Good morning, Spokane!
If your weekend smelled like lilacs and tasted like a freshly poured hazy IPA, you're not alone. Between the Torchlight Parade lighting up downtown Saturday night and 28 breweries kicking off Craft Beer Week, this city showed up in full force. It's 64 and overcast out there today, but this week's lineup should brighten things up.
In today's Spokane Pulse:
The Lilac Festival drew thousands to downtown for its 88th year
Spokane Craft Beer Week is officially underway with a collaboration brew
Stars on Ice brings Olympic medalists to Spokane Arena Thursday
And much more!
Let's get to it.
— Laina & Lucas Wyland
This Past Weekend
🌸 The Spokane Lilac Festival celebrated its 88th year Saturday with the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade marching through downtown at 7:45 PM. This year's route was cut in half as the city works to control security and logistics costs, but spectators still lined the streets hours early to claim their spots. The Cruzin' the Falls Car Show and float viewing rounded out a full day of festivities.
🍺 Spokane Craft Beer Week launched Saturday at the Lilac Festival Brewfest and runs through May 23, with all 28 local breweries participating. The headliner: a collaboration hazy IPA called "509 Brew Parade" featuring notes of pineapple, mango, and limeade, with proceeds supporting the Lilac Festival.
⚽ Spokane Zephyr FC dominated Brooklyn FC with a 4-0 shutout Saturday afternoon at ONE Spokane Stadium. The win came on the same day as the Lilac Parade, making it a double celebration for fans who caught both events downtown.
🏃 Thousands of runners hit the pavement Sunday for the Windermere Marathon, which included a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids fun run through Spokane's streets. The annual race has become a spring tradition for the local running community.
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Events This Week
🌍 Global Food & Art Market
An outdoor market in the Garland District featuring food, art, and live music from Spokane's immigrant and refugee community.
Details: Tuesday, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM at The Gathering House
Cost: Free
See More: Thrive International
😂 Clean Comedy Open Mic Night
Free laughs on a Tuesday: local comedians and brave newcomers take the stage for a clean comedy showcase.
Details: Tuesday, 7:00 PM at Spokane Comedy Club
Cost: Free
See More: Spokane Comedy Club
⛸️ 2026 Stars on Ice Tour
Olympic gold medalists and world champions fresh from Milan hit the ice, featuring Ilia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, and Alysa Liu.
Details: Thursday, 7:00 PM at Spokane Arena
Cost: $42.25 - $152.25
See More: Spokane Arena
🎭 EWU Presents: The Bright Lights of Broadway
Eastern Washington University's music program brings a Broadway-centered concert to the Fox, with students, faculty, and alumni performing solos, ensembles, and a rousing all-cast finale.
Details: Thursday, 7:30 PM at The Fox Theater Spokane
Cost: $23 general / $12 students & seniors
See More: Fox Theater
🍻 Uprise Beer Dinner
The 4th annual six-course, beer-paired dinner curated by chef Andrew Blakely and brewer Riley Elmer during Craft Beer Week. Only 40 seats available.
Details: Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Uprise Brewing Co.
See More: Eventbrite
Community Spotlight
What's your pick? Spokane Craft Beer Week is in full swing with 28 breweries participating. We want to know: what's your favorite local brewery in Spokane?
Hit reply and tell us your go-to spot and what you're ordering.
Thank You!
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