May is officially here and Spokane is wide open. This weekend is packed across every category, from world-class live entertainment to outdoor trails, cultural celebrations, food events, and free family activities along the river. Whether you are a local or visiting the Lilac City for the first time, here is everything worth knowing before you head out.
🎭 Live Entertainment and Arts
This is one of the strongest entertainment weekends Spokane has seen this spring. Tickets are moving fast for several of these.
Batman 1989 In Concert
📅 Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 PM
📍 Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, Downtown Spokane
The Spokane Symphony performs Danny Elfman's iconic score live alongside the 1989 Michael Keaton film on the big screen. A one-of-a-kind experience for film and music lovers alike.
The Carole King and James Taylor Story
📅 Friday, May 1 at 7:30 PM
📍 Bing Crosby Theater, Downtown Spokane
A live tribute celebrating two of the greatest singer-songwriters in American music history. Rich, nostalgic, and brilliantly performed.
Gimme Gimme Disco
📅 Friday, May 1 at 8:30 PM
📍 Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane
Dance to 70s hits and ABBA classics all night long. One of the most fun Friday night options in the city this weekend. Ages 21 and up.
Live Comedy: Rachel Feinstein
📅 Sunday, May 3 at 7:00 PM
📍 Spokane Comedy Club, Downtown Spokane
Nationally recognized stand-up comedian Rachel Feinstein takes the stage for a Sunday night show worth staying out for.
Game Night: Live Improv
📅 Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 PM
📍 The Blue Door Theatre, Spokane
Interactive, unscripted improv comedy built around audience participation. A great low-key Saturday night option for all ages.
🎉 Festivals and Community Events
Bloomsday 50th Anniversary Block Party
📅 Sunday, May 3 starting at 1:00 PM
📍 Kendall Yards Night Market, Spokane
Spokane's iconic road race turns 50 this year and the celebration continues into Sunday with live music, local vendors, and community energy. One of the biggest milestone moments in Spokane's event history. Do not miss it.
Pauline Pascal Flett Powwow
📅 Saturday, May 2 at 11:00 AM
📍 Pauline Flett Middle School, Spokane
A traditional cultural celebration featuring drumming, dancing, and over 30 local vendors. A meaningful and welcoming community event open to the public.
🍹 Food, Drinks and Social Events
Tacos and Tequila Crawl
📅 Saturday, May 2 starting at 12:00 PM
📍 Starting at Flatstick Pub, Downtown Spokane
A festive bar crawl through downtown Spokane's best spots. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon before an evening show.
Spill the Tea and Spirits: Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
📅 Saturday, May 2
📍 Browne Family Spirits Tasting Room and Distillery, Spokane
Dress in vintage florals for a Bridgerton-inspired Kentucky Derby viewing party featuring local tea cocktails and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. A uniquely Spokane afternoon.
Capybara Cafe
📅 Open This Weekend
📍 Spokane, WA
Still one of Spokane's most searched and talked-about cafe experiences. If you have not been yet, this is your weekend.
🌲 Outdoor Activities and Recreation
Free Horse and Carriage Rides at Riverfront Park
📅 Saturday, May 2, Afternoon
📍 Riverfront Spokane, Downtown
Complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides through the scenic beauty of Riverfront Park, made possible by Wheatland Bank. A perfect family-friendly Saturday activity with no cost involved.
Indian Painted Rocks Overlook Trail
📅 Open This Weekend
📍 Little Spokane River Natural Area, Spokane
A spring hike to view ancient native pictographs along the Little Spokane River. One of the most distinctive and culturally significant trails in the region. Beautiful in May.
Manito Park and Finch Arboretum
📅 Open Daily
📍 South Hill, Spokane
Two of Spokane's most beloved green spaces are at their peak in early May. The lilac garden at Manito is beginning to bloom and the arboretum is lush and walkable. Worth a slow morning visit.
Centennial Trail
📅 Open Daily
📍 Multiple Access Points, Spokane
37 miles of paved trail along the Spokane River. Ideal for walking, running, or biking this weekend while the weather is at its spring best.
🛍️ Markets and Local Shopping
Spring Pop Up Markets and Vendor Events
📅 Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3
📍 Various Locations, Spokane
Local spring markets and handmade vendor pop-ups are in full swing across the city this weekend. Check Spokane's local event pages for the most current locations. A great way to shop small and discover new makers in the community.
🎨 Workshops and Creative Experiences
Pottery and Creative Workshops
📅 This Weekend
📍 Various Studios, Spokane
Painting classes, pottery workshops, and DIY creative events are trending in Spokane right now. Check local studios and Eventbrite for this weekend's available sessions. A great rainy day backup plan or intentional Saturday activity.
A Weekend Worth Showing Up For
Spokane in early May is one of the best versions of this city. The trails are green, the event calendar is packed, and the energy across downtown and the neighborhoods is genuinely hard to match. Use this guide to plan your weekend and share it with someone who needs a plan.
