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Good morning, Spokane!

Hope you got a little river time this weekend, because the week ahead is stacked — country on the river, the Garland market’s last July night, and a museum that stays open after dark. It’s sunny and in the mid-to-upper 80s today, so ease in.

In today’s Spokane Pulse:

Let’s get to it.

— Laina & Lucas Wyland

🪵 A Spokesman-Review profile this weekend introduced Spokane to David Young of Big Rock Bows, a former wildlife biologist who now hand-builds 30 to 40 custom bows a year at his ranch near Valleyford — and who spent a season on the History Channel’s Alone. He also teaches two-, three-, and five-day bowmaking classes, with one on the calendar in August.

💦 Splash Down Family Water Park threw open its gates in Spokane Valley on Friday, and admission is a flat $10 for everyone. The 11127 E. Mission Ave. park has been a Valley summer tradition since 1983, and per KHQ the owners kept their reopening message simple: “Thanks to everyone who stuck with us.”

🏒 The Spokane Chiefs handed over $7,500 to the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project this weekend, the proceeds from their Military Appreciation Night jersey auction. The money supports Gold Star families of service members from across the Pacific Northwest.

🌳 As heat maps keep showing some Spokane neighborhoods running up to 14 degrees hotter than the leafy South Hill, the city’s SpoCanopy and CoolCanopy programs have already planted more than 1,000 trees this year. The free six-to-eight-foot trees are going first to West Central, Emerson-Garfield, East Central, and northeast Spokane.

🏆 The Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame named its 2026 class this weekend, and it has local roots: Eastern Washington’s Pam Parks, the winningest volleyball coach in program history with 291 wins, goes in alongside longtime Idaho football coach Dennis Erickson.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of Scottish culture, music, athletics, dancing, and family fun on August 1st from 9 am - 5 pm!

Explore clan tents, Celtic vendors, demonstrations, and live entertainment throughout the day. With affordable admission and free parking, the Spokane Scottish Highland Games is an event you don't want to miss!

https://www.spokanehighlandgames.net/

Now Open

🎨 Distort — a locally owned art gallery and underground record-and-zine shop in the old Tiny Tiki space at 307 W. 2nd Ave., with rotating monthly artists and community workshops on the way.

🌭 Izzie’s K-Dogs — Korean-style corn dogs downtown at 707 W. Main Ave. in the Crescent Building, open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The country singer brings The Day I Hang It Up Tour 2026 to the Gesa Pavilion, with Corey Kent along for the ride.

The Garland District’s open-air market wraps its July run — international food, live music, and handmade goods from refugee and immigrant makers.

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture stays open into the evening with live music from The Walleye and its galleries lit up after dark.

Spokane’s favorite riverside night market returns with artisans, food trucks, and live music along the Centennial Trail.

The Downtown Spokane Partnership closes out the week with a free group workout on the Post Street festival street; check-in opens at 5:30.

The Dallas alt-country lifers roll into the Knitting Factory behind three decades of twang-and-crunch, with River Shook opening.

🎸 Shinedown brings the Dance, Kid, Dance Act II tour to Numerica Veterans Arena with Coheed and Cambria. (August 14)

🎤 John Mulaney takes his Mister Whatever stand-up tour to BECU Live at Northern Quest. (August 28)

⭐ Anne Wilson plays the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on the third leg of her GRAMMY-nominated Stars tour. (September 11)

🎶 for KING + COUNTRY kick off their brand-new Most Beautiful Colours tour right here at the First Interstate Center. (September 24)

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What’s the Spokane summer tradition you never skip? A $10 afternoon at the water park? A lap through the Garland market? Manito at golden hour, or a float down the river? Hit reply and tell us the one you’d never trade — we’re collecting the best ones to share.

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