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5 Fun Things to do in Downtown Spokane

Spokane Riverfront Park

5 Fun Things to do in Downtown Spokane

Spokane is a city full of history and reputation, from hosting the world’s fair to inventing Father’s day… But what is there to do in downtown Spokane in this day and age?

If you are fortunate to find yourself in the beautiful downtown Spokane area here are a few of our top 5 fun things to do.

Let’s get to it!

1. Spokane Falls

Did you know that Spokane was originally called ‘Spokane Falls?’ Spokane comes from the Indian word for “swift-water.” It’s a fitting name considering this beautiful waterfall in the middle of downtown Spokane. (Click to Learn About the Redevelopment of Riverfront Park)

Take a stroll on a bridge above the Upper Spokane falls near Downtown Spokane.

If waterfalls are your thing be sure to check out Spokane Falls in the spring as this is when it is most powerful (31,000 cubic feet per second powerful.)

With a beautiful park and bridges, there are plenty of angles to view and experience the waterfall, not to mention grab that perfect Instagram pic. Rainbows are highly common in the falls, which has earned it quite the reputation.

The river runs through downtown Spokane. The falls are just a few minutes walk away.

2. Iron Goat Brewing Co.

Iron Goat is part of the Inland Northwest Ale Trail an organization set up to promote local breweries on the network. When you visit any affiliated brewery you know that you will be sampling some of the finest local craft beers.

Iron Goat Brewing started with a conversation in a local Spokane bar between two strangers and has now become a fully established brewery complete with a kitchen, taproom and a wide selection of beers/sours.

Photo by, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ikrichter/

The Garbage Goat, created by Paula Turnball, can be found in Downtown Spokane

To date, the brewery has crafted over 150 beers and has a seasonally rotating menu.

If you’re interested in local beer and cuisine then you’d better pay a visit while in Downtown Spokane.

Why the name Iron Goat? Paula Turnball created a metal goat with a built in trash-vacuum for the World Expo in 1974. The unusual sculpture can be viewed in Riverfront Park and has become a local icon.

(Watch a local news story about the Garbage Goat here)

Don’t worry if a beer isn’t your thing, they have plenty of other options available including wine.

Why not ask for an Inland Northwest Ale Trail Map (Click To See The Map), while you are there to get some more great ideas about other local spots you can go to on your adventure!

3. River Park Square

Located smack-bang in the middle of downtown Spokane, River Park Square is a prime location for dining, entertainment, and shopping. The mall and the surrounding area have a wide range of ways to spend your time.

Entertainment:

  • 20 screen AMC Theater: located on the third floor this is one of the best movie theaters in Spokane.
  • Kress Art Gallery: showcases art from local ‘rising stars’ and students.
  • Mobius Children’s Museum: a place where kids and families can play and learn about culture, art and science through hands-on activities.

Shopping:

River Park Square has a wide collection and variety of some of the biggest brand names and local stores.

  • Apple Store
  • Nordstrom
  • Urban Outfitters
  • Pendleton
  • Sephora
  • North Face
  • The Walking Company
  • Polka dot pottery – paint your own masterpiece.
  • Made in Washington – Northwest gifts.
  • Francesca’s – a boutique featuring whimsical & eclectic collections of gifts, handbags, shoes, clothes and jewelry.
  • TO MARKET: Showcasing the work of local entrepreneurs, crafters, and artisans this unique store has a wide variety of gifts, home decorative items, and goods.

Classic woolen blankets like this can be found at the Pendleton store in Downtown Spokane.

Restaurants:

  • PF Chang’s: Asian cuisine with a farm to wok philosophy.
  • Twigs – this locally owned martini bar is a real hit with regulars and visitors alike. It’s frequently voted to be one of the best Martini bars around.
  • Tortilla Union: Newly opened in 2016, Tortilla Union is a celebration of Southwestern food and drink.
  • Sushi Maru: Creative and traditional sushi served in a relaxing, friendly environment.

Be sure to check out the River Park Square website for information on upcoming sales and events.

There are also meeting facilities available. You can reserve the fan suite for a meeting or private event.

Clever Neighbor tip: You can park in the parking garage and receive a $3 parking discount from selected stores while parking after 5 pm is only $4 which is great if you’re attending the theater or another event in downtown Spokane.

4. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox

The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox began as a Fox movie theater in 1931. It was the largest theater in downtown Spokane with 2,300 seats!

The Martin Woldson Theater in Downtown Spokane is a lovely venue.

Designed by Robert Reamer it was the first building in Spokane to have air conditioning and was home to many stars such as Catherine Hepburn and Frank Sinatra.

The theater has made it onto the National Register of Historic Places despite almost being demolished in 2000. Through the generosity of Martin Woldson and his daughter, the theater was saved and given a renovation.

After the makeover and a new name, the theater is now one of the treasures of downtown Spokane offering a

prime location for many performances.

The Spokane Symphony calls the theater home. It is available for weddings as well.

To see what’s on during your visit in downtown Spokane check out their website.

5. Manito Park

If you need to clear your head for a while Manito Park is just a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride from downtown Spokane.

This 90-acre park has been around since 1903 and is a great place to escape the city without leaving the city limits!

Manito park features rose gardens, Japanese gardens, and even a year-round conservatory that is full of tropical and exotic desert plants. It’s common to see geese and ducks in the pond. There are plenty of places to stroll, sit down and relax.

The park is open daily and entry is free of charge.

An early photo of the construction of the Monroe Street Bridge in Downtown Spokane.

Downtown Spokane

For more information check out our other guides. Clever Neighbor exists to give you neighborly insight into the best things to see and do in cities near and far.

Contact us to feature your Spokane business with Clever Neighbor.

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