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Good morning, Spokane!

We've officially reached that magical stretch of May where Spokane actually smells like lilacs instead of road construction on Division. The Torchlight Parade is lighting up downtown Saturday night, the Fox Theater is hosting a Studio Ghibli orchestral tribute tomorrow, and the Windermere Marathon takes over Riverfront Park on Sunday morning. Your yard can wait.

In today's Spokane Pulse:

Let's get to it.
— Laina & Lucas Wyland

🎻 Zuill Bailey String Celebrations brings world-class chamber music to Barrister Winery with two programs. Saturday features "Lyrical Romance" and Sunday brings "From a Summer in Florence," both with the Balourdet String Quartet and cellist Zuill Bailey.

🛍️ Lilac City Vendor Fair sets up at Northtown Mall from Friday through Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM daily. Browse local artisans, handmade goods, and small-batch finds at this outdoor market hosted by Little Local Shop during Lilac Festival week.

Experience the spellbinding scores of Hayao Miyazaki's beloved films performed live by a full orchestra at the Fox Theater.

Australian singer-songwriter John Butler brings his signature blend of roots, folk, and rock to the Knitting Factory.

Spokane Civic Theatre brings Victor Hugo's classic to life with soaring music and a powerful stage adaptation.

Salsa, bachata, and cha cha take over the Montvale Event Center for a high-energy evening of Latin rhythms and social dancing.

🎨🌿 50 professional artists will transform the John A. Finch Arboretum into a living outdoor studio this Saturday (10am-4pm) during Forest to Frame, Spokane’s largest plein air art festival.

At this free event, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live music, crafts for all ages, an art market, food, drinks, and botanical photo ops, while watching painters, sculptors, and creators turn the beauty of the arboretum into original works of art in real time.

Learn more at: spokaneartschool.net/foresttoframe/

The event will go on, rain or shine!

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Cheer on Spokane Zephyr FC as they take on Brooklyn FC in USL Super League action at ONE Spokane Stadium.

Downtown Spokane glows as the annual Torchlight Parade marches a newly updated route with bands, military units, and community floats.

Reel in an evening of fishing films and good vibes at the Magic Lantern Theatre for this one-night screening event.

Browse local vendors, artisan goods, and seasonal finds at this outdoor market in downtown Spokane, aligned with the Lilac Festival.

Learn the basics of screen printing and create your own design at Spokane Print & Publishing Center's hands-on workshop.

Local designer Tori Thurman teaches tips for transforming thrift store finds into wearable pieces at Spokane Zero Waste.

Spokane Velocity FC hosts Las Vegas in USL League One action for a Sunday afternoon match at ONE Spokane Stadium.

Choose from a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, or kids fun run starting at Riverfront Park for this annual spring classic.

The Spokane Youth Symphony takes the Fox Theater stage for their season finale concert celebrating young musical talent.

Strike a yoga pose and cuddle adoptable puppies at this feel-good event combining fitness with furry friends.

🌲 A 72-year-old Newport man is donating 885 acres to the Kalispel Tribe through a conservation easement, protecting 0.75 miles of Little Spokane River frontage and habitat for wolves, elk, and bald eagles.

🏀 With roughly 2,000 teams already signed up and youth participation nearly tripled in recent years, Hoopfest 2026 registration hits its guaranteed-entry deadline this Saturday, May 17.

🏅 Four University High students who learned CPR just three weeks earlier were honored with Spokane Valley Fire Department Lifesaving Awards after helping save an unconscious man found in a hotel pool.

☕ The Spokane City Council unanimously approved a new public spaces program that streamlines permits for sidewalk cafes, street eateries, and parklets downtown.

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