travel spokane

The annual Spokane Lilac Festival will celebrate its diamond anniversary next month with a number of fun events. This community celebration of the city and our armed forces is family friendly and includes activities for all ages, including a car show, golf tournament, parades, and more. On Saturday, May 11, you can come support Spokane [...]

Spokane’s biggest annual literary event, the Get Lit! Festival, has been bringing nationally recognized authors to Spokane and spotlighting local and regional authors since 1998. The week-long festival packs in poetry slams, readings, panel discussions, and workshops for readers of diverse interests and all ages. All events except headliner acts are free. Click here for [...]

Are you ready for the 37th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

The main football season ended with the Superbowl on February 3, but football fans need not despair. Spokane Shock arena football begins soon! Sunday, March 10, get warmed up with the pre-season Orange and White scrimmage game. The first home game is April 12 against the Arizona Rattlers. Click here for a season schedule. Head [...]

There are myriad ways to celebrate with your sweetheart beyond dinner and a box of chocolates. Here is your inspiration guide—five fabulous ideas for a fun, memorable date. Couples’ Massage Enjoy a relaxing, side-by-side massage treatment that will leave you both feeling good. Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s La Rive Spa in Airway Heights has [...]

The first Friday of every month, downtown Spokane galleries and a handful of galleries in other Spokane neighborhoods stay open late to host receptions for a wide variety of art exhibits. But twice a year, this fun monthly art walk is something bigger—the Spokane Visual Arts Tour, one of the biggest nights of the year [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

Just in time for post-holiday recuperation, the 8th annual Health Beauty Spa Show will offer dozens of fun mini spa treatments this weekend at Spokane Community College.  Admission is just $7 ($5 with a non-perishable food or hygiene donation to the YWCA), and tickets for treatments are $5 each. Your pampering options include chair massages, [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Forgo the standard this year and surprise everyone on your list with gifts that are fun, memorable, and very Spokane! Most of these gifts emphasize experience over stuff. So they are perfect for kids, people who abhor clutter, or those who have “everything.”  Read on for inspiring ideas to help you finish up your shopping [...]

I’ll just get the bad news out of the way. The latest snow forecast from AccuWeather.com predicts below normal snowfall for the Northwest. So it probably will not be an epic powder season. The good news is that there are six ski resorts to choose from within three hours of Spokane, and if you don’t [...]

Before the flurry of the holiday season really gets underway, treat yourself to a day of tasting fine Spokane wines at the annual Holiday Wine Festival. Every Spokane Winery Association winery (there are 19!) will open their doors the weekend before Thanksgiving. Many of the wineries are located within walking distance of each other in [...]

Spokane has a great theatre scene, with a professional company, a national award winning community theatre, and several college theatres. The play season is just getting into full swing, so be sure to check out the many options for comedy, drama, holiday plays, and musicals. Here are a few highlights of the 2012–2013 season. Funny [...]

Each October, happy, bright Silverwood Theme Park, near Coeur d’Alene, ID, is transformed into a dark, haunted “Scarywood.” Roller coasters run backwards (apparently, this is scarier than forwards), and ghosts, ghouls, and other nasty creatures prowl the grounds. Haunted attractions include the Blood Bayou haunted house, Terror Canyon Trail, Zombie Wood Express (the benign train [...]

The tradition of Oktoberfest began October 12, 1810, when the citizens of Munich were all invited to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen by drinking beer and watching horse races. Two hundred years later, millions of people attend Munich’s Oktoberfest, and cities all over the world host their own celebrations. [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

Growing interest in adopting a healthier lifestyle has driven a marked increase in the number of Spokane restaurants that offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and fresh, healthy menu items. For cooking at home, or if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen and want to try making local cuisine with fresh ingredients, locally written blogs [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

Fresh fruit, directly from the growers, is far superior in taste and quality to anything you will find in your local supermarket. At Green Bluff, about 15 minutes north of Spokane in the foothills of Mt. Spokane, you can even pick your own fruit if you want to. Two loops of farms (East and West [...]

The weather is getting warm and sunny in Spokane (finally!), and it’s time for outdoor concert season. Last year, Northern Quest Casino and Resort in Airway Heights opened its wonderful new addition to the region’s summer concert venues, an outdoor pavilion with 11,000 square feet of space that holds over 5,000 people. Small enough to [...]

Like fast cars? Don’t miss the upcoming Northwest Thunderfest NHRA Top Fuel Heritage Series on June 21–24. This is a great show for the whole family: children 6–12 are only $5, children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Adult prices are $10 on Thursday, $18 on Friday and Sunday, and $23 on [...]

The next two weekends are perfect for spending in Spokane, with a lot of live music, art, and fun for the low admission price of $0.00. The 27th annual ArtFest runs June 1–3, and the annual indie music celebration Elkfest will be held June 8–10. Both of these popular events are outdoors in Browne’s Addition, [...]

On Hoopfest weekend, thousands of basketball enthusiasts will be competing in the nation’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament. In a different part of downtown Spokane, thousands of people from all over the country will be dancing their tails off. The 61st National Square Dance Convention will be held at the Spokane Convention Center (334 W. [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

Remember when you were a kid and used to splash through puddles and play in the mud with nary a thought of ruining your clothes or losing your dignity? Recapture that feeling at the Dirty Dash Spokane on June 16, 2012, at the Equestrian Area at Riverside State Park. According to the official website, “The [...]

This weekend, gorgeous cars, boats, and motorcycles from near and far will be displayed at the Spokane Auto Boat Speed Show. This is a rare chance to see one-of-a-kind custom dream vehicles, perfectly restored classics, and race cars/boats gathered indoors in Washington. You can even meet the people who build the cars. Look for John [...]

Next month, the Get Lit! Festival will serve up a great menu of local, new, and nationally recognized authors. Events include readings, youth events, poetry slams, expert panel discussions, and workshops to help aspiring writers. The festival runs April 10–15 at various venues around Spokane. This year’s theme is writers who “capture the world.” Spokane’s [...]

Did you know that one of the top ski resorts in the world is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Spokane? Red Mountain Resort is situated in the beautiful triangle of British Columbia known as “B.C.’s powder bowl” near Rossland, recently voted Canada’s #1 outdoor town by Explore magazine. Right now, you can experience Red Mountain’s [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

If you loved Disney’s 1991 film Beauty and the Beast but don’t have tickets yet to the Broadway musical version that comes to Spokane’s INB Performing Arts Center this week, you should order fast. Most performances are almost sold out; your best bet for good tickets is to go either Thursday at 7:30 p.m. or [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

This weekend, salons, spas, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other businesses that aim to make you look and/or feel good (including two chocolate producers!) will gather at the 7th annual Health Beauty Spa Show to introduce you to their services. You can enjoy sample treatments for $5 each: chair massage, facial wax, paraffin hand dip, temporary tattoo, [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

I’m always watching for great deals on things to do in Spokane for our Travel-Spokane.com readers. The Spokane Symphony’s Club Maestro is the best deal I’ve seen all year for live shows. If you are age 21–35, you can sign up for a free Club Maestro membership, which entitles you to purchase up to two [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

It’s getting cold outside, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the country right here in downtown Spokane, and it is open through February 26, so grab your hat and gloves and get out there! The Ice Palace is located under the pavilion in Riverfront [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

Hockey season has arrived here in Spokane, WA! It’s time to come out and make some noise for our great local team. In the home opener this weekend, the Spokane Chiefs will have another chance to best the Tri-Cities Americans after losing to them at last weekend’s season opener. There are still some tickets available [...]

You can get a little taste of Oktoberfest without going very far this weekend in downtown Spokane and next weekend in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The weather looks like it will be gorgeous, so come hang out in beautiful Riverfront Park and charming downtown Coeur d’Alene while sampling quality micro-brews from near and far. I guarantee [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

Looking for an affordable, quick getaway this summer that is close to Spokane? Check out the line-up at the 29th annual Festival at Sandpoint, which runs the evenings of August 4–14: Rickie Lee Jones, Brandi Carlile, Chris Isaak, Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, Rodney Crowell, and David Nail, plus a family concert by the Spokane Youth [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Leonardo da Vinci was unquestionably a genius. Nearly everyone knows his name and the images of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Less people are familiar with his other works of genius, including his many inventions, which were so far ahead of his time that few could be produced [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

If you only see one parade this year, make it the Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 21, the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation. You will see glittering, creative floats, the Lilac Queen and Princesses, cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands performing through the streets, as well as active [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

The Wizard of Oz is estimated to have been seen by more people than any other movie in history. But if you think you know the story of the land of Oz, think again. Years before Dorothy went looking for a great wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good were just [...]

The Gonzaga Bulldogs Women’s Basketball team plays their last two home conference games this week, after already claiming their seventh straight West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season title with a 103-59 victory over the University of San Francisco. The team, which just made No. 23 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll this [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

Don’t be blocked out of the biggest game of the year! Sunday-February 6, 2011                    Only a few suites available Watch the game in our luxury suites on a 50″ HTDV and enjoy afree large Pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. Book Now! 11808 W Center Lane, Airway Heights, WA 99001 509-321-1600 or 888-705-8877 [...]

The Spokane International Film Festival, held in downtown Spokane, WA, offers movies from around the globe, including our little corner of the world. Lady Lily (Adventures in God’s Country) was filmed in North Idaho and directed by Danielle Barbieri, who is from Spokane, as are two of the cast members, J. Rose Greif and John [...]

The holidays are great, but they take a toll on our bodies and minds through stress, less sleep, rich food and drink, and less time to take care of #1. Fortunately, the Health Beauty Spa Show comes to the rescue each January. Held at the Lair building at Spokane Community College, the 6th annual show [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

We wanted to thank you for being a part of making this a wonderful year for Stratford Suites. Thanks to your business, we have been able to grow and hire new people. You have made it possible to provide jobs in these difficult times. If you were a new guest this year, we are blessed [...]

For the first time ever, Eastern Washington University football will play North Dakota State on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs. If the EWU Eagles win, they will be in the semifinals and just one game away from a national championship. The Eagles, ranked #1 in the nation, have already [...]

Love Bing Crosby? You can mingle with other fans, talk to people who knew the man personally, view exhibits, and see classic Bing films on Saturday, December 11 at the Bing Crosby Theater Christmas Festival in downtown Spokane, WA. For the fifth consecutive year, the non-profit group Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater will host [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

In January, Spokane’s Avista Stadium, home of Spokane Indians baseball, will be transformed from a grassy field to an icy rink for an historic hockey event. January 15th, the Spokane Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice in the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic. Rockstar Energy Drink is the title sponsor. This will be the WHL’s (Western [...]

Ladies, mark your calendars for Girls’ Day Out on Saturday, November 13th, when businesses in four great business districts in Spokane will offer up special treats, deals, games, prizes, and more. This is a fun way to start your holiday shopping, check out all the wonderful local businesses in these unique neighborhoods, and enjoy a [...]

The last two home games for the 8th ranked play off bound Eagles! Nov. 13 Southern Utah 1:05PM Nov. 20 Idaho State 1:05PM Pick a Date, Bring a Friend, Have a Ball Stay at Stratford Suites on Friday night, enjoy a large pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. In the evening take [...]

According to Wikipedia , “fine art or the fine arts describes an art form developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application.” Most of us could use a little more of the fine arts in our lives, but events such as a classical concert can seem inaccessible or even dull if you are [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against [...]

Long before the Spokane Valley voted to become its own city in 2003, residents were gathering each year to celebrate their community with Valleyfest. What started as a small festival for children in 1990 quickly grew to include a variety of activities for the entire family, live entertainment, food vendors, and hundreds of booths where [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Autumn is in the air, and Spokane is preparing to say good-bye to summer with one more big bash in Riverfront Park. The 31st annual Pig Out in the Park runs September 1–6. Pigging out is certainly an option, with forty-eight food booths providing affordable plates of a wide diversity of food—you can enjoy Chinese, [...]

Tired of the same old Saturday night “going out” routine? How about a live comedy show? Spokane now has several great choices, including a family friendly venue and a new clean comedy club that you can take a first date or your mother to without being embarrassed. Grab a friend and be ready to laugh [...]

Spokane, WA is known for its excellent local restaurants, and a new choice for lunch and dinner has people all over town talking: Queen of Sheba is Spokane’s first Ethiopian restaurant, located in the historic Flour Mill near downtown and the Courthouse district. A truly unique dining experience awaits those who are interested in trying [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

The weather is finally hot in the Spokane area, so it is time to head to one of the several water amusement parks in the area. Here are the three best options in the region. If you are wondering why Wild Waters is not listed, it is because that park is closed for the summer [...]

After our post about Spokane museums, a couple of readers suggested some lesser-known, but still fun, museums in the area. So if you are interested in history, be sure to check out these treasures. And, if you are travelling to the Spokane area this summer for vacation, Stratford Suites Extended Stay Hotel is your home [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Catch Some Great Live Music Under the Stars Spokane, WA typically has warm to hot summer nights that are perfect for outdoor concerts. If you are visiting the area for business or vacation, be sure to check out some quality live music in Spokane’s two best-known parks: Manito Park and Riverfront Park. Great music is [...]

June 4–6, Browne’s Addition, Spokane, WA Don’t miss the 25th annual Northwest Museum of Art & Culture ArtFest on June 4–6 in beautiful Coeur d’ Alene Park (located just west of downtown Spokane on 2nd Ave.). Much more than your usual arts and crafts fair, this event draws 30,000 people to enjoy quality artistic works [...]

Visit Spokane’s museums to learn about the history of the region, view some excellent art, and have fun with the family. The museums listed below offer entertainment for residents and visitors alike. If you are on vacation with children, Stratford Suites Extended Stay Hotel is a convenient, comfortable choice for lodging. Two-room suites are available [...]

Thirty-eight home games with fun for the whole family! As summer approaches, Spokane baseball fans are getting excited for a fantastic season of cheering for the home team. The season opens on June 18 with a home game against the Tri-City Dust Devils, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The Spokane Indians, the [...]

Spokane’s motto is “Near nature. Near perfect,” and it is a fitting description. With seventy-five parks in the city limits and seventy-six lakes in a 50-mile radius, the Spokane area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The sunny, warm spring and summer months invite hikers, campers, fishers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists, cyclists, and bird-watchers out to play. [...]

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy an occasional glass of wine, the annual Spring Barrel Tasting in Spokane, WA is a fun way to check out the wonderful varieties of wine produced in the area. This friendly annual celebration marks the end of the winemaking season and the beginning of a [...]

Since it’s inception as a modest gaming hall nine years ago, the Northern Quest Casino and Resort has undergone a complete transformation into a major regional destination. People from all over the Inland Northwest gather here for great concerts (Kenny G. and Miranda Lambert recently performed for the resort’s grand opening of its new hotel), [...]

Spring is here, and it’s time for the 2010 arena football season. The Spokane Shock, Spokane’s award-winning arena football team, will open the season on April 2nd as new members of the newly resurrected Arena Football League (AFL), which is back after a one-year hiatus and reorganization of its business plan. The 15-team league will [...]

The 2010 Spokane Women’s Show, featuring live music, speakers, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of booths aimed towards women’s interests, will be held April 16–18 at the Spokane Convention Center. The weekend will conclude with a fundraising walk/run to benefit the search for a cure for breast cancer. Admission to the show is $7 for [...]

If you love the outdoors, head to the Spokane Fair and Expo Center on March 18–21 for the annual Bighorn Outdoor Adventure Show to capture the great OUTDOORS, INDOORS. Hosted by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council, the Big Horn Show is one of the oldest and longest continually operated sports and recreation shows in the [...]

The city of Spokane, WA is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. Teams can soon register for Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, which will be held on June 26th and 27th, 2010, in downtown Spokane. This wildly popular annual summer sports event welcomes players of all abilities and [...]

The Spokane Lilac Festival (May 10–16) is an annual spring tradition in Spokane, WA dating back to 1938. It has grown from a one-day flower show to a week-long festival of family friendly events that bring visitors from all over the Inland Northwest. The big finale event is the largest armed forces torchlight parade in [...]

March Madness will storm into Spokane on Friday, March 19 with the first and second rounds of the NCAA 72nd annual Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship, hosted by Washington State University. Two sessions will be held on Friday and one session on Sunday, March 21, 2010 (six games total) at the Spokane Arena. If you [...]

The 1st and 2nd Rounds of March Madness will be in Spokane on March 19th and 21st, 2010.  Be sure to book your stay at Stratford Suites early to get your room.  In-between Spokane games, keep up with games across the country on a 50″ HDTV in your room while enjoying leather furniture, and kitchens. [...]

The 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run will be held in Spokane, WA on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This huge road race, which is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers, consists of a scenic 12 km (7.46 miles) loop that begins in downtown Spokane and travels northwest along the far west end [...]

The Lilac Bloomsday Run is right around the corner on Sunday, May 2, 2010.  The 12 kilometer (7.46 miles) race had 51,259 registrants last year, 42,477 of those finished and got their exclusive finishers t-shirt.  The 34th annual Bloomsday Run is expected to be even larger and more fun. Book your room at Stratford Suites [...]

On April 7–11, 2010, giant, life-size dinosaurs will once again roam the earth, taking over the Spokane Arena. Based on the award-winning BBC television show, this incredible spectacle features “a whole menagerie of creatures, many of which have never been seen outside the pages of scientific journals,” according to Tim Haines, creator and BBC series [...]

If you are staying at Stratford Suites extended stay hotel or another Spokane area hotel during the week and looking for a local insider sports hangout, check out Tomato Street Italian restaurant on Tuesday nights for a Zags radio show. As the friendly bartender who recently served me there explained, the “GU Coaches Show” is [...]

While Spokane has been in love with the stars of ice skating who have been in town for the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, many hockey fans are longing for the return of the home team to the ice for a much less delicate winter sport. The Spokane Chiefs return to Spokane on January 29th [...]

Stratford Suites is proud to be offering a special package for Valentine’s Day.  Whether your looking for a way to surprise a special someone or if your not even sure when Valentine’s Day is, this package will be sure to do the trick. February 12-14, 2010 Includes: Luxury Suite, Flowers, Chocolate Truffles, Bottle of Wine or [...]

Spokane, WA area hotels are filling up fast as the superstars of the skating world and fans from all over flood the city in advance of the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which will be held January 14–20 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and other downtown Spokane venues. There are still tickets left for [...]

Pamper Yourself at the Health Beauty Spa Show January 16–17, Spokane Community College Lair Recover from the holidays with a relaxing massage and sample all the latest beauty treatments at Spokane’s popular Health Beauty Spa Show, sponsored by Northwest Woman Magazine. This unique, big event is the best (and cheapest!) way to try out all [...]

The biggest, most happening New Year’s Eve party around starts at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Spokane with an opening ceremony at the Riverfront Park Fountain. For one low admission price, you can attend all the arts events you can handle, including tango lessons, great local music, comedy, a masquerade disco ball, Rail Jammers performing skiing [...]

Don’t miss the Ninth Annual First Night Spokane 2010 as Spokanites welcome the New Year and a new decade! The party starts at 7PM on December 31st, when the whole city will celebrate with a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. First Night brings businesses, artists, entertainers, and families out late in Spokane to celebrate another year’s beginning. [...]

Championship Skating Luxury Suite Town Car Shuttle Experience the nation’s elite figure skating stars and enjoy Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel. Package includes one night stay in a luxury 1 or 2 bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV, and a round-trip Lincoln Town Car shuttle. (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com www.stratfordsuites.com

You don’t have to travel far from Spokane to experience a great day on the slopes! Whether you are just learning or are an advanced skier/snowboarder, the Spokane area has the perfect winter adventure for you. Spokane visitors are delighted by the excellent conditions and short lines that residents enjoy all winter long. Make Stratford [...]

Guests park free while on an extended vacation. Package includes shuttle service to and from the Spokane Airport.  Packages start at $139 for one night and $210 for two nights. Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

Next month, figure skating fans will travel to Spokane from far and wide to catch the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event. There are still a few tickets left to experience the competitions live at the Spokane Arena, but they are going fast. The championships will also be nationally televised live on NBC and webcast [...]

If you love skiing or snowboarding and live or travel around Spokane, look to the north for a nearby Canadian adventure that will rival any other in North America. Take a scenic 2.5 hour drive from Spokane to experience some of the best champagne powder in the world at Red Mountain Resort. Red Mountain Resort [...]

Things to Do: Fun Holiday Traditions in Spokane Sparkling holiday lights, joyful singing carolers, ice skating in the park, and opulent Christmas trees are just a few of the sights to be seen in the heart of Spokane this season. The city offers an abundance of holiday traditions for you to experience, from celebrations of [...]

Experience Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel while enjoying a day of great shopping. Package includes one night stay in a deluxe two bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV and a $50 River Park Square gift certificate. Packages start at $149 Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

If you’re in downtown Spokane one morning looking for a gourmet breakfast, Madeleine’s is the place to go. Look for the bright blue awnings on Main Avenue across from River Park Square Mall and experience a taste of France. Madeleine’s mainly offers breakfast and lunch, but it serves dinners Thursday through Saturday. The café itself [...]

Look around Spokane, and you will see signs of “Zags” love everywhere, with local businesses displaying team memorabilia and residents sporting fan wear. The Gonzaga University men’s basketball team (the official nickname is the Bulldogs but they are also known as the Zags) rose from obscurity to national fame over ten years ago. They have [...]

Spokane’s vibrant theatre scene offers something for everyone’s tastes, from new family comedies to classic Shakespeare tragedies. Check out award-winning professional and community theatre as well as excellent productions by our area colleges. Spokane Civic Theatre has received dozens of awards at the local and national level, including “Most Professional Theatre” and “Best in Nation” [...]

Don’t miss the spectacular musical The Lion King when it comes to Spokane as part of the North American tour! A Disney on Broadway production, The Lion King has been enjoyed by 45 million people worldwide. Set in the heart of the African plains, this breathtaking adventure will delight your senses and capture your imagination. [...]

As we provide you with information regarding all things great in Spokane, we cannot do so without shining a light on our wonderful establishment that is sponsoring this very blog… Stratford Suites.  By listening and responding to their guests, two business partners, who have been working together for over 20 years, identified a unique need for fully [...]

Come and see the finer side of Spokane including the wineries that the area boasts!                   The Caterina Winery, near Riverfront Park, is a family legacy that has spanned many generations. The boutique winery features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and their wine selection is [...]

            What a perfect time of year to think about remodeling your home. Attend the Home Idea Show for ideas and connections, October 9 –11, Spokane Fair & Expo Center. The Home Idea Show has everything you need as far as renovations, remodels and redecorating go!  This comprehensive event includes hundreds of exhibits [...]

              If you plan to visit during winter, remember to bring your skis and ice skates. Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is just over an hour drive from Stratford Suites and features a terrain park and tubing hill, so the whole family can have fun playing in the [...]

                        photo: Steam Plant Grill Whether you are requesting a table for 2 or for 12, Spokane has so many delicious restaurants to try. In the downtown area alone, you can enjoy the delicious food and drinks available at formal restaurants, funky bistros, laid-back [...]

Hoping to get a few more rounds in before the weather turns? The City of Spokane is a great destination for a golfer. You can drive, chip and putt to your heart’s content at one of four courses without even leaving the city. The Fairways at West Terrace, just outside of Downtown Spokane, opened in [...]

                            photo: Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Art, in all of its forms, gives people a way to expand their circle of connection beyond those they personally know and to experience things from another’s point of view. We hope that you [...]

                            photo: Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Art, in all of its forms, gives people a way to expand their circle of connection beyond those they personally know and to experience things from another’s point of view. We hope that you [...]

Visit Spokane’s museums to learn about the history of the region, view some excellent art, and have fun with the family. The museums listed below offer entertainment for residents and visitors alike. If you are on vacation with children, Stratford Suites Extended Stay Hotel is a convenient, comfortable choice for lodging. Two-room suites are available [...]

June 4–6, Browne’s Addition, Spokane, WA Don’t miss the 25th annual Northwest Museum of Art & Culture ArtFest on June 4–6 in beautiful Coeur d’ Alene Park (located just west of downtown Spokane on 2nd Ave.). Much more than your usual arts and crafts fair, this event draws 30,000 people to enjoy quality artistic works [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against [...]

According to Wikipedia , “fine art or the fine arts describes an art form developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application.” Most of us could use a little more of the fine arts in our lives, but events such as a classical concert can seem inaccessible or even dull if you are [...]

Ladies, mark your calendars for Girls’ Day Out on Saturday, November 13th, when businesses in four great business districts in Spokane will offer up special treats, deals, games, prizes, and more. This is a fun way to start your holiday shopping, check out all the wonderful local businesses in these unique neighborhoods, and enjoy a [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

The Spokane International Film Festival, held in downtown Spokane, WA, offers movies from around the globe, including our little corner of the world. Lady Lily (Adventures in God’s Country) was filmed in North Idaho and directed by Danielle Barbieri, who is from Spokane, as are two of the cast members, J. Rose Greif and John [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

Leonardo da Vinci was unquestionably a genius. Nearly everyone knows his name and the images of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Less people are familiar with his other works of genius, including his many inventions, which were so far ahead of his time that few could be produced [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

The next two weekends are perfect for spending in Spokane, with a lot of live music, art, and fun for the low admission price of $0.00. The 27th annual ArtFest runs June 1–3, and the annual indie music celebration Elkfest will be held June 8–10. Both of these popular events are outdoors in Browne’s Addition, [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

The first Friday of every month, downtown Spokane galleries and a handful of galleries in other Spokane neighborhoods stay open late to host receptions for a wide variety of art exhibits. But twice a year, this fun monthly art walk is something bigger—the Spokane Visual Arts Tour, one of the biggest nights of the year [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

You can get a little taste of Oktoberfest without going very far this weekend in downtown Spokane and next weekend in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The weather looks like it will be gorgeous, so come hang out in beautiful Riverfront Park and charming downtown Coeur d’Alene while sampling quality micro-brews from near and far. I guarantee [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

The tradition of Oktoberfest began October 12, 1810, when the citizens of Munich were all invited to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen by drinking beer and watching horse races. Two hundred years later, millions of people attend Munich’s Oktoberfest, and cities all over the world host their own celebrations. [...]

Each October, happy, bright Silverwood Theme Park, near Coeur d’Alene, ID, is transformed into a dark, haunted “Scarywood.” Roller coasters run backwards (apparently, this is scarier than forwards), and ghosts, ghouls, and other nasty creatures prowl the grounds. Haunted attractions include the Blood Bayou haunted house, Terror Canyon Trail, Zombie Wood Express (the benign train [...]

Experience Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel while enjoying a day of great shopping. Package includes one night stay in a deluxe two bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV and a $50 River Park Square gift certificate. Packages start at $149 Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

Next month, figure skating fans will travel to Spokane from far and wide to catch the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event. There are still a few tickets left to experience the competitions live at the Spokane Arena, but they are going fast. The championships will also be nationally televised live on NBC and webcast [...]

Guests park free while on an extended vacation. Package includes shuttle service to and from the Spokane Airport.  Packages start at $139 for one night and $210 for two nights. Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

Championship Skating Luxury Suite Town Car Shuttle Experience the nation’s elite figure skating stars and enjoy Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel. Package includes one night stay in a luxury 1 or 2 bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV, and a round-trip Lincoln Town Car shuttle. (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com www.stratfordsuites.com

Stratford Suites is proud to be offering a special package for Valentine’s Day.  Whether your looking for a way to surprise a special someone or if your not even sure when Valentine’s Day is, this package will be sure to do the trick. February 12-14, 2010 Includes: Luxury Suite, Flowers, Chocolate Truffles, Bottle of Wine or [...]

The 1st and 2nd Rounds of March Madness will be in Spokane on March 19th and 21st, 2010.  Be sure to book your stay at Stratford Suites early to get your room.  In-between Spokane games, keep up with games across the country on a 50″ HDTV in your room while enjoying leather furniture, and kitchens. [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

The last two home games for the 8th ranked play off bound Eagles! Nov. 13 Southern Utah 1:05PM Nov. 20 Idaho State 1:05PM Pick a Date, Bring a Friend, Have a Ball Stay at Stratford Suites on Friday night, enjoy a large pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. In the evening take [...]

Ladies, mark your calendars for Girls’ Day Out on Saturday, November 13th, when businesses in four great business districts in Spokane will offer up special treats, deals, games, prizes, and more. This is a fun way to start your holiday shopping, check out all the wonderful local businesses in these unique neighborhoods, and enjoy a [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

The holidays are great, but they take a toll on our bodies and minds through stress, less sleep, rich food and drink, and less time to take care of #1. Fortunately, the Health Beauty Spa Show comes to the rescue each January. Held at the Lair building at Spokane Community College, the 6th annual show [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

It’s getting cold outside, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the country right here in downtown Spokane, and it is open through February 26, so grab your hat and gloves and get out there! The Ice Palace is located under the pavilion in Riverfront [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

I’m always watching for great deals on things to do in Spokane for our Travel-Spokane.com readers. The Spokane Symphony’s Club Maestro is the best deal I’ve seen all year for live shows. If you are age 21–35, you can sign up for a free Club Maestro membership, which entitles you to purchase up to two [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

This weekend, salons, spas, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other businesses that aim to make you look and/or feel good (including two chocolate producers!) will gather at the 7th annual Health Beauty Spa Show to introduce you to their services. You can enjoy sample treatments for $5 each: chair massage, facial wax, paraffin hand dip, temporary tattoo, [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

Did you know that one of the top ski resorts in the world is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Spokane? Red Mountain Resort is situated in the beautiful triangle of British Columbia known as “B.C.’s powder bowl” near Rossland, recently voted Canada’s #1 outdoor town by Explore magazine. Right now, you can experience Red Mountain’s [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

The next two weekends are perfect for spending in Spokane, with a lot of live music, art, and fun for the low admission price of $0.00. The 27th annual ArtFest runs June 1–3, and the annual indie music celebration Elkfest will be held June 8–10. Both of these popular events are outdoors in Browne’s Addition, [...]

Like fast cars? Don’t miss the upcoming Northwest Thunderfest NHRA Top Fuel Heritage Series on June 21–24. This is a great show for the whole family: children 6–12 are only $5, children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Adult prices are $10 on Thursday, $18 on Friday and Sunday, and $23 on [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

I’ll just get the bad news out of the way. The latest snow forecast from AccuWeather.com predicts below normal snowfall for the Northwest. So it probably will not be an epic powder season. The good news is that there are six ski resorts to choose from within three hours of Spokane, and if you don’t [...]

Forgo the standard this year and surprise everyone on your list with gifts that are fun, memorable, and very Spokane! Most of these gifts emphasize experience over stuff. So they are perfect for kids, people who abhor clutter, or those who have “everything.”  Read on for inspiring ideas to help you finish up your shopping [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Just in time for post-holiday recuperation, the 8th annual Health Beauty Spa Show will offer dozens of fun mini spa treatments this weekend at Spokane Community College.  Admission is just $7 ($5 with a non-perishable food or hygiene donation to the YWCA), and tickets for treatments are $5 each. Your pampering options include chair massages, [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

                        photo: Steam Plant Grill Whether you are requesting a table for 2 or for 12, Spokane has so many delicious restaurants to try. In the downtown area alone, you can enjoy the delicious food and drinks available at formal restaurants, funky bistros, laid-back [...]

Come and see the finer side of Spokane including the wineries that the area boasts!                   The Caterina Winery, near Riverfront Park, is a family legacy that has spanned many generations. The boutique winery features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and their wine selection is [...]

If you’re in downtown Spokane one morning looking for a gourmet breakfast, Madeleine’s is the place to go. Look for the bright blue awnings on Main Avenue across from River Park Square Mall and experience a taste of France. Madeleine’s mainly offers breakfast and lunch, but it serves dinners Thursday through Saturday. The café itself [...]

Since it’s inception as a modest gaming hall nine years ago, the Northern Quest Casino and Resort has undergone a complete transformation into a major regional destination. People from all over the Inland Northwest gather here for great concerts (Kenny G. and Miranda Lambert recently performed for the resort’s grand opening of its new hotel), [...]

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy an occasional glass of wine, the annual Spring Barrel Tasting in Spokane, WA is a fun way to check out the wonderful varieties of wine produced in the area. This friendly annual celebration marks the end of the winemaking season and the beginning of a [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

Spokane, WA is known for its excellent local restaurants, and a new choice for lunch and dinner has people all over town talking: Queen of Sheba is Spokane’s first Ethiopian restaurant, located in the historic Flour Mill near downtown and the Courthouse district. A truly unique dining experience awaits those who are interested in trying [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against [...]

Ladies, mark your calendars for Girls’ Day Out on Saturday, November 13th, when businesses in four great business districts in Spokane will offer up special treats, deals, games, prizes, and more. This is a fun way to start your holiday shopping, check out all the wonderful local businesses in these unique neighborhoods, and enjoy a [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

Growing interest in adopting a healthier lifestyle has driven a marked increase in the number of Spokane restaurants that offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and fresh, healthy menu items. For cooking at home, or if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen and want to try making local cuisine with fresh ingredients, locally written blogs [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

Don’t miss the spectacular musical The Lion King when it comes to Spokane as part of the North American tour! A Disney on Broadway production, The Lion King has been enjoyed by 45 million people worldwide. Set in the heart of the African plains, this breathtaking adventure will delight your senses and capture your imagination. [...]

Things to Do: Fun Holiday Traditions in Spokane Sparkling holiday lights, joyful singing carolers, ice skating in the park, and opulent Christmas trees are just a few of the sights to be seen in the heart of Spokane this season. The city offers an abundance of holiday traditions for you to experience, from celebrations of [...]

Don’t miss the Ninth Annual First Night Spokane 2010 as Spokanites welcome the New Year and a new decade! The party starts at 7PM on December 31st, when the whole city will celebrate with a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. First Night brings businesses, artists, entertainers, and families out late in Spokane to celebrate another year’s beginning. [...]

Pamper Yourself at the Health Beauty Spa Show January 16–17, Spokane Community College Lair Recover from the holidays with a relaxing massage and sample all the latest beauty treatments at Spokane’s popular Health Beauty Spa Show, sponsored by Northwest Woman Magazine. This unique, big event is the best (and cheapest!) way to try out all [...]

Spokane, WA area hotels are filling up fast as the superstars of the skating world and fans from all over flood the city in advance of the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which will be held January 14–20 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and other downtown Spokane venues. There are still tickets left for [...]

On April 7–11, 2010, giant, life-size dinosaurs will once again roam the earth, taking over the Spokane Arena. Based on the award-winning BBC television show, this incredible spectacle features “a whole menagerie of creatures, many of which have never been seen outside the pages of scientific journals,” according to Tim Haines, creator and BBC series [...]

The Lilac Bloomsday Run is right around the corner on Sunday, May 2, 2010.  The 12 kilometer (7.46 miles) race had 51,259 registrants last year, 42,477 of those finished and got their exclusive finishers t-shirt.  The 34th annual Bloomsday Run is expected to be even larger and more fun. Book your room at Stratford Suites [...]

The 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run will be held in Spokane, WA on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This huge road race, which is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers, consists of a scenic 12 km (7.46 miles) loop that begins in downtown Spokane and travels northwest along the far west end [...]

March Madness will storm into Spokane on Friday, March 19 with the first and second rounds of the NCAA 72nd annual Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship, hosted by Washington State University. Two sessions will be held on Friday and one session on Sunday, March 21, 2010 (six games total) at the Spokane Arena. If you [...]

The Spokane Lilac Festival (May 10–16) is an annual spring tradition in Spokane, WA dating back to 1938. It has grown from a one-day flower show to a week-long festival of family friendly events that bring visitors from all over the Inland Northwest. The big finale event is the largest armed forces torchlight parade in [...]

The city of Spokane, WA is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. Teams can soon register for Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, which will be held on June 26th and 27th, 2010, in downtown Spokane. This wildly popular annual summer sports event welcomes players of all abilities and [...]

If you love the outdoors, head to the Spokane Fair and Expo Center on March 18–21 for the annual Bighorn Outdoor Adventure Show to capture the great OUTDOORS, INDOORS. Hosted by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council, the Big Horn Show is one of the oldest and longest continually operated sports and recreation shows in the [...]

The 2010 Spokane Women’s Show, featuring live music, speakers, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of booths aimed towards women’s interests, will be held April 16–18 at the Spokane Convention Center. The weekend will conclude with a fundraising walk/run to benefit the search for a cure for breast cancer. Admission to the show is $7 for [...]

Since it’s inception as a modest gaming hall nine years ago, the Northern Quest Casino and Resort has undergone a complete transformation into a major regional destination. People from all over the Inland Northwest gather here for great concerts (Kenny G. and Miranda Lambert recently performed for the resort’s grand opening of its new hotel), [...]

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy an occasional glass of wine, the annual Spring Barrel Tasting in Spokane, WA is a fun way to check out the wonderful varieties of wine produced in the area. This friendly annual celebration marks the end of the winemaking season and the beginning of a [...]

Thirty-eight home games with fun for the whole family! As summer approaches, Spokane baseball fans are getting excited for a fantastic season of cheering for the home team. The season opens on June 18 with a home game against the Tri-City Dust Devils, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The Spokane Indians, the [...]

June 4–6, Browne’s Addition, Spokane, WA Don’t miss the 25th annual Northwest Museum of Art & Culture ArtFest on June 4–6 in beautiful Coeur d’ Alene Park (located just west of downtown Spokane on 2nd Ave.). Much more than your usual arts and crafts fair, this event draws 30,000 people to enjoy quality artistic works [...]

Catch Some Great Live Music Under the Stars Spokane, WA typically has warm to hot summer nights that are perfect for outdoor concerts. If you are visiting the area for business or vacation, be sure to check out some quality live music in Spokane’s two best-known parks: Manito Park and Riverfront Park. Great music is [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

According to Wikipedia , “fine art or the fine arts describes an art form developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application.” Most of us could use a little more of the fine arts in our lives, but events such as a classical concert can seem inaccessible or even dull if you are [...]

The last two home games for the 8th ranked play off bound Eagles! Nov. 13 Southern Utah 1:05PM Nov. 20 Idaho State 1:05PM Pick a Date, Bring a Friend, Have a Ball Stay at Stratford Suites on Friday night, enjoy a large pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. In the evening take [...]

Ladies, mark your calendars for Girls’ Day Out on Saturday, November 13th, when businesses in four great business districts in Spokane will offer up special treats, deals, games, prizes, and more. This is a fun way to start your holiday shopping, check out all the wonderful local businesses in these unique neighborhoods, and enjoy a [...]

In January, Spokane’s Avista Stadium, home of Spokane Indians baseball, will be transformed from a grassy field to an icy rink for an historic hockey event. January 15th, the Spokane Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice in the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic. Rockstar Energy Drink is the title sponsor. This will be the WHL’s (Western [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

Love Bing Crosby? You can mingle with other fans, talk to people who knew the man personally, view exhibits, and see classic Bing films on Saturday, December 11 at the Bing Crosby Theater Christmas Festival in downtown Spokane, WA. For the fifth consecutive year, the non-profit group Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater will host [...]

For the first time ever, Eastern Washington University football will play North Dakota State on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs. If the EWU Eagles win, they will be in the semifinals and just one game away from a national championship. The Eagles, ranked #1 in the nation, have already [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

The holidays are great, but they take a toll on our bodies and minds through stress, less sleep, rich food and drink, and less time to take care of #1. Fortunately, the Health Beauty Spa Show comes to the rescue each January. Held at the Lair building at Spokane Community College, the 6th annual show [...]

The Spokane International Film Festival, held in downtown Spokane, WA, offers movies from around the globe, including our little corner of the world. Lady Lily (Adventures in God’s Country) was filmed in North Idaho and directed by Danielle Barbieri, who is from Spokane, as are two of the cast members, J. Rose Greif and John [...]

Don’t be blocked out of the biggest game of the year! Sunday-February 6, 2011                    Only a few suites available Watch the game in our luxury suites on a 50″ HTDV and enjoy afree large Pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. Book Now! 11808 W Center Lane, Airway Heights, WA 99001 509-321-1600 or 888-705-8877 [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

The Gonzaga Bulldogs Women’s Basketball team plays their last two home conference games this week, after already claiming their seventh straight West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season title with a 103-59 victory over the University of San Francisco. The team, which just made No. 23 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll this [...]

The Wizard of Oz is estimated to have been seen by more people than any other movie in history. But if you think you know the story of the land of Oz, think again. Years before Dorothy went looking for a great wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good were just [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

If you only see one parade this year, make it the Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 21, the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation. You will see glittering, creative floats, the Lilac Queen and Princesses, cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands performing through the streets, as well as active [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Leonardo da Vinci was unquestionably a genius. Nearly everyone knows his name and the images of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Less people are familiar with his other works of genius, including his many inventions, which were so far ahead of his time that few could be produced [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

Looking for an affordable, quick getaway this summer that is close to Spokane? Check out the line-up at the 29th annual Festival at Sandpoint, which runs the evenings of August 4–14: Rickie Lee Jones, Brandi Carlile, Chris Isaak, Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, Rodney Crowell, and David Nail, plus a family concert by the Spokane Youth [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

You can get a little taste of Oktoberfest without going very far this weekend in downtown Spokane and next weekend in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The weather looks like it will be gorgeous, so come hang out in beautiful Riverfront Park and charming downtown Coeur d’Alene while sampling quality micro-brews from near and far. I guarantee [...]

Hockey season has arrived here in Spokane, WA! It’s time to come out and make some noise for our great local team. In the home opener this weekend, the Spokane Chiefs will have another chance to best the Tri-Cities Americans after losing to them at last weekend’s season opener. There are still some tickets available [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

This weekend, salons, spas, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other businesses that aim to make you look and/or feel good (including two chocolate producers!) will gather at the 7th annual Health Beauty Spa Show to introduce you to their services. You can enjoy sample treatments for $5 each: chair massage, facial wax, paraffin hand dip, temporary tattoo, [...]

Next month, the Get Lit! Festival will serve up a great menu of local, new, and nationally recognized authors. Events include readings, youth events, poetry slams, expert panel discussions, and workshops to help aspiring writers. The festival runs April 10–15 at various venues around Spokane. This year’s theme is writers who “capture the world.” Spokane’s [...]

This weekend, gorgeous cars, boats, and motorcycles from near and far will be displayed at the Spokane Auto Boat Speed Show. This is a rare chance to see one-of-a-kind custom dream vehicles, perfectly restored classics, and race cars/boats gathered indoors in Washington. You can even meet the people who build the cars. Look for John [...]

Remember when you were a kid and used to splash through puddles and play in the mud with nary a thought of ruining your clothes or losing your dignity? Recapture that feeling at the Dirty Dash Spokane on June 16, 2012, at the Equestrian Area at Riverside State Park. According to the official website, “The [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

The next two weekends are perfect for spending in Spokane, with a lot of live music, art, and fun for the low admission price of $0.00. The 27th annual ArtFest runs June 1–3, and the annual indie music celebration Elkfest will be held June 8–10. Both of these popular events are outdoors in Browne’s Addition, [...]

Like fast cars? Don’t miss the upcoming Northwest Thunderfest NHRA Top Fuel Heritage Series on June 21–24. This is a great show for the whole family: children 6–12 are only $5, children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Adult prices are $10 on Thursday, $18 on Friday and Sunday, and $23 on [...]

The weather is getting warm and sunny in Spokane (finally!), and it’s time for outdoor concert season. Last year, Northern Quest Casino and Resort in Airway Heights opened its wonderful new addition to the region’s summer concert venues, an outdoor pavilion with 11,000 square feet of space that holds over 5,000 people. Small enough to [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

The tradition of Oktoberfest began October 12, 1810, when the citizens of Munich were all invited to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen by drinking beer and watching horse races. Two hundred years later, millions of people attend Munich’s Oktoberfest, and cities all over the world host their own celebrations. [...]

Each October, happy, bright Silverwood Theme Park, near Coeur d’Alene, ID, is transformed into a dark, haunted “Scarywood.” Roller coasters run backwards (apparently, this is scarier than forwards), and ghosts, ghouls, and other nasty creatures prowl the grounds. Haunted attractions include the Blood Bayou haunted house, Terror Canyon Trail, Zombie Wood Express (the benign train [...]

Before the flurry of the holiday season really gets underway, treat yourself to a day of tasting fine Spokane wines at the annual Holiday Wine Festival. Every Spokane Winery Association winery (there are 19!) will open their doors the weekend before Thanksgiving. Many of the wineries are located within walking distance of each other in [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Just in time for post-holiday recuperation, the 8th annual Health Beauty Spa Show will offer dozens of fun mini spa treatments this weekend at Spokane Community College.  Admission is just $7 ($5 with a non-perishable food or hygiene donation to the YWCA), and tickets for treatments are $5 each. Your pampering options include chair massages, [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

The first Friday of every month, downtown Spokane galleries and a handful of galleries in other Spokane neighborhoods stay open late to host receptions for a wide variety of art exhibits. But twice a year, this fun monthly art walk is something bigger—the Spokane Visual Arts Tour, one of the biggest nights of the year [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

Are you ready for the 37th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic [...]

The annual Spokane Lilac Festival will celebrate its diamond anniversary next month with a number of fun events. This community celebration of the city and our armed forces is family friendly and includes activities for all ages, including a car show, golf tournament, parades, and more. On Saturday, May 11, you can come support Spokane [...]

Visit Spokane’s museums to learn about the history of the region, view some excellent art, and have fun with the family. The museums listed below offer entertainment for residents and visitors alike. If you are on vacation with children, Stratford Suites Extended Stay Hotel is a convenient, comfortable choice for lodging. Two-room suites are available [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

According to Wikipedia , “fine art or the fine arts describes an art form developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application.” Most of us could use a little more of the fine arts in our lives, but events such as a classical concert can seem inaccessible or even dull if you are [...]

The last two home games for the 8th ranked play off bound Eagles! Nov. 13 Southern Utah 1:05PM Nov. 20 Idaho State 1:05PM Pick a Date, Bring a Friend, Have a Ball Stay at Stratford Suites on Friday night, enjoy a large pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. In the evening take [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

Love Bing Crosby? You can mingle with other fans, talk to people who knew the man personally, view exhibits, and see classic Bing films on Saturday, December 11 at the Bing Crosby Theater Christmas Festival in downtown Spokane, WA. For the fifth consecutive year, the non-profit group Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater will host [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

The Spokane International Film Festival, held in downtown Spokane, WA, offers movies from around the globe, including our little corner of the world. Lady Lily (Adventures in God’s Country) was filmed in North Idaho and directed by Danielle Barbieri, who is from Spokane, as are two of the cast members, J. Rose Greif and John [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

The Gonzaga Bulldogs Women’s Basketball team plays their last two home conference games this week, after already claiming their seventh straight West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season title with a 103-59 victory over the University of San Francisco. The team, which just made No. 23 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll this [...]

The Wizard of Oz is estimated to have been seen by more people than any other movie in history. But if you think you know the story of the land of Oz, think again. Years before Dorothy went looking for a great wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good were just [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

If you only see one parade this year, make it the Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 21, the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation. You will see glittering, creative floats, the Lilac Queen and Princesses, cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands performing through the streets, as well as active [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Looking for an affordable, quick getaway this summer that is close to Spokane? Check out the line-up at the 29th annual Festival at Sandpoint, which runs the evenings of August 4–14: Rickie Lee Jones, Brandi Carlile, Chris Isaak, Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, Rodney Crowell, and David Nail, plus a family concert by the Spokane Youth [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

Hockey season has arrived here in Spokane, WA! It’s time to come out and make some noise for our great local team. In the home opener this weekend, the Spokane Chiefs will have another chance to best the Tri-Cities Americans after losing to them at last weekend’s season opener. There are still some tickets available [...]

It’s getting cold outside, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the country right here in downtown Spokane, and it is open through February 26, so grab your hat and gloves and get out there! The Ice Palace is located under the pavilion in Riverfront [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

If you loved Disney’s 1991 film Beauty and the Beast but don’t have tickets yet to the Broadway musical version that comes to Spokane’s INB Performing Arts Center this week, you should order fast. Most performances are almost sold out; your best bet for good tickets is to go either Thursday at 7:30 p.m. or [...]

Did you know that one of the top ski resorts in the world is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Spokane? Red Mountain Resort is situated in the beautiful triangle of British Columbia known as “B.C.’s powder bowl” near Rossland, recently voted Canada’s #1 outdoor town by Explore magazine. Right now, you can experience Red Mountain’s [...]

Next month, the Get Lit! Festival will serve up a great menu of local, new, and nationally recognized authors. Events include readings, youth events, poetry slams, expert panel discussions, and workshops to help aspiring writers. The festival runs April 10–15 at various venues around Spokane. This year’s theme is writers who “capture the world.” Spokane’s [...]

This weekend, gorgeous cars, boats, and motorcycles from near and far will be displayed at the Spokane Auto Boat Speed Show. This is a rare chance to see one-of-a-kind custom dream vehicles, perfectly restored classics, and race cars/boats gathered indoors in Washington. You can even meet the people who build the cars. Look for John [...]

Remember when you were a kid and used to splash through puddles and play in the mud with nary a thought of ruining your clothes or losing your dignity? Recapture that feeling at the Dirty Dash Spokane on June 16, 2012, at the Equestrian Area at Riverside State Park. According to the official website, “The [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

The next two weekends are perfect for spending in Spokane, with a lot of live music, art, and fun for the low admission price of $0.00. The 27th annual ArtFest runs June 1–3, and the annual indie music celebration Elkfest will be held June 8–10. Both of these popular events are outdoors in Browne’s Addition, [...]

Like fast cars? Don’t miss the upcoming Northwest Thunderfest NHRA Top Fuel Heritage Series on June 21–24. This is a great show for the whole family: children 6–12 are only $5, children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Adult prices are $10 on Thursday, $18 on Friday and Sunday, and $23 on [...]

Fresh fruit, directly from the growers, is far superior in taste and quality to anything you will find in your local supermarket. At Green Bluff, about 15 minutes north of Spokane in the foothills of Mt. Spokane, you can even pick your own fruit if you want to. Two loops of farms (East and West [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

The tradition of Oktoberfest began October 12, 1810, when the citizens of Munich were all invited to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen by drinking beer and watching horse races. Two hundred years later, millions of people attend Munich’s Oktoberfest, and cities all over the world host their own celebrations. [...]

Each October, happy, bright Silverwood Theme Park, near Coeur d’Alene, ID, is transformed into a dark, haunted “Scarywood.” Roller coasters run backwards (apparently, this is scarier than forwards), and ghosts, ghouls, and other nasty creatures prowl the grounds. Haunted attractions include the Blood Bayou haunted house, Terror Canyon Trail, Zombie Wood Express (the benign train [...]

Spokane has a great theatre scene, with a professional company, a national award winning community theatre, and several college theatres. The play season is just getting into full swing, so be sure to check out the many options for comedy, drama, holiday plays, and musicals. Here are a few highlights of the 2012–2013 season. Funny [...]

I’ll just get the bad news out of the way. The latest snow forecast from AccuWeather.com predicts below normal snowfall for the Northwest. So it probably will not be an epic powder season. The good news is that there are six ski resorts to choose from within three hours of Spokane, and if you don’t [...]

Forgo the standard this year and surprise everyone on your list with gifts that are fun, memorable, and very Spokane! Most of these gifts emphasize experience over stuff. So they are perfect for kids, people who abhor clutter, or those who have “everything.”  Read on for inspiring ideas to help you finish up your shopping [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

The first Friday of every month, downtown Spokane galleries and a handful of galleries in other Spokane neighborhoods stay open late to host receptions for a wide variety of art exhibits. But twice a year, this fun monthly art walk is something bigger—the Spokane Visual Arts Tour, one of the biggest nights of the year [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

Are you ready for the 37th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic [...]

The annual Spokane Lilac Festival will celebrate its diamond anniversary next month with a number of fun events. This community celebration of the city and our armed forces is family friendly and includes activities for all ages, including a car show, golf tournament, parades, and more. On Saturday, May 11, you can come support Spokane [...]

Stratford Suites is proud to be offering a special package for Valentine’s Day.  Whether your looking for a way to surprise a special someone or if your not even sure when Valentine’s Day is, this package will be sure to do the trick. February 12-14, 2010 Includes: Luxury Suite, Flowers, Chocolate Truffles, Bottle of Wine or [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

Love Bing Crosby? You can mingle with other fans, talk to people who knew the man personally, view exhibits, and see classic Bing films on Saturday, December 11 at the Bing Crosby Theater Christmas Festival in downtown Spokane, WA. For the fifth consecutive year, the non-profit group Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater will host [...]

We wanted to thank you for being a part of making this a wonderful year for Stratford Suites. Thanks to your business, we have been able to grow and hire new people. You have made it possible to provide jobs in these difficult times. If you were a new guest this year, we are blessed [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

Each October, happy, bright Silverwood Theme Park, near Coeur d’Alene, ID, is transformed into a dark, haunted “Scarywood.” Roller coasters run backwards (apparently, this is scarier than forwards), and ghosts, ghouls, and other nasty creatures prowl the grounds. Haunted attractions include the Blood Bayou haunted house, Terror Canyon Trail, Zombie Wood Express (the benign train [...]

Spokane has a great theatre scene, with a professional company, a national award winning community theatre, and several college theatres. The play season is just getting into full swing, so be sure to check out the many options for comedy, drama, holiday plays, and musicals. Here are a few highlights of the 2012–2013 season. Funny [...]

Before the flurry of the holiday season really gets underway, treat yourself to a day of tasting fine Spokane wines at the annual Holiday Wine Festival. Every Spokane Winery Association winery (there are 19!) will open their doors the weekend before Thanksgiving. Many of the wineries are located within walking distance of each other in [...]

Forgo the standard this year and surprise everyone on your list with gifts that are fun, memorable, and very Spokane! Most of these gifts emphasize experience over stuff. So they are perfect for kids, people who abhor clutter, or those who have “everything.”  Read on for inspiring ideas to help you finish up your shopping [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

There are myriad ways to celebrate with your sweetheart beyond dinner and a box of chocolates. Here is your inspiration guide—five fabulous ideas for a fun, memorable date. Couples’ Massage Enjoy a relaxing, side-by-side massage treatment that will leave you both feeling good. Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s La Rive Spa in Airway Heights has [...]

            What a perfect time of year to think about remodeling your home. Attend the Home Idea Show for ideas and connections, October 9 –11, Spokane Fair & Expo Center. The Home Idea Show has everything you need as far as renovations, remodels and redecorating go!  This comprehensive event includes hundreds of exhibits [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

Fresh fruit, directly from the growers, is far superior in taste and quality to anything you will find in your local supermarket. At Green Bluff, about 15 minutes north of Spokane in the foothills of Mt. Spokane, you can even pick your own fruit if you want to. Two loops of farms (East and West [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

According to Wikipedia , “fine art or the fine arts describes an art form developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application.” Most of us could use a little more of the fine arts in our lives, but events such as a classical concert can seem inaccessible or even dull if you are [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

If you only see one parade this year, make it the Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 21, the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation. You will see glittering, creative floats, the Lilac Queen and Princesses, cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands performing through the streets, as well as active [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

Looking for an affordable, quick getaway this summer that is close to Spokane? Check out the line-up at the 29th annual Festival at Sandpoint, which runs the evenings of August 4–14: Rickie Lee Jones, Brandi Carlile, Chris Isaak, Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, Rodney Crowell, and David Nail, plus a family concert by the Spokane Youth [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

You can get a little taste of Oktoberfest without going very far this weekend in downtown Spokane and next weekend in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The weather looks like it will be gorgeous, so come hang out in beautiful Riverfront Park and charming downtown Coeur d’Alene while sampling quality micro-brews from near and far. I guarantee [...]

I’m always watching for great deals on things to do in Spokane for our Travel-Spokane.com readers. The Spokane Symphony’s Club Maestro is the best deal I’ve seen all year for live shows. If you are age 21–35, you can sign up for a free Club Maestro membership, which entitles you to purchase up to two [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

Next month, the Get Lit! Festival will serve up a great menu of local, new, and nationally recognized authors. Events include readings, youth events, poetry slams, expert panel discussions, and workshops to help aspiring writers. The festival runs April 10–15 at various venues around Spokane. This year’s theme is writers who “capture the world.” Spokane’s [...]

This weekend, gorgeous cars, boats, and motorcycles from near and far will be displayed at the Spokane Auto Boat Speed Show. This is a rare chance to see one-of-a-kind custom dream vehicles, perfectly restored classics, and race cars/boats gathered indoors in Washington. You can even meet the people who build the cars. Look for John [...]

The next two weekends are perfect for spending in Spokane, with a lot of live music, art, and fun for the low admission price of $0.00. The 27th annual ArtFest runs June 1–3, and the annual indie music celebration Elkfest will be held June 8–10. Both of these popular events are outdoors in Browne’s Addition, [...]

The weather is getting warm and sunny in Spokane (finally!), and it’s time for outdoor concert season. Last year, Northern Quest Casino and Resort in Airway Heights opened its wonderful new addition to the region’s summer concert venues, an outdoor pavilion with 11,000 square feet of space that holds over 5,000 people. Small enough to [...]

Fresh fruit, directly from the growers, is far superior in taste and quality to anything you will find in your local supermarket. At Green Bluff, about 15 minutes north of Spokane in the foothills of Mt. Spokane, you can even pick your own fruit if you want to. Two loops of farms (East and West [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

The tradition of Oktoberfest began October 12, 1810, when the citizens of Munich were all invited to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen by drinking beer and watching horse races. Two hundred years later, millions of people attend Munich’s Oktoberfest, and cities all over the world host their own celebrations. [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

Are you ready for the 37th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic [...]

                        photo: Steam Plant Grill Whether you are requesting a table for 2 or for 12, Spokane has so many delicious restaurants to try. In the downtown area alone, you can enjoy the delicious food and drinks available at formal restaurants, funky bistros, laid-back [...]

The Spokane Lilac Festival (May 10–16) is an annual spring tradition in Spokane, WA dating back to 1938. It has grown from a one-day flower show to a week-long festival of family friendly events that bring visitors from all over the Inland Northwest. The big finale event is the largest armed forces torchlight parade in [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

Tired of the same old Saturday night “going out” routine? How about a live comedy show? Spokane now has several great choices, including a family friendly venue and a new clean comedy club that you can take a first date or your mother to without being embarrassed. Grab a friend and be ready to laugh [...]

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Hoping to get a few more rounds in before the weather turns? The City of Spokane is a great destination for a golfer. You can drive, chip and putt to your heart’s content at one of four courses without even leaving the city. The Fairways at West Terrace, just outside of Downtown Spokane, opened in [...]

              If you plan to visit during winter, remember to bring your skis and ice skates. Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is just over an hour drive from Stratford Suites and features a terrain park and tubing hill, so the whole family can have fun playing in the [...]

If you love skiing or snowboarding and live or travel around Spokane, look to the north for a nearby Canadian adventure that will rival any other in North America. Take a scenic 2.5 hour drive from Spokane to experience some of the best champagne powder in the world at Red Mountain Resort. Red Mountain Resort [...]

You don’t have to travel far from Spokane to experience a great day on the slopes! Whether you are just learning or are an advanced skier/snowboarder, the Spokane area has the perfect winter adventure for you. Spokane visitors are delighted by the excellent conditions and short lines that residents enjoy all winter long. Make Stratford [...]

The Lilac Bloomsday Run is right around the corner on Sunday, May 2, 2010.  The 12 kilometer (7.46 miles) race had 51,259 registrants last year, 42,477 of those finished and got their exclusive finishers t-shirt.  The 34th annual Bloomsday Run is expected to be even larger and more fun. Book your room at Stratford Suites [...]

The 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run will be held in Spokane, WA on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This huge road race, which is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers, consists of a scenic 12 km (7.46 miles) loop that begins in downtown Spokane and travels northwest along the far west end [...]

The city of Spokane, WA is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. Teams can soon register for Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, which will be held on June 26th and 27th, 2010, in downtown Spokane. This wildly popular annual summer sports event welcomes players of all abilities and [...]

If you love the outdoors, head to the Spokane Fair and Expo Center on March 18–21 for the annual Bighorn Outdoor Adventure Show to capture the great OUTDOORS, INDOORS. Hosted by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council, the Big Horn Show is one of the oldest and longest continually operated sports and recreation shows in the [...]

Spokane’s motto is “Near nature. Near perfect,” and it is a fitting description. With seventy-five parks in the city limits and seventy-six lakes in a 50-mile radius, the Spokane area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The sunny, warm spring and summer months invite hikers, campers, fishers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists, cyclists, and bird-watchers out to play. [...]

Thirty-eight home games with fun for the whole family! As summer approaches, Spokane baseball fans are getting excited for a fantastic season of cheering for the home team. The season opens on June 18 with a home game against the Tri-City Dust Devils, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The Spokane Indians, the [...]

Catch Some Great Live Music Under the Stars Spokane, WA typically has warm to hot summer nights that are perfect for outdoor concerts. If you are visiting the area for business or vacation, be sure to check out some quality live music in Spokane’s two best-known parks: Manito Park and Riverfront Park. Great music is [...]

In January, Spokane’s Avista Stadium, home of Spokane Indians baseball, will be transformed from a grassy field to an icy rink for an historic hockey event. January 15th, the Spokane Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice in the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic. Rockstar Energy Drink is the title sponsor. This will be the WHL’s (Western [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

It’s getting cold outside, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the country right here in downtown Spokane, and it is open through February 26, so grab your hat and gloves and get out there! The Ice Palace is located under the pavilion in Riverfront [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

Did you know that one of the top ski resorts in the world is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Spokane? Red Mountain Resort is situated in the beautiful triangle of British Columbia known as “B.C.’s powder bowl” near Rossland, recently voted Canada’s #1 outdoor town by Explore magazine. Right now, you can experience Red Mountain’s [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

This weekend, the City of Spokane Valley will host its biggest celebration of the year, with a parade, hot air balloons, gourmet food and wine tasting, bicycling and running events, live music, and more. Valleyfest began in 1990; its mission “is to showcase the talent that enriches our community and give exposure of the visual [...]

I’ll just get the bad news out of the way. The latest snow forecast from AccuWeather.com predicts below normal snowfall for the Northwest. So it probably will not be an epic powder season. The good news is that there are six ski resorts to choose from within three hours of Spokane, and if you don’t [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

There are myriad ways to celebrate with your sweetheart beyond dinner and a box of chocolates. Here is your inspiration guide—five fabulous ideas for a fun, memorable date. Couples’ Massage Enjoy a relaxing, side-by-side massage treatment that will leave you both feeling good. Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s La Rive Spa in Airway Heights has [...]

Don’t miss the spectacular musical The Lion King when it comes to Spokane as part of the North American tour! A Disney on Broadway production, The Lion King has been enjoyed by 45 million people worldwide. Set in the heart of the African plains, this breathtaking adventure will delight your senses and capture your imagination. [...]

Spokane’s vibrant theatre scene offers something for everyone’s tastes, from new family comedies to classic Shakespeare tragedies. Check out award-winning professional and community theatre as well as excellent productions by our area colleges. Spokane Civic Theatre has received dozens of awards at the local and national level, including “Most Professional Theatre” and “Best in Nation” [...]

Things to Do: Fun Holiday Traditions in Spokane Sparkling holiday lights, joyful singing carolers, ice skating in the park, and opulent Christmas trees are just a few of the sights to be seen in the heart of Spokane this season. The city offers an abundance of holiday traditions for you to experience, from celebrations of [...]

Next month, figure skating fans will travel to Spokane from far and wide to catch the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event. There are still a few tickets left to experience the competitions live at the Spokane Arena, but they are going fast. The championships will also be nationally televised live on NBC and webcast [...]

Championship Skating Luxury Suite Town Car Shuttle Experience the nation’s elite figure skating stars and enjoy Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel. Package includes one night stay in a luxury 1 or 2 bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV, and a round-trip Lincoln Town Car shuttle. (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com www.stratfordsuites.com

Don’t miss the Ninth Annual First Night Spokane 2010 as Spokanites welcome the New Year and a new decade! The party starts at 7PM on December 31st, when the whole city will celebrate with a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. First Night brings businesses, artists, entertainers, and families out late in Spokane to celebrate another year’s beginning. [...]

Pamper Yourself at the Health Beauty Spa Show January 16–17, Spokane Community College Lair Recover from the holidays with a relaxing massage and sample all the latest beauty treatments at Spokane’s popular Health Beauty Spa Show, sponsored by Northwest Woman Magazine. This unique, big event is the best (and cheapest!) way to try out all [...]

On April 7–11, 2010, giant, life-size dinosaurs will once again roam the earth, taking over the Spokane Arena. Based on the award-winning BBC television show, this incredible spectacle features “a whole menagerie of creatures, many of which have never been seen outside the pages of scientific journals,” according to Tim Haines, creator and BBC series [...]

The 2010 Spokane Women’s Show, featuring live music, speakers, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of booths aimed towards women’s interests, will be held April 16–18 at the Spokane Convention Center. The weekend will conclude with a fundraising walk/run to benefit the search for a cure for breast cancer. Admission to the show is $7 for [...]

Since it’s inception as a modest gaming hall nine years ago, the Northern Quest Casino and Resort has undergone a complete transformation into a major regional destination. People from all over the Inland Northwest gather here for great concerts (Kenny G. and Miranda Lambert recently performed for the resort’s grand opening of its new hotel), [...]

June 4–6, Browne’s Addition, Spokane, WA Don’t miss the 25th annual Northwest Museum of Art & Culture ArtFest on June 4–6 in beautiful Coeur d’ Alene Park (located just west of downtown Spokane on 2nd Ave.). Much more than your usual arts and crafts fair, this event draws 30,000 people to enjoy quality artistic works [...]

Catch Some Great Live Music Under the Stars Spokane, WA typically has warm to hot summer nights that are perfect for outdoor concerts. If you are visiting the area for business or vacation, be sure to check out some quality live music in Spokane’s two best-known parks: Manito Park and Riverfront Park. Great music is [...]

Every summer for the last nineteen years, Sherman Street in the downtown lakefront district of beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID, has turned into a giant street fair for one sunny weekend. The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Street Fair features over 250 vendors of all kinds of arts, crafts, food, and other wares plus entertainment galore. Around 40,000 [...]

Tired of the same old Saturday night “going out” routine? How about a live comedy show? Spokane now has several great choices, including a family friendly venue and a new clean comedy club that you can take a first date or your mother to without being embarrassed. Grab a friend and be ready to laugh [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Love Bing Crosby? You can mingle with other fans, talk to people who knew the man personally, view exhibits, and see classic Bing films on Saturday, December 11 at the Bing Crosby Theater Christmas Festival in downtown Spokane, WA. For the fifth consecutive year, the non-profit group Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater will host [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

The holidays are great, but they take a toll on our bodies and minds through stress, less sleep, rich food and drink, and less time to take care of #1. Fortunately, the Health Beauty Spa Show comes to the rescue each January. Held at the Lair building at Spokane Community College, the 6th annual show [...]

The Spokane International Film Festival, held in downtown Spokane, WA, offers movies from around the globe, including our little corner of the world. Lady Lily (Adventures in God’s Country) was filmed in North Idaho and directed by Danielle Barbieri, who is from Spokane, as are two of the cast members, J. Rose Greif and John [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

The Wizard of Oz is estimated to have been seen by more people than any other movie in history. But if you think you know the story of the land of Oz, think again. Years before Dorothy went looking for a great wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good were just [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Leonardo da Vinci was unquestionably a genius. Nearly everyone knows his name and the images of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Less people are familiar with his other works of genius, including his many inventions, which were so far ahead of his time that few could be produced [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

Looking for an affordable, quick getaway this summer that is close to Spokane? Check out the line-up at the 29th annual Festival at Sandpoint, which runs the evenings of August 4–14: Rickie Lee Jones, Brandi Carlile, Chris Isaak, Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, Rodney Crowell, and David Nail, plus a family concert by the Spokane Youth [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

I’m always watching for great deals on things to do in Spokane for our Travel-Spokane.com readers. The Spokane Symphony’s Club Maestro is the best deal I’ve seen all year for live shows. If you are age 21–35, you can sign up for a free Club Maestro membership, which entitles you to purchase up to two [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

This weekend, salons, spas, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other businesses that aim to make you look and/or feel good (including two chocolate producers!) will gather at the 7th annual Health Beauty Spa Show to introduce you to their services. You can enjoy sample treatments for $5 each: chair massage, facial wax, paraffin hand dip, temporary tattoo, [...]

If you loved Disney’s 1991 film Beauty and the Beast but don’t have tickets yet to the Broadway musical version that comes to Spokane’s INB Performing Arts Center this week, you should order fast. Most performances are almost sold out; your best bet for good tickets is to go either Thursday at 7:30 p.m. or [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

Next month, the Get Lit! Festival will serve up a great menu of local, new, and nationally recognized authors. Events include readings, youth events, poetry slams, expert panel discussions, and workshops to help aspiring writers. The festival runs April 10–15 at various venues around Spokane. This year’s theme is writers who “capture the world.” Spokane’s [...]

This weekend, gorgeous cars, boats, and motorcycles from near and far will be displayed at the Spokane Auto Boat Speed Show. This is a rare chance to see one-of-a-kind custom dream vehicles, perfectly restored classics, and race cars/boats gathered indoors in Washington. You can even meet the people who build the cars. Look for John [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

The weather is getting warm and sunny in Spokane (finally!), and it’s time for outdoor concert season. Last year, Northern Quest Casino and Resort in Airway Heights opened its wonderful new addition to the region’s summer concert venues, an outdoor pavilion with 11,000 square feet of space that holds over 5,000 people. Small enough to [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

Spokane has a great theatre scene, with a professional company, a national award winning community theatre, and several college theatres. The play season is just getting into full swing, so be sure to check out the many options for comedy, drama, holiday plays, and musicals. Here are a few highlights of the 2012–2013 season. Funny [...]

Forgo the standard this year and surprise everyone on your list with gifts that are fun, memorable, and very Spokane! Most of these gifts emphasize experience over stuff. So they are perfect for kids, people who abhor clutter, or those who have “everything.”  Read on for inspiring ideas to help you finish up your shopping [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Just in time for post-holiday recuperation, the 8th annual Health Beauty Spa Show will offer dozens of fun mini spa treatments this weekend at Spokane Community College.  Admission is just $7 ($5 with a non-perishable food or hygiene donation to the YWCA), and tickets for treatments are $5 each. Your pampering options include chair massages, [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

Spokane’s biggest annual literary event, the Get Lit! Festival, has been bringing nationally recognized authors to Spokane and spotlighting local and regional authors since 1998. The week-long festival packs in poetry slams, readings, panel discussions, and workshops for readers of diverse interests and all ages. All events except headliner acts are free. Click here for [...]

The annual Spokane Lilac Festival will celebrate its diamond anniversary next month with a number of fun events. This community celebration of the city and our armed forces is family friendly and includes activities for all ages, including a car show, golf tournament, parades, and more. On Saturday, May 11, you can come support Spokane [...]

                            photo: Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Art, in all of its forms, gives people a way to expand their circle of connection beyond those they personally know and to experience things from another’s point of view. We hope that you [...]

Hoping to get a few more rounds in before the weather turns? The City of Spokane is a great destination for a golfer. You can drive, chip and putt to your heart’s content at one of four courses without even leaving the city. The Fairways at West Terrace, just outside of Downtown Spokane, opened in [...]

                        photo: Steam Plant Grill Whether you are requesting a table for 2 or for 12, Spokane has so many delicious restaurants to try. In the downtown area alone, you can enjoy the delicious food and drinks available at formal restaurants, funky bistros, laid-back [...]

            What a perfect time of year to think about remodeling your home. Attend the Home Idea Show for ideas and connections, October 9 –11, Spokane Fair & Expo Center. The Home Idea Show has everything you need as far as renovations, remodels and redecorating go!  This comprehensive event includes hundreds of exhibits [...]

Come and see the finer side of Spokane including the wineries that the area boasts!                   The Caterina Winery, near Riverfront Park, is a family legacy that has spanned many generations. The boutique winery features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and their wine selection is [...]

As we provide you with information regarding all things great in Spokane, we cannot do so without shining a light on our wonderful establishment that is sponsoring this very blog… Stratford Suites.  By listening and responding to their guests, two business partners, who have been working together for over 20 years, identified a unique need for fully [...]

Spokane’s vibrant theatre scene offers something for everyone’s tastes, from new family comedies to classic Shakespeare tragedies. Check out award-winning professional and community theatre as well as excellent productions by our area colleges. Spokane Civic Theatre has received dozens of awards at the local and national level, including “Most Professional Theatre” and “Best in Nation” [...]

Look around Spokane, and you will see signs of “Zags” love everywhere, with local businesses displaying team memorabilia and residents sporting fan wear. The Gonzaga University men’s basketball team (the official nickname is the Bulldogs but they are also known as the Zags) rose from obscurity to national fame over ten years ago. They have [...]

If you’re in downtown Spokane one morning looking for a gourmet breakfast, Madeleine’s is the place to go. Look for the bright blue awnings on Main Avenue across from River Park Square Mall and experience a taste of France. Madeleine’s mainly offers breakfast and lunch, but it serves dinners Thursday through Saturday. The café itself [...]

Experience Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel while enjoying a day of great shopping. Package includes one night stay in a deluxe two bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV and a $50 River Park Square gift certificate. Packages start at $149 Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

Things to Do: Fun Holiday Traditions in Spokane Sparkling holiday lights, joyful singing carolers, ice skating in the park, and opulent Christmas trees are just a few of the sights to be seen in the heart of Spokane this season. The city offers an abundance of holiday traditions for you to experience, from celebrations of [...]

Next month, figure skating fans will travel to Spokane from far and wide to catch the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event. There are still a few tickets left to experience the competitions live at the Spokane Arena, but they are going fast. The championships will also be nationally televised live on NBC and webcast [...]

Guests park free while on an extended vacation. Package includes shuttle service to and from the Spokane Airport.  Packages start at $139 for one night and $210 for two nights. Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

You don’t have to travel far from Spokane to experience a great day on the slopes! Whether you are just learning or are an advanced skier/snowboarder, the Spokane area has the perfect winter adventure for you. Spokane visitors are delighted by the excellent conditions and short lines that residents enjoy all winter long. Make Stratford [...]

Championship Skating Luxury Suite Town Car Shuttle Experience the nation’s elite figure skating stars and enjoy Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel. Package includes one night stay in a luxury 1 or 2 bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV, and a round-trip Lincoln Town Car shuttle. (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com www.stratfordsuites.com

Don’t miss the Ninth Annual First Night Spokane 2010 as Spokanites welcome the New Year and a new decade! The party starts at 7PM on December 31st, when the whole city will celebrate with a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. First Night brings businesses, artists, entertainers, and families out late in Spokane to celebrate another year’s beginning. [...]

The biggest, most happening New Year’s Eve party around starts at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Spokane with an opening ceremony at the Riverfront Park Fountain. For one low admission price, you can attend all the arts events you can handle, including tango lessons, great local music, comedy, a masquerade disco ball, Rail Jammers performing skiing [...]

Pamper Yourself at the Health Beauty Spa Show January 16–17, Spokane Community College Lair Recover from the holidays with a relaxing massage and sample all the latest beauty treatments at Spokane’s popular Health Beauty Spa Show, sponsored by Northwest Woman Magazine. This unique, big event is the best (and cheapest!) way to try out all [...]

Spokane, WA area hotels are filling up fast as the superstars of the skating world and fans from all over flood the city in advance of the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which will be held January 14–20 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and other downtown Spokane venues. There are still tickets left for [...]

Stratford Suites is proud to be offering a special package for Valentine’s Day.  Whether your looking for a way to surprise a special someone or if your not even sure when Valentine’s Day is, this package will be sure to do the trick. February 12-14, 2010 Includes: Luxury Suite, Flowers, Chocolate Truffles, Bottle of Wine or [...]

While Spokane has been in love with the stars of ice skating who have been in town for the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, many hockey fans are longing for the return of the home team to the ice for a much less delicate winter sport. The Spokane Chiefs return to Spokane on January 29th [...]

If you are staying at Stratford Suites extended stay hotel or another Spokane area hotel during the week and looking for a local insider sports hangout, check out Tomato Street Italian restaurant on Tuesday nights for a Zags radio show. As the friendly bartender who recently served me there explained, the “GU Coaches Show” is [...]

On April 7–11, 2010, giant, life-size dinosaurs will once again roam the earth, taking over the Spokane Arena. Based on the award-winning BBC television show, this incredible spectacle features “a whole menagerie of creatures, many of which have never been seen outside the pages of scientific journals,” according to Tim Haines, creator and BBC series [...]

The Lilac Bloomsday Run is right around the corner on Sunday, May 2, 2010.  The 12 kilometer (7.46 miles) race had 51,259 registrants last year, 42,477 of those finished and got their exclusive finishers t-shirt.  The 34th annual Bloomsday Run is expected to be even larger and more fun. Book your room at Stratford Suites [...]

The 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run will be held in Spokane, WA on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This huge road race, which is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers, consists of a scenic 12 km (7.46 miles) loop that begins in downtown Spokane and travels northwest along the far west end [...]

The 1st and 2nd Rounds of March Madness will be in Spokane on March 19th and 21st, 2010.  Be sure to book your stay at Stratford Suites early to get your room.  In-between Spokane games, keep up with games across the country on a 50″ HDTV in your room while enjoying leather furniture, and kitchens. [...]

March Madness will storm into Spokane on Friday, March 19 with the first and second rounds of the NCAA 72nd annual Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship, hosted by Washington State University. Two sessions will be held on Friday and one session on Sunday, March 21, 2010 (six games total) at the Spokane Arena. If you [...]

The Spokane Lilac Festival (May 10–16) is an annual spring tradition in Spokane, WA dating back to 1938. It has grown from a one-day flower show to a week-long festival of family friendly events that bring visitors from all over the Inland Northwest. The big finale event is the largest armed forces torchlight parade in [...]

The city of Spokane, WA is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. Teams can soon register for Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, which will be held on June 26th and 27th, 2010, in downtown Spokane. This wildly popular annual summer sports event welcomes players of all abilities and [...]

If you love the outdoors, head to the Spokane Fair and Expo Center on March 18–21 for the annual Bighorn Outdoor Adventure Show to capture the great OUTDOORS, INDOORS. Hosted by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council, the Big Horn Show is one of the oldest and longest continually operated sports and recreation shows in the [...]

The 2010 Spokane Women’s Show, featuring live music, speakers, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of booths aimed towards women’s interests, will be held April 16–18 at the Spokane Convention Center. The weekend will conclude with a fundraising walk/run to benefit the search for a cure for breast cancer. Admission to the show is $7 for [...]

Spring is here, and it’s time for the 2010 arena football season. The Spokane Shock, Spokane’s award-winning arena football team, will open the season on April 2nd as new members of the newly resurrected Arena Football League (AFL), which is back after a one-year hiatus and reorganization of its business plan. The 15-team league will [...]

Since it’s inception as a modest gaming hall nine years ago, the Northern Quest Casino and Resort has undergone a complete transformation into a major regional destination. People from all over the Inland Northwest gather here for great concerts (Kenny G. and Miranda Lambert recently performed for the resort’s grand opening of its new hotel), [...]

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy an occasional glass of wine, the annual Spring Barrel Tasting in Spokane, WA is a fun way to check out the wonderful varieties of wine produced in the area. This friendly annual celebration marks the end of the winemaking season and the beginning of a [...]

Spokane’s motto is “Near nature. Near perfect,” and it is a fitting description. With seventy-five parks in the city limits and seventy-six lakes in a 50-mile radius, the Spokane area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The sunny, warm spring and summer months invite hikers, campers, fishers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists, cyclists, and bird-watchers out to play. [...]

Thirty-eight home games with fun for the whole family! As summer approaches, Spokane baseball fans are getting excited for a fantastic season of cheering for the home team. The season opens on June 18 with a home game against the Tri-City Dust Devils, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The Spokane Indians, the [...]

Visit Spokane’s museums to learn about the history of the region, view some excellent art, and have fun with the family. The museums listed below offer entertainment for residents and visitors alike. If you are on vacation with children, Stratford Suites Extended Stay Hotel is a convenient, comfortable choice for lodging. Two-room suites are available [...]

June 4–6, Browne’s Addition, Spokane, WA Don’t miss the 25th annual Northwest Museum of Art & Culture ArtFest on June 4–6 in beautiful Coeur d’ Alene Park (located just west of downtown Spokane on 2nd Ave.). Much more than your usual arts and crafts fair, this event draws 30,000 people to enjoy quality artistic works [...]

Catch Some Great Live Music Under the Stars Spokane, WA typically has warm to hot summer nights that are perfect for outdoor concerts. If you are visiting the area for business or vacation, be sure to check out some quality live music in Spokane’s two best-known parks: Manito Park and Riverfront Park. Great music is [...]

Spokane Celebrates 100 Years of Father’s Day June 20! June 20, 2010, marks the 100th Father’s Day, a holiday that began right here in Spokane, WA. Local resident Sonora Smart Dodd, who is often referred to as the “Mother of Father’s Day, was inspired to propose a day to celebrate fathers after hearing a sermon [...]

Sure, Spokane, WA has a spectacular fireworks extravaganza on July 4th, but the fireworks show is the culmination of two full days of revelry in Riverfront Park. Spokane’s 4th of July Festival begins on Saturday, July 3. All day long, you can watch live music at three different outdoor stages, including an American Idol competition [...]

After our post about Spokane museums, a couple of readers suggested some lesser-known, but still fun, museums in the area. So if you are interested in history, be sure to check out these treasures. And, if you are travelling to the Spokane area this summer for vacation, Stratford Suites Extended Stay Hotel is your home [...]

The weather is finally hot in the Spokane area, so it is time to head to one of the several water amusement parks in the area. Here are the three best options in the region. If you are wondering why Wild Waters is not listed, it is because that park is closed for the summer [...]

Spokane, WA is known for its excellent local restaurants, and a new choice for lunch and dinner has people all over town talking: Queen of Sheba is Spokane’s first Ethiopian restaurant, located in the historic Flour Mill near downtown and the Courthouse district. A truly unique dining experience awaits those who are interested in trying [...]

Tired of the same old Saturday night “going out” routine? How about a live comedy show? Spokane now has several great choices, including a family friendly venue and a new clean comedy club that you can take a first date or your mother to without being embarrassed. Grab a friend and be ready to laugh [...]

Autumn is in the air, and Spokane is preparing to say good-bye to summer with one more big bash in Riverfront Park. The 31st annual Pig Out in the Park runs September 1–6. Pigging out is certainly an option, with forty-eight food booths providing affordable plates of a wide diversity of food—you can enjoy Chinese, [...]

Kids are back in school and fall is in the air, two sure signs that it is time for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Where else can city slickers visit all their favorite farm animals, watch a real live rodeo, see how to drive a tractor, gawk at monstrous vegetables, and see both famous country [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

Long before the Spokane Valley voted to become its own city in 2003, residents were gathering each year to celebrate their community with Valleyfest. What started as a small festival for children in 1990 quickly grew to include a variety of activities for the entire family, live entertainment, food vendors, and hundreds of booths where [...]

Spokane has some great places to taste wine, but Left Bank, which opened eighteen months ago in downtown Spokane and is owned by Aaron Kelly, is the only bar that is completely dedicated to wine. You can not order hard liquor here (bottled microbrew beer is available for those who have been dragged in against [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

The last two home games for the 8th ranked play off bound Eagles! Nov. 13 Southern Utah 1:05PM Nov. 20 Idaho State 1:05PM Pick a Date, Bring a Friend, Have a Ball Stay at Stratford Suites on Friday night, enjoy a large pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. In the evening take [...]

Ladies, mark your calendars for Girls’ Day Out on Saturday, November 13th, when businesses in four great business districts in Spokane will offer up special treats, deals, games, prizes, and more. This is a fun way to start your holiday shopping, check out all the wonderful local businesses in these unique neighborhoods, and enjoy a [...]

In January, Spokane’s Avista Stadium, home of Spokane Indians baseball, will be transformed from a grassy field to an icy rink for an historic hockey event. January 15th, the Spokane Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice in the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic. Rockstar Energy Drink is the title sponsor. This will be the WHL’s (Western [...]

Spokane’s newest coffee roaster, Roast House, has organized something a little different for your Black Friday shopping. Owner Deborah Di Bernardo, who opened Roast House less than a year ago on principles of sustainable, ethical, and delicious, is all about promoting local businesses. Some time ago, she decided to invite a dozen local artisans to [...]

Love Bing Crosby? You can mingle with other fans, talk to people who knew the man personally, view exhibits, and see classic Bing films on Saturday, December 11 at the Bing Crosby Theater Christmas Festival in downtown Spokane, WA. For the fifth consecutive year, the non-profit group Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theater will host [...]

For the first time ever, Eastern Washington University football will play North Dakota State on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs. If the EWU Eagles win, they will be in the semifinals and just one game away from a national championship. The Eagles, ranked #1 in the nation, have already [...]

We wanted to thank you for being a part of making this a wonderful year for Stratford Suites. Thanks to your business, we have been able to grow and hire new people. You have made it possible to provide jobs in these difficult times. If you were a new guest this year, we are blessed [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

The holidays are great, but they take a toll on our bodies and minds through stress, less sleep, rich food and drink, and less time to take care of #1. Fortunately, the Health Beauty Spa Show comes to the rescue each January. Held at the Lair building at Spokane Community College, the 6th annual show [...]

The Spokane International Film Festival, held in downtown Spokane, WA, offers movies from around the globe, including our little corner of the world. Lady Lily (Adventures in God’s Country) was filmed in North Idaho and directed by Danielle Barbieri, who is from Spokane, as are two of the cast members, J. Rose Greif and John [...]

Don’t be blocked out of the biggest game of the year! Sunday-February 6, 2011                    Only a few suites available Watch the game in our luxury suites on a 50″ HTDV and enjoy afree large Pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. Book Now! 11808 W Center Lane, Airway Heights, WA 99001 509-321-1600 or 888-705-8877 [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

What’s better than reading a really good book? Sharing and discussing the experience with others. That is the idea behind Spokane County’s third Big Read series: encourage as many people as possible to read the same book and come out for numerous public discussions and other events related to the book. Big Read 2011 is [...]

The Gonzaga Bulldogs Women’s Basketball team plays their last two home conference games this week, after already claiming their seventh straight West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season title with a 103-59 victory over the University of San Francisco. The team, which just made No. 23 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll this [...]

The Wizard of Oz is estimated to have been seen by more people than any other movie in history. But if you think you know the story of the land of Oz, think again. Years before Dorothy went looking for a great wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good were just [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

The Get Lit! Festival connects the Spokane area with local, new, and nationally-known writers, but Danielle Ward, Get Lit! Programs Coordinator since 2008, thinks outside the “book box.” Case in point: Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will be among the headliners at the 13th annual festival (April 15 at the Bing Crosby Theater). “She is my favorite [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Earth Day is officially Friday, April 27, but the big party starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown Spokane. Main Street will be closed off between Browne and Division to allow Spokane residents and visitors to celebrate our beautiful planet and green living until midnight. The day’s events are definitely family friendly. From 11 [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

If you only see one parade this year, make it the Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 21, the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation. You will see glittering, creative floats, the Lilac Queen and Princesses, cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands performing through the streets, as well as active [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Leonardo da Vinci was unquestionably a genius. Nearly everyone knows his name and the images of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Less people are familiar with his other works of genius, including his many inventions, which were so far ahead of his time that few could be produced [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

For six days, August 31–September 5, Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane will be filled with 48 food booths (225 menu items), three adult beverage gardens, and three stages that will host 82 free concerts. Pig Out in the Park, now in its 32nd year, brings dozens of great bands from near and far to perform [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

If you think you have already seen all there is to see at the fair, you’ll be happy to know that the Spokane County Interstate Fair has come up with 60 new attractions to mark its 60th silver anniversary at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.  Here are just five of the most compelling: Bedazzle Your Bra [...]

This year’s annual Valleyfest kicks off Friday night, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. with the Hearts of Gold parade. Creative floats from local businesses and schools as well as outlying communities, dancers, classic cars, hot rods, animals, and more will travel from the New Life Church (10920 E. Sprague) east to Chase Bank (12005 E [...]

You can get a little taste of Oktoberfest without going very far this weekend in downtown Spokane and next weekend in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The weather looks like it will be gorgeous, so come hang out in beautiful Riverfront Park and charming downtown Coeur d’Alene while sampling quality micro-brews from near and far. I guarantee [...]

Hockey season has arrived here in Spokane, WA! It’s time to come out and make some noise for our great local team. In the home opener this weekend, the Spokane Chiefs will have another chance to best the Tri-Cities Americans after losing to them at last weekend’s season opener. There are still some tickets available [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

It’s getting cold outside, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the country right here in downtown Spokane, and it is open through February 26, so grab your hat and gloves and get out there! The Ice Palace is located under the pavilion in Riverfront [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

I’m always watching for great deals on things to do in Spokane for our Travel-Spokane.com readers. The Spokane Symphony’s Club Maestro is the best deal I’ve seen all year for live shows. If you are age 21–35, you can sign up for a free Club Maestro membership, which entitles you to purchase up to two [...]

The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of fun things to do around Spokane with the kids that will create great memories, help keep everyone from succumbing to cabin fever, and maybe even start new holiday traditions in your family. Here are just a few great family outings that will entertain everyone [...]

Not sure what you are doing for New Year’s? Celebrate the end of 2011 at First Night Spokane. At various locations throughout downtown, all within walking distance of each other, you will find an amazing variety of shows and activities to please all ages and tastes. The cost for an admission button that covers all [...]

This weekend, salons, spas, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other businesses that aim to make you look and/or feel good (including two chocolate producers!) will gather at the 7th annual Health Beauty Spa Show to introduce you to their services. You can enjoy sample treatments for $5 each: chair massage, facial wax, paraffin hand dip, temporary tattoo, [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

If you loved Disney’s 1991 film Beauty and the Beast but don’t have tickets yet to the Broadway musical version that comes to Spokane’s INB Performing Arts Center this week, you should order fast. Most performances are almost sold out; your best bet for good tickets is to go either Thursday at 7:30 p.m. or [...]

If you or your sweetheart is asking that question, check out these great ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Spokane, including several that are very affordable (marked as “DEAL”). DEAL Romantic Valentine’s Day Hotel Package Stratford Suites luxury hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day-themed package that includes a one-bedroom suite, a bouquet of red roses, [...]

Next month, the Get Lit! Festival will serve up a great menu of local, new, and nationally recognized authors. Events include readings, youth events, poetry slams, expert panel discussions, and workshops to help aspiring writers. The festival runs April 10–15 at various venues around Spokane. This year’s theme is writers who “capture the world.” Spokane’s [...]

This weekend, gorgeous cars, boats, and motorcycles from near and far will be displayed at the Spokane Auto Boat Speed Show. This is a rare chance to see one-of-a-kind custom dream vehicles, perfectly restored classics, and race cars/boats gathered indoors in Washington. You can even meet the people who build the cars. Look for John [...]

Remember when you were a kid and used to splash through puddles and play in the mud with nary a thought of ruining your clothes or losing your dignity? Recapture that feeling at the Dirty Dash Spokane on June 16, 2012, at the Equestrian Area at Riverside State Park. According to the official website, “The [...]

This weekend, you have a chance to find out what those antiques you’ve been keeping are really worth. At Custer’s 37th annual Spring Antique and Collector’s Sale, experts will be on hand to appraise your hand carried items (no firearms or musical instruments; for large items, just bring photos that show detail), so you can [...]

Mother’s Day Tour of the Rockwood Historical District On May 12 or 13, 12–4 p.m., take Mom on a walking tour of six houses in the historic Rockwood neighborhood on Spokane’s south hill. The 23rd annual MAC (Museum of Arts and Culture) Mother’s Day Tour is presented by the Historic Preservation Committee of the Northwest [...]

On Hoopfest weekend, thousands of basketball enthusiasts will be competing in the nation’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament. In a different part of downtown Spokane, thousands of people from all over the country will be dancing their tails off. The 61st National Square Dance Convention will be held at the Spokane Convention Center (334 W. [...]

Like fast cars? Don’t miss the upcoming Northwest Thunderfest NHRA Top Fuel Heritage Series on June 21–24. This is a great show for the whole family: children 6–12 are only $5, children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Adult prices are $10 on Thursday, $18 on Friday and Sunday, and $23 on [...]

The weather is getting warm and sunny in Spokane (finally!), and it’s time for outdoor concert season. Last year, Northern Quest Casino and Resort in Airway Heights opened its wonderful new addition to the region’s summer concert venues, an outdoor pavilion with 11,000 square feet of space that holds over 5,000 people. Small enough to [...]

Fresh fruit, directly from the growers, is far superior in taste and quality to anything you will find in your local supermarket. At Green Bluff, about 15 minutes north of Spokane in the foothills of Mt. Spokane, you can even pick your own fruit if you want to. Two loops of farms (East and West [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

Growing interest in adopting a healthier lifestyle has driven a marked increase in the number of Spokane restaurants that offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and fresh, healthy menu items. For cooking at home, or if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen and want to try making local cuisine with fresh ingredients, locally written blogs [...]

Labor day weekend is coming, the last big holiday before kids go back to school and summer officially ends. You could go camping at your favorite lake spot, but let’s face it, camping at a beyond maxed out campground is not really all that fun. On the other hand, music festivals packed with people ARE [...]

The Spokane County Fair starts Friday, an annual tradition that offers the opportunity for city folk to see farm animals, kids of all ages to catch the thrill of high-speed carnival rides, and cowboys and cowgirls to strut their stuff in an arena full of people. Everyone has their own favorite, must-see feature of the [...]

Each October, happy, bright Silverwood Theme Park, near Coeur d’Alene, ID, is transformed into a dark, haunted “Scarywood.” Roller coasters run backwards (apparently, this is scarier than forwards), and ghosts, ghouls, and other nasty creatures prowl the grounds. Haunted attractions include the Blood Bayou haunted house, Terror Canyon Trail, Zombie Wood Express (the benign train [...]

Spokane has a great theatre scene, with a professional company, a national award winning community theatre, and several college theatres. The play season is just getting into full swing, so be sure to check out the many options for comedy, drama, holiday plays, and musicals. Here are a few highlights of the 2012–2013 season. Funny [...]

I’ll just get the bad news out of the way. The latest snow forecast from AccuWeather.com predicts below normal snowfall for the Northwest. So it probably will not be an epic powder season. The good news is that there are six ski resorts to choose from within three hours of Spokane, and if you don’t [...]

Forgo the standard this year and surprise everyone on your list with gifts that are fun, memorable, and very Spokane! Most of these gifts emphasize experience over stuff. So they are perfect for kids, people who abhor clutter, or those who have “everything.”  Read on for inspiring ideas to help you finish up your shopping [...]

The biggest, most inclusive New Year’s Eve party in Spokane starts at 6:00 p.m. (some kids’ activities start at 3:00 p.m.) It runs until midnight, but you won’t run out of things to do and probably will not have time to see everything you want to! Click here for a description of the dozens of [...]

Just in time for post-holiday recuperation, the 8th annual Health Beauty Spa Show will offer dozens of fun mini spa treatments this weekend at Spokane Community College.  Admission is just $7 ($5 with a non-perishable food or hygiene donation to the YWCA), and tickets for treatments are $5 each. Your pampering options include chair massages, [...]

Spokane is a vibrant, fun, beautiful city to visit any time of the year. Something is always going on! Below is a list, by no means complete, of some of the most popular annual events that draw people from all over the region. Spokane International Film Festival, February 1–10 This is a golden opportunity to [...]

The first Friday of every month, downtown Spokane galleries and a handful of galleries in other Spokane neighborhoods stay open late to host receptions for a wide variety of art exhibits. But twice a year, this fun monthly art walk is something bigger—the Spokane Visual Arts Tour, one of the biggest nights of the year [...]

There are myriad ways to celebrate with your sweetheart beyond dinner and a box of chocolates. Here is your inspiration guide—five fabulous ideas for a fun, memorable date. Couples’ Massage Enjoy a relaxing, side-by-side massage treatment that will leave you both feeling good. Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s La Rive Spa in Airway Heights has [...]

The main football season ended with the Superbowl on February 3, but football fans need not despair. Spokane Shock arena football begins soon! Sunday, March 10, get warmed up with the pre-season Orange and White scrimmage game. The first home game is April 12 against the Arizona Rattlers. Click here for a season schedule. Head [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]

Are you ready for the 37th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic [...]

Spokane’s biggest annual literary event, the Get Lit! Festival, has been bringing nationally recognized authors to Spokane and spotlighting local and regional authors since 1998. The week-long festival packs in poetry slams, readings, panel discussions, and workshops for readers of diverse interests and all ages. All events except headliner acts are free. Click here for [...]

The annual Spokane Lilac Festival will celebrate its diamond anniversary next month with a number of fun events. This community celebration of the city and our armed forces is family friendly and includes activities for all ages, including a car show, golf tournament, parades, and more. On Saturday, May 11, you can come support Spokane [...]

Hoping to get a few more rounds in before the weather turns? The City of Spokane is a great destination for a golfer. You can drive, chip and putt to your heart’s content at one of four courses without even leaving the city. The Fairways at West Terrace, just outside of Downtown Spokane, opened in [...]

              If you plan to visit during winter, remember to bring your skis and ice skates. Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is just over an hour drive from Stratford Suites and features a terrain park and tubing hill, so the whole family can have fun playing in the [...]

Look around Spokane, and you will see signs of “Zags” love everywhere, with local businesses displaying team memorabilia and residents sporting fan wear. The Gonzaga University men’s basketball team (the official nickname is the Bulldogs but they are also known as the Zags) rose from obscurity to national fame over ten years ago. They have [...]

If you love skiing or snowboarding and live or travel around Spokane, look to the north for a nearby Canadian adventure that will rival any other in North America. Take a scenic 2.5 hour drive from Spokane to experience some of the best champagne powder in the world at Red Mountain Resort. Red Mountain Resort [...]

Next month, figure skating fans will travel to Spokane from far and wide to catch the nation’s most prestigious figure skating event. There are still a few tickets left to experience the competitions live at the Spokane Arena, but they are going fast. The championships will also be nationally televised live on NBC and webcast [...]

Championship Skating Luxury Suite Town Car Shuttle Experience the nation’s elite figure skating stars and enjoy Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel. Package includes one night stay in a luxury 1 or 2 bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV, and a round-trip Lincoln Town Car shuttle. (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com www.stratfordsuites.com

Spokane, WA area hotels are filling up fast as the superstars of the skating world and fans from all over flood the city in advance of the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which will be held January 14–20 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena and other downtown Spokane venues. There are still tickets left for [...]

While Spokane has been in love with the stars of ice skating who have been in town for the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, many hockey fans are longing for the return of the home team to the ice for a much less delicate winter sport. The Spokane Chiefs return to Spokane on January 29th [...]

If you are staying at Stratford Suites extended stay hotel or another Spokane area hotel during the week and looking for a local insider sports hangout, check out Tomato Street Italian restaurant on Tuesday nights for a Zags radio show. As the friendly bartender who recently served me there explained, the “GU Coaches Show” is [...]

The Lilac Bloomsday Run is right around the corner on Sunday, May 2, 2010.  The 12 kilometer (7.46 miles) race had 51,259 registrants last year, 42,477 of those finished and got their exclusive finishers t-shirt.  The 34th annual Bloomsday Run is expected to be even larger and more fun. Book your room at Stratford Suites [...]

The 34th annual Lilac Bloomsday Run will be held in Spokane, WA on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This huge road race, which is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers, consists of a scenic 12 km (7.46 miles) loop that begins in downtown Spokane and travels northwest along the far west end [...]

The 1st and 2nd Rounds of March Madness will be in Spokane on March 19th and 21st, 2010.  Be sure to book your stay at Stratford Suites early to get your room.  In-between Spokane games, keep up with games across the country on a 50″ HDTV in your room while enjoying leather furniture, and kitchens. [...]

March Madness will storm into Spokane on Friday, March 19 with the first and second rounds of the NCAA 72nd annual Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship, hosted by Washington State University. Two sessions will be held on Friday and one session on Sunday, March 21, 2010 (six games total) at the Spokane Arena. If you [...]

The city of Spokane, WA is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. Teams can soon register for Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, which will be held on June 26th and 27th, 2010, in downtown Spokane. This wildly popular annual summer sports event welcomes players of all abilities and [...]

Spring is here, and it’s time for the 2010 arena football season. The Spokane Shock, Spokane’s award-winning arena football team, will open the season on April 2nd as new members of the newly resurrected Arena Football League (AFL), which is back after a one-year hiatus and reorganization of its business plan. The 15-team league will [...]

Spokane’s motto is “Near nature. Near perfect,” and it is a fitting description. With seventy-five parks in the city limits and seventy-six lakes in a 50-mile radius, the Spokane area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The sunny, warm spring and summer months invite hikers, campers, fishers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists, cyclists, and bird-watchers out to play. [...]

Thirty-eight home games with fun for the whole family! As summer approaches, Spokane baseball fans are getting excited for a fantastic season of cheering for the home team. The season opens on June 18 with a home game against the Tri-City Dust Devils, which will be followed by a fireworks show. The Spokane Indians, the [...]

The last two home games for the 8th ranked play off bound Eagles! Nov. 13 Southern Utah 1:05PM Nov. 20 Idaho State 1:05PM Pick a Date, Bring a Friend, Have a Ball Stay at Stratford Suites on Friday night, enjoy a large pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. In the evening take [...]

In January, Spokane’s Avista Stadium, home of Spokane Indians baseball, will be transformed from a grassy field to an icy rink for an historic hockey event. January 15th, the Spokane Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice in the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic. Rockstar Energy Drink is the title sponsor. This will be the WHL’s (Western [...]

For the first time ever, Eastern Washington University football will play North Dakota State on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs. If the EWU Eagles win, they will be in the semifinals and just one game away from a national championship. The Eagles, ranked #1 in the nation, have already [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

10th Anniversary First Night Spokane The biggest New Year’s Eve party around happens in downtown Spokane. For just $12, you can experience an incredible array of arts and entertainment, topped off with a big fireworks show at midnight. The theme for this year’s First Night Spokane is “Imagine That.” If you haven’t been to a [...]

Don’t be blocked out of the biggest game of the year! Sunday-February 6, 2011                    Only a few suites available Watch the game in our luxury suites on a 50″ HTDV and enjoy afree large Pizza of your choice delivered hot to your door. Book Now! 11808 W Center Lane, Airway Heights, WA 99001 509-321-1600 or 888-705-8877 [...]

The Gonzaga Bulldogs Women’s Basketball team plays their last two home conference games this week, after already claiming their seventh straight West Coast Conference (WCC) regular season title with a 103-59 victory over the University of San Francisco. The team, which just made No. 23 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll this [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

Hockey season has arrived here in Spokane, WA! It’s time to come out and make some noise for our great local team. In the home opener this weekend, the Spokane Chiefs will have another chance to best the Tri-Cities Americans after losing to them at last weekend’s season opener. There are still some tickets available [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

It’s getting cold outside, but that’s no reason to stay indoors. We have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the country right here in downtown Spokane, and it is open through February 26, so grab your hat and gloves and get out there! The Ice Palace is located under the pavilion in Riverfront [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

Remember when you were a kid and used to splash through puddles and play in the mud with nary a thought of ruining your clothes or losing your dignity? Recapture that feeling at the Dirty Dash Spokane on June 16, 2012, at the Equestrian Area at Riverside State Park. According to the official website, “The [...]

The main football season ended with the Superbowl on February 3, but football fans need not despair. Spokane Shock arena football begins soon! Sunday, March 10, get warmed up with the pre-season Orange and White scrimmage game. The first home game is April 12 against the Arizona Rattlers. Click here for a season schedule. Head [...]

Are you ready for the 37th annual Bloomsday race? If not, you still have time to register and to train. Bloomsday is an annual 12 K (7.46 miles) footrace open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs, and strollers. It is held on the first Sunday in May (May 5 this year) on a scenic [...]

As we provide you with information regarding all things great in Spokane, we cannot do so without shining a light on our wonderful establishment that is sponsoring this very blog… Stratford Suites.  By listening and responding to their guests, two business partners, who have been working together for over 20 years, identified a unique need for fully [...]

Experience Spokane’s finest extended stay hotel while enjoying a day of great shopping. Package includes one night stay in a deluxe two bedroom suite with full kitchen, 50″ HDTV and a $50 River Park Square gift certificate. Packages start at $149 Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

Things to Do: Fun Holiday Traditions in Spokane Sparkling holiday lights, joyful singing carolers, ice skating in the park, and opulent Christmas trees are just a few of the sights to be seen in the heart of Spokane this season. The city offers an abundance of holiday traditions for you to experience, from celebrations of [...]

Guests park free while on an extended vacation. Package includes shuttle service to and from the Spokane Airport.  Packages start at $139 for one night and $210 for two nights. Reserve by calling (888) 705-8877 or (509) 321-1600 or email frontdesk@stratfordsuites.com

Spokane’s motto is “Near nature. Near perfect,” and it is a fitting description. With seventy-five parks in the city limits and seventy-six lakes in a 50-mile radius, the Spokane area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The sunny, warm spring and summer months invite hikers, campers, fishers, boaters, kayakers, canoeists, cyclists, and bird-watchers out to play. [...]

Riverfront Park will become a little piece of beer lover’s heaven when it hosts a Bavarian/German style Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, September 24, through Sunday, September 26. You can sample microbrews from twenty Washington breweries (only Washington breweries are allowed) and snack on German food. If you didn’t already know that Washington has been producing [...]

The month of October is a time for celebrating fall leaves, fall harvests, and all things scary. There are plenty of fun outings for the whole family leading up to Halloween in the Spokane, WA area. So dress up or just bundle up and head out for an adventure. Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood Theme [...]

We wanted to thank you for being a part of making this a wonderful year for Stratford Suites. Thanks to your business, we have been able to grow and hire new people. You have made it possible to provide jobs in these difficult times. If you were a new guest this year, we are blessed [...]

When the temperature drops, do you prefer to head indoors or bundle up and play in the snow? Whether you like to hit the slopes or limit your exposure to the cold to trips from the car to another heated location, Spokane offers plenty to do and see. Outdoor Winter Activities in the Spokane area [...]

Tired of doing the same old thing for Valentine’s Day? This year, surprise your sweetheart with a date that is a little different and decidedly Spokane, WA. If you are single, grab a friend or just treat yourself and celebrate SAD—Singles Awareness Day, which is generally recognized as falling on either February 14 or 15. [...]

The Wizard of Oz is estimated to have been seen by more people than any other movie in history. But if you think you know the story of the land of Oz, think again. Years before Dorothy went looking for a great wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good were just [...]

It’s time for Bloomsday participants to get ready for the 35th running of the famous downtown Spokane, Washington foot race. You can register online through April 17 ($15 plus an online processing fee of $1.49) or you can register by mail by April 12 using a Bloomsday form, available at numerous locations including area Safeway [...]

Vacation travel can be one of the year’s largest single expenses, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the cost of your vacation without sacrificing fun and comfort. Here are some practical ideas for having a great vacation that won’t break your budget. 1.      Plan a getaway that is closer to home. Unless you have [...]

It may not feel like it with recent snow flurries and hail in parts of Spokane, but spring really is here. There are always plenty of beautiful, sunny days in the spring to get outside, and there are plenty of indoor great spring events for the not-so-pleasant days. Here are a few fun things to [...]

Carbo-loading will take on a whole new meaning at the Booze Day 2011 pub crawl. The night before Bloomsday, hundreds of people hit the streets of downtown Spokane to race to numerous locally owned bars. Finishers who fill their official Booze Day cards with stamps from all participating pubs receive a commemorative T-shirt. Just like [...]

If you only see one parade this year, make it the Spokane Lilac Festival’s Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, May 21, the largest armed forces torchlight parade in the nation. You will see glittering, creative floats, the Lilac Queen and Princesses, cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands performing through the streets, as well as active [...]

There is no event like Spokane Hoopfest. At this hugely popular annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, players of all experience levels and all ages (minimum age requirement for kids is to be entering the third grade in fall of 2011) can compete for the chance to win prizes while experiencing the exhilaration of playing with [...]

Leonardo da Vinci was unquestionably a genius. Nearly everyone knows his name and the images of his most famous paintings, including the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Less people are familiar with his other works of genius, including his many inventions, which were so far ahead of his time that few could be produced [...]

Travelling to Spokane, WA for Hoopfest? There is plenty to do in between watching or playing basketball at the largest three-on-three street basketball tournament on the planet, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you missed our article on saving money on vacation, click here for great ideas to travel on a budget. [...]

Northern Quest Casino and Resort, near the Spokane Airport, is launching their brand new outdoor pavilion with a great lineup of national acts. The Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concerts series starts this Saturday, June 25, with a performance by the Judds at 7:30 p.m. The rest of the concert series is as follows: The Steve Miller [...]

Looking for an affordable, quick getaway this summer that is close to Spokane? Check out the line-up at the 29th annual Festival at Sandpoint, which runs the evenings of August 4–14: Rickie Lee Jones, Brandi Carlile, Chris Isaak, Josh Ritter, Michael Franti, Rodney Crowell, and David Nail, plus a family concert by the Spokane Youth [...]

It finally feels like summer here in the Inland Northwest. Kids are out of school and looking for some summer fun activities, and grown-ups love summer outdoor fun, too, so it’s time for splashing, playing, and sliding through the water in the sun. Here is a list of some of the best water park and [...]

Love watching car or motorbike racing? Get in on the live action at Spokane County Raceway. Jet cars, local drags, funny cars, and bikes roar all summer and fall, including a NASCAR weekend in September. This weekend, you can watch or participate in the Super Chevy Show, with races (Chevy-bodied or Chevy-powered only), a car [...]

Spokane boasts a number of scenic golf courses with prices that are lower than in other cities. There are a variety of options—public, private, and municipal—to choose from. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes 18-hole public courses in the immediate Spokane area. For a more comprehensive list, try GolfLink. Spokane Parks and [...]

You don’t have to go far from the city to experience some good old fashioned farm fun. Just 20 minutes north of Spokane, at Green Bluff, you can pick your own delicious peaches, apples, and other produce in season (or buy them already harvested), take a free wagon ride, taste local wine, listen to live [...]

The NOAA National Weather Service says La Niña is back, with above-average precipitation predicted for the Pacific Northwest this late fall/winter. La Niña often brings colder winters to our area. In other words, snow is on the way, and over 6,000 skiers and snowboarders are expected to attend the Pacific Northwest’s largest equipment swap, the [...]

This Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., local shops in seven different Spokane business districts will offer games, prizes, and great discounts in honor of Girl’s Day Out, a shopping event aimed at introducing women to their neighborhood business centers. Businesses in the Garland, Hillyard, International District, Monroe, Perry, N. Division/Ruby, and SoDo [...]

It’s finally snowing here in Spokane, so now is the time to hit the slopes while the powder is fresh. Our closest resort, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, is offering cheap night skiing Wednesday–Saturday through March 10 (always call first, as dates and times are condition dependent). For just $19, you can ski under [...]

Did you know that one of the top ski resorts in the world is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Spokane? Red Mountain Resort is situated in the beautiful triangle of British Columbia known as “B.C.’s powder bowl” near Rossland, recently voted Canada’s #1 outdoor town by Explore magazine. Right now, you can experience Red Mountain’s [...]

What’s better than a car show with beautiful classics on display? A car show that hands out awards for best retro hair-dos along with trophies for cars. This Saturday, July 21, Two Rivers Casino and Andy’s Classic Mustangs will host the Two Rivers Rod Run and Show at the Two Rivers Casino Park in Davenport, [...]

You don’t need to spend a lot of time and money traveling to far-flung destinations to enjoy a relaxing or adventurous getaway. Coeur d’Alene in the summertime is a wonderful place to visit, and it is just 38 minutes east on I-90 from Spokane. You can either make it a day trip from Spokane or [...]

I’ll just get the bad news out of the way. The latest snow forecast from AccuWeather.com predicts below normal snowfall for the Northwest. So it probably will not be an epic powder season. The good news is that there are six ski resorts to choose from within three hours of Spokane, and if you don’t [...]

Spring is almost here! Now is the time to start dreaming and planning for home and yard improvement projects. At the 35th annual Spokane Home and Yard Show, you can see hundreds of displays and demonstrations to inspire you. Some of Spokane’s best landscapers will be on hand to answer questions and show the latest [...]