This is one of the biggest weekends in Spokane, WA all year. The Armed Forces Torchlight Parade lights up downtown Saturday night, Spokane Velocity FC hosts a home match Sunday, free carriage rides return to Riverfront Park, and the best restaurants in Spokane are fully in stride. Here is your complete guide to things to do in Spokane this weekend.
🎉 Festivals and Events in Spokane This Weekend
2026 Armed Forces Torchlight Parade: Spokane Lilac Festival
📅 Saturday, May 16 at 7:45 PM
📍 Downtown Spokane, WA
📌 Free to attend
The biggest night of the Spokane Lilac Festival is here. The 2026 Armed Forces Torchlight Parade fills downtown Spokane with military tributes, marching bands, community floats, and thousands of spectators. This year's theme is "Embrace." Arrive early for the best spots along the route.
Good to know: STA Plaza closes to bus traffic at 4 PM. Temporary boarding bays open on 2nd, 3rd, and Howard through end of service. Plan your parking or transit before you go.
⚽ Spokane Sports This Weekend
Spokane Velocity FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
📅 Sunday, May 17
📍 One Spokane Stadium, Spokane
📌 USL Cup Group Stage
Spokane Velocity FC is on fire right now. Third place in USL League One with a 4W 1D 1L record and 13 points from 6 matches. Sunday's home clash against Las Vegas Lights FC is a must-see for soccer fans in Spokane.
- Tickets at uslspokane.com
- Spokane Public Library offers free ticket passes for select home matches
- One Spokane Stadium capacity: 5,086 seats
🌲 Outdoor Activities and Things to Do in Spokane, WA
Free Horse and Carriage Rides at Riverfront Park
📅 Saturday, May 16, Afternoon
📍 Riverfront Park, Downtown Spokane
📌 Free, made possible by Wheatland Bank
Scenic horse-drawn carriage rides through one of the best parks in Spokane. Perfect for families and a great way to start the afternoon before the evening parade.
Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park
📅 Open Daily
📍 Downtown Spokane, WA
The Spokane Falls are at peak spring volume right now. The SkyRide is running, the Looff Carrousel is open, and the views along the river are stunning. One of the best free things to do in Spokane any weekend.
Mt. Spokane State Park: Spring Hiking Near Spokane
📅 Open This Weekend
📍 30 miles north of Downtown Spokane
Mt. Spokane searches spiked 10% this week and it is easy to see why. Spring wildflower trails, summit views, and wide open space just a short drive from the city. Best hiking near Spokane right now.
- Check trail conditions at parks.wa.gov before heading out
- Bring layers. Temperatures on the summit are cooler than in the city.
Manito Park and Finch Arboretum
📅 Open Daily
📍 South Hill, Spokane
The lilac garden at Manito Park is in full bloom this weekend. May is the single best month to visit. Combine it with a walk through Finch Arboretum for one of the most beautiful free experiences in Spokane, WA.
Centennial Trail Spokane
📅 Open Daily
📍 Multiple Access Points, Spokane
37 miles of paved trail along the Spokane River. Walk it. Run it. Bike it. The Centennial Trail in Spokane is at its absolute best in mid May.
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Spokane This Weekend
These are the most searched restaurants in Spokane right now based on current trending data. Make your reservations early — Lilac Festival weekend fills up fast.
🌟 Zola Spokane
📅 Open This Weekend 📍 Spokane, WA
The biggest breakout restaurant in Spokane this week. One of the most talked-about dining experiences in the city right now. If you have not been yet, this is the weekend.
🥩 Texas Roadhouse Spokane
📅 Open Friday through Sunday 📍 Spokane, WA
Consistently one of the most searched restaurants in Spokane. Hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and cinnamon butter rolls. Arrive early on Saturday before the parade crowd builds.
☕ Capybara Cafe Spokane
📅 Open This Weekend 📍 Spokane, WA
Still one of the most unique and highly searched cafe experiences in Spokane, WA. A must-visit for first-timers and regulars alike.
🍝 Olive Garden Spokane Valley
📅 Open This Weekend 📍 Spokane Valley, WA
One of the top trending restaurants in Spokane Valley right now. A reliable family dinner option near the eastern end of the metro.
🍸 Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar Spokane
📅 Open This Weekend 📍 Spokane, WA
A Spokane dining staple with a full cocktail menu. Great pre-parade dinner spot in a central downtown location.
🛍️ Shopping and Outdoor Gear in Spokane
REI Spokane
📅 Open This Weekend 📍 Spokane, WA
REI Spokane searches jumped 80% this week. Spring hiking and camping season is fully underway. Stop in for trail recommendations, gear, and local knowledge from staff who actually hike these trails.
🏨 Staying in Spokane This Weekend?
Hotel searches in Spokane are up 30% this week driven by Lilac Festival visitors. Hotel Indigo Spokane is the most searched new hotel option in the city right now, up 200%. Book directly to lock in your rate before the weekend fills.
Have a Great Weekend in Spokane
Things to do in Spokane, WA do not get better than this. The Lilac Festival, a Velocity FC home match, spring trails in full bloom, and the best restaurants in Spokane all in the same weekend. Share this Spokane weekend guide with someone who needs a plan and check back every Friday for a fresh edition.
