downtown events
and activations
The Downtown Spokane Partnership presents free and accessible events and activations that bring people downtown to visit and explore of local businesses. From seasonal celebrations to arts, culture and community gatherings, these experiences help create a vibrant downtown while supporting retailers, restaurants, hospitality businesses and other local employers.
Want to get involved? Explore the opportunities and event overviews below to participate, propose a new event, share feedback or sponsor an activation. Together, we can create experiences that bring more people downtown and strengthen Spokane’s urban core.
Arts & Culture
First Friday - Sponsorships Available
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 - Supported by Lodging Tax
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. ARTIST AGREEMENT 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! APPLY HEREVendor 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.
World on Wall - Sponsorships Available
About World on Wall
World on Wallis a cultural event series from the Downtown Spokane Partnership that celebrates the global cultures, traditions, performances and experiences that make Spokane vibrant and diverse. The series transforms Wall Street into a welcoming gathering place where community organizations, artists, performers, businesses and residents can share culture and connect with new audiences.
DSP works with participating organizations to help bring these events to life, providing support with event planning, sponsorship development, promotion, street logistics and connections to downtown resources and partners. Participating organizations may also have the opportunity to reserve a Wall Street weekend for their cultural celebration, subject to availability and program funding.
World Tour on Wall is designed to make it easier for community organizations to bring their culture to the heart of downtown while creating opportunities for local businesses to benefit from increased activity and visitors.
Spring & Summer
The Downtown Spokane Partnership develops summer-specific events and activations designed to bring people downtown during the seasonal lull and create new opportunities for local businesses. From fitness and wine events to live music, arts and community gatherings, these programs give residents and visitors more reasons to spend time downtown. Businesses are invited to get involved through sponsorships, promotions, pop-ups, partnerships and event participation.
Spring Clean Week - Sponsorships Available
Wine on Wall - Presented by Washington Trust Bank
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
Post-Workout Series - Presented by Numerica Credit Union
Fall
Fall brings a special energy to downtown Spokane, from changing leaves and crisp mornings to the excitement of back-to-school and a new season of events, arts and community gatherings. The Downtown Spokane Partnership creates fall activations designed to celebrate the season and give residents and visitors more reasons to explore, shop, dine and spend time downtown. Businesses and sponsors are invited to join the fun through event participation, seasonal promotions, sponsorships and creative partnerships that help bring fall to life downtown.
WSECU Fall Fest
Brewfest at Fall Fest - Sponsorships Available
Fall Clean Week - Sponsorships Available
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!
Spirit Week
Trunk or Treat - Vendor Opportunities
Spooky Skywalks - Sponsorships Available
Downtown Holidays
From festive shopping and carolers to dazzling lights and displays, downtown Spokane offers all the ingredients for creating cherished memories. Join us in spreading the spirit of the season by participating in and presenting holiday activities in Downtown Spokane.
MERRY & MAGICAL DOWNTOWN
Let’s Spread the Merry Downtown! The Merry & Magical sponsor includes exclusive access to the resources that bring individuals to downtown to explore and enjoy the season in the heart of the city. ~ Sponsor at $20,000
ACCOMPANY PROMOTIONS INCLUDE
- Merry Map Explore the magic of Downtown Spokane with the Holiday Map—your guide to the city’s most dazzling displays and best Holiday activities.
- Merry & Magical Lane (Post St: Main–First Ave) | The Downtown Spokane Partnership transforms Post Street into a festive holiday lane, filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of the season.
- Merry & Magical lane Holiday Kick-off With enhanced lighting and festive cheer along Post Street. Join us as we kick off the holidays alongside Santa’s grand arrival at River Park Square. Enjoy a sneak peek of the season ahead with holiday sing-alongs, live entertainment, family friendly activities and more.
- Merry & Magical Pages From mid-November through December, pick up the weekly Inlander for special holiday features highlighting everything happening in downtown Spokane throughout the season. As the Merry & Magical Pages Sponsor, your organization will receive exclusive recognition in every holiday edition.
small business promotions - Presenting Sponsor | $5,000
Shop Local throughout the holidays! Kicking off on Small Business Saturday, November 28. Promotions continue through December with a festive “Advent Calendar,” highlighting exploration and encouraging engagement through prize drawings.
Kids Holiday Hunt - SOLD, ICCU
Children ages 12 and under use a Holiday Passport to search for hidden holiday characters in 14 downtown businesses. Participants who find all 7 characters submit their completed passport for a chance to win one of three family prize packages.
Brushes & Boughs - Presenting Sponsor | $5,000
The reason for the season. On December 4, artists live-paint holiday trees that remain on display through December 21. Visitors vote for their favorite by scanning the QR code at each tree. The winning artist will earn a $500 donation for the Spokane nonprofit they represent.
Snow Fest - SOLD, Columbia Bank
Celebrate the season during BrrrZAAR and the final weekend of Christmas Tree Elegance. Centered on Post Street between Main and Riverside, Snow Fest features local brews, live music, SantaCon, and snow-themed entertainment.
Holiday Mingle - Presenting Sponsor | $4,000
The DSP invites members to gather for a festive evening of connection and celebration. Hosted in a reimagined downtown space, the event transforms an underutilized location into a lively holiday hub. Guests enjoy live music, festive refreshments, and opportunities to network and celebrate the season with fellow downtown advocates.
Candy Cane Lane on Wall street - Presenting Sponsor | $2,500
Red-and-white wreaths, lit candy canes, skywalk and LED pole lights,
Snowflake Lane on Riverside - SOLD, Bank of America
Snowflake pole décor and illuminated decor at the Lincoln Plaza, and Bank of America Plaza.