered in a December silent auction. Auction proceeds are split 75 percent to the artist and 25 percent to support First Friday programming, with unsold works remaining with the artist.