First Friday is more than an evening arts event. It is an opportunity for downtown businesses to benefit from increased foot traffic, connect with new customers and become part of a larger downtown experience.

Customers Are Already Coming Downtown

First Friday brings people downtown specifically to explore, shop, dine and experience something new. Downtown Spokane promotes First Friday from 5–8 p.m., with galleries, retailers and restaurants participating throughout the downtown core.

Research also supports the broader connection between special events and retail activity. A 2026 study published in the Journal of Retailing, examining events in two cities, found that retail-area visits increased an average of 5.9% during events, with retail-focused events producing an even larger increase. The study also found no evidence of a corresponding decline in visits immediately before or after the events studied.

For businesses, the opportunity is simple: when people are already downtown, give them a reason to walk through your door.

October 2 Is a Particularly Big Opportunity

This year’s First Friday falls on October 2, the night of Terrain 17.

Terrain describes its annual event as the Inland Northwest’s largest multimedia art and music event. The free main event runs from 5 p.m. to midnight and features work by 523 artists, along with music, live painting and performances, food trucks, a photo booth and beverages.

The scale is significant. In 2025, Terrain reported 10,044 attendees, 483 participating artists, more than $86,000 in art sales and visitors from as far away as California, Nevada, New Mexico and Virginia.

That makes October 2 one of the strongest First Friday opportunities of the year for businesses that can extend their hours and participate in the evening.

It Shows Your Support for Downtown

Staying open for First Friday signals that your business is part of the downtown community. Customers aren’t just looking for a single destination. They’re walking between galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and other experiences. When more businesses participate, the entire district becomes more active and inviting.

Downtown Spokane’s First Friday program is specifically designed around this model, with retailers and restaurants joining galleries and artists to create a larger downtown experience.

You don’t have to host a major event. Simply being open, welcoming customers and offering something special can make your business part of the experience.

It Helps People Find You

Downtown Spokane promotes First Friday through its website and social channels, giving participating businesses an opportunity to be included in the monthly event promotion.

The key is to give people a reason to choose your business.

How to Attract More Customers on First Friday

Offer a First Friday Special: Create something exclusive to the evening, such as a featured menu item, drink, product or experience.

Run a Discount or Promotion: A limited-time offer can give people an extra reason to step inside while they’re already downtown. Consider a percentage discount, complimentary item or special bundle.

Host Your Own First Friday Event: Consider an artist reception, live music, demonstration, pop-up, tasting or other experience. Even a small activation can give customers a reason to visit.

Partner With a Local Artist or Maker: Feature an artist’s work, invite a maker for a pop-up or create an interactive experience that connects your business with Spokane’s creative community.

Stay Open Later: If your normal Friday hours end before 8 p.m., consider extending them specifically for First Friday. On October 2, consider staying open even later to take advantage of the extended activity surrounding Terrain.

Make It Easy to Find You: Use window signage, sidewalk messaging and social media to let people know you’re participating. Make sure your First Friday event or promotion is submitted to the Downtown Spokane Partnership event calendar so it can be included in First Friday promotion.

Make First Friday Work for Your Business

You don’t need a large budget or elaborate event to participate. The most important step is simply being open and giving people a reason to come inside.

With Terrain 17 bringing thousands of people downtown on October 2, this year’s October First Friday offers an especially strong opportunity to turn downtown foot traffic into customers.

Open your doors. Give people a reason to stop. Be part of First Friday.