Introducing First Friday Face-Off: A Monthly Live Art Competition Celebrating Community, Creativity & Culture
Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is excited to announce a new activation in celebration of its 30th anniversary: First Friday Face-Off. Launching January 9, 2026, the Face Off builds on the monthly First Friday Art Walk to bring live art, music, and community spirit together for an unforgettable downtown experience.
Each First Friday, local artists will take to the canvas live at First Friday, creating original artwork in real time during a two-hour painting challenge. With a DJ, food trucks and libations to add to the experience, artists will bring their vision to life right before your eyes. At the end of the night, one artist will be selected by public vote as the winner and their piece becomes the official print for the following month’s First Friday, displayed throughout downtown and across digital platforms. A collector’s edition will then be made available at the next Face Off.
Winning artists throughout the year will advance to a special championship showdown during Brushes & Boughs. The champion will be crowned First Friday Artist of the Year, a standout moment in DSP’s anniversary season.
“We wanted something fresh and dynamic to mark our 30 years,” says Elisabeth Hooker, DSP vice president of marketing & programming. “First Friday Face-Off brings art to life in the heart of downtown, inviting everyone to experience the creative process and celebrate the incredible talent in our community.”
Mark your calendar for First Friday’s all year long.
Location: The Parkade (in the former Rite-Aid)
Cost: Free and open to the public
2026 First Friday Face-Off Dates & Themes:
- January 9: New Year — New You
- February 6: Love Letters
- March 5: Women of Spokane History
- April 2: Celebrate Spring
- May 7: Power of Purple
- June 4: Rainbow LGBTQ
- July 11: USA 250th Anniversary
- August 6: Summer Sizzle
- September 3: Back to School / Fall Celebration
- October 1: Spooky Skywalks
- November 5: Light Up the Night
- December 3: Brushes & Boughs / Holiday (Year-End Championship Event)
Each First Friday Face Off event is free to attend and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the live art action, engage with local talent, and vote for their favorite pieces as part of the ever-building momentum toward the December championship.
The First Friday Face Off is made possible through dollars provided by the City of Spokane’s Tourism and Cultural Investment Grant, which invests in new events that encourage tourism and enrich the cultural environment of Spokane.