Spring in Spokane brings a flurry of events that infuse downtown with energy and excitement. From the Get Lit! Literary Arts Festival showcasing the written word to the Lilac Bloomsday Run pulsing through the city streets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Businesses have ample opportunities to engage with the community, whether by hosting special programming during Bike Everywhere Month or adorning storefronts with themed decorations for Bloomsday, the Lilac Festival, Hoopfest, and more.
As foot traffic increases during events, seize the chance to connect with attendees through sponsorships, promotions, and interactive activities. Spring in Spokane is a time to celebrate diversity, support local artists at events like the Bazaar Presented by Terrain, and join in the spirit of community at festivities like Hoopfest, where downtown transforms into a bustling hub of athleticism and camaraderie. So, let's embrace the season, show our colors, and make downtown Spokane the ultimate destination for springtime revelry and unity.
Themed Promotions
Align promotions with the theme of each event to attract participants and attendees.
For example:
- During the Lilac Bloomsday Run, offer discounts or freebies to customers wearing running gear or sporting Bloomsday memorabilia.
- For the Junior Lilac Parade, host a "Kids Eat Free" day or offer special discounts for families to enjoy lunch or dinner at your establishment before or after the parade.
- During Bike Everywhere Month, provide incentives such as complimentary coffee or snacks to cyclists who stop by your business on their commute.
Interactive Decorations
Create visually appealing and interactive decorations that engage customers and enhance the event atmosphere.
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- Set up a photo booth with themed props and backdrops related to the event. Encourage customers to take photos and share them on social media with event-specific hashtags.
- Install window displays featuring dynamic scenes that reflect the event's theme. For example, for the Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, decorate windows with patriotic colors, flags, and military-inspired motifs.
- Organize sidewalk chalk art competitions outside your business during events like Hoopfest or the Junior Lilac Parade. Invite participants to showcase their creativity and provide prizes for the best artworks.
Collaborative Promotions
Partner with neighboring businesses to create joint promotions or activities that enhance the overall event experience.
- Organize a "Spring Passport" program where customers can collect stamps or discounts by visiting participating businesses during the Spring in Spokane events. Encourage cross-promotion by featuring each other's logos or flyers in-store.
- Host a themed block party or street fair with live music, food vendors, and outdoor activities during events like Cruzin the Falls Car Show or the Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Collaborate with nearby businesses to share resources and attract a larger crowd.
- Offer event-exclusive bundle deals or packages that combine products or services from multiple businesses. For example, during the Get Lit! Literary Arts Festival, partner with a nearby café to offer a "Book and Brew" special featuring discounted books and coffee combos.
BID HOOPFEST Sidewalk VENDOR Info
50-year Celebration of Expo 74
In 1974, Spokane hosted the World's Fair, sparking our city's transformation and focus on sustainable growth. The 2024, 50th celebration aims to revive nostalgia for this pivotal milestone in Spokane's history and to inspire future generations.
Celebrations kick off May 4 and run through July 4. Be sure and stay in the loop with everything going on by following Expo's Facebook page and viewing the online events calendar linked below.
Partners at the Innovia Foundation have established “Club 74,” a fund that will not only support the 50th celebration and accompanying events, but also provide lasting impacts in Riverfront Park, downtown, and beyond.
Now, is your chance to get involved! When individuals join Club 74, they will receive a commemorative Challenge Coin and other membership benefits. We are looking for businesses like yours to help add value to Club 74 membership. Between May 4 and July 4, 2024, consider creating a special product, discount, specialty cocktail or menu item exclusive to Club 74 members.
Spring Clean Week 2024
With the return of beloved annual events like Bloomsday, the Lilac Festival, and Hoopfest, the community is encouraged to step outside and contribute to the vibrancy of our city center from April 29 to May 3.
In collaboration with the City of Spokane Office of Neighborhood Services, individuals and teams are invited to sign up for volunteer activities throughout the week. These activities range from sweeping sidewalks and addressing graffiti to participating in spring planning initiatives and beyond.
Just 15 minutes of your time each week can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness of our community year-round. Whether solo or with friends, pledge to dedicate this time to picking up litter across various areas such as sidewalks, parking lots, alleyways, planters, park spaces, plazas, tree beds, and more. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to adopt creative and sustainable practices to minimize waste, litter, and energy consumption.
Throughout the week, stay engaged with Downtown Spokane on your preferred social media platforms (@downtownspokane) for helpful tips, tricks, and ideas to promote cleanliness and sustainability not only during this event but also throughout the entire year.
