The Inlander’s readers know what’s up in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area. When we asked them about the best arts and culture events in the region, here’s what they told us. The events listed below received the most votes in our poll of readers for the Inlander’s annual Best of the Inland Northwest issue.

TERRAIN
Every fall, without a doubt, there’s a line around the block in downtown Spokane of excited people waiting to enter an… abandoned building? No need to worry, it’s just Spokane’s biggest celebration of local art: Terrain! Put on by the arts nonprofit of the same name, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind event. Hundreds of artists get to display their work in the heart of downtown for the once-a-year, one-night showcase highlighting every facet of the region’s thriving art scene. The festival doesn’t just include paintings, drawings and sculptures — Terrain is filled with whimsical installations, dance performances, live music, poetry and so much more. Run by dynamic duo Ginger Ewing and Jackie Caro, Terrain celebrates its 16th iteration in 2025, and you’ll definitely have FOMO if you don’t attend.
First Friday in October, Downtown Spokane: 314 W. Riverside Ave., terrainspokane.com

EMERGE BLOCK PARTY
The Coeur d’Alene arts nonprofit’s annual Block Party is the perfect place to learn about local art and connect with the artists creating it. With over 100 artists featured in the event’s gallery show, this is just one facet of the block party, which also includes exciting outdoor festivities, like live local music, interactive art activities, food trucks and more.
Every July, Coeur d’Alene: 119 N. Second St., emergecda.com

SPOKANE PRIDE
VOTED BEST CULTURAL EVENT OF 2025
From its inception in the ’90s, when there were only a few hundred attendees, Spokane Pride has come a long way, Executive Director Matthew Danielson says. Back then, “people marched with paper bags [on their faces] because they didn’t want to lose their jobs,” he says. Pride in Spokane looks very different today. The high-profile event has the institutional support of the city and dozens of corporate sponsors. There are numerous Pride events scattered throughout the entire month, and in 2024, around 50,000 people attended.
Every June, Downtown Spokane: Riverfront Park, spokanepride.org

EWU’S GET LIT!
For two-plus decades, writers have gathered in Spokane every April to celebrate the literary arts, from poetry and prose to nonfiction and short stories. Eastern Washington University’s Get Lit! Festival features local, regional and nationally recognized headlining authors putting on workshops, hosting panels and interacting with Spokane’s literary community. Hosted in April each year, it’s the longest-running literary festival in the state of Washington.
Every April, Downtown Spokane: various locations, inside.ewu.edu/getlit

PIG OUT IN THE PARK
Nothing brings people together like food, and that’s exactly what Pig Out in the Park has sought to do for the past 45 years. The six-day-long local food festival features a wide range of food booths, free entertainment from local bands, beer gardens and tons of fun in the sun in Spokane’s Riverfront Park through Labor Day weekend. Featuring treats like deep-fried lasagna, bacon-wrapped hot dogs and cheesy slices of pizza, there’s an indulgence for everyone at Pig Out.
Labor Day weekend, Downtown Spokane: Riverfront Park, spokanepigout.com

ARTFEST AT THE MAC
VOTED BEST ARTS FESTIVAL OF 2025
When the weather warms, out come the tables, booths and banners announcing that art and craft festival season has arrived for those willing to brave the region’s sometimes unpredictable late spring/early summer weather. Hosted by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture on its idyllic Browne’s Addition campus, ArtFest at the MAC marks the beginning of summer with a bright, colorful bang! ArtFest is a three-day festival featuring more than 70 local and regional artists handpicked for their excellence and innovation. This year is the festival’s 40th anniversary, yet another reason to ready your overcoat (or umbrella or sunglasses) and embrace the arts.
Late May/early June, Browne’s Addition: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. northwestmuseum.org

SPOKANE FALL FOLK FESTIVAL
Dust off your fiddles and pan flutes, and grab your dancing shoes because there’s no event quite like the Fall Folk Festival. Held annually at Spokane Community College, the festival takes over nearly every corner of the school’s Lair Student Center with music emanating from every room, hallway and cranny. Over the course of two days, attendees can expect spur-of-the-moment jam sessions, contra dance classes, vendors selling handmade wares, and performances by area folk and bluegrass groups. There’s no better way to get into the autumnal spirit.
Every November, East Spokane: Spokane Community College, spokanefolkfestival.org

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Launched in 1994, Unity in the Community is Spokane’s annual celebration of the region’s diversity. The event aims to forge connections between residents and foster a sense of togetherness through cultural performances, traditional food offerings and a cultural village where attendees can learn about the different cultures present in Spokane.
Every August, Downtown Spokane: Riverfront Park. nwunity.org

ART ON THE GREEN
For three days each August, the pine tree-covered grounds of North Idaho College’s campus are taken over by dozens of artists showcasing their fine art, crafts, sculpture and more. Attendees can enjoy the sun while browsing local and regional art galore and supporting art programs in North Idaho and beyond. From kids workshops to juried art shows, Art on the Green offers new and exciting opportunities every year.
Every August, Coeur d’Alene: North Idaho College, artonthegreencda.com

BAZAAR
Terrain’s outdoor summer art market has become a sunny day staple in Spokane’s annual calendar. Having celebrated its 10th year in 2024, Bazaar features over 100 booths of locally made art, crafts and goods along with food, kids’ activities and live music from local acts right in the middle of downtown Spokane on Main Avenue. Ginger Ewing, co-founder of Terrain, told the Inlander: “We specifically did it in the heart of downtown Spokane and the retail corridor of Spokane to make a statement that, yes, these larger corporate businesses are an important part of the economy, but so are smaller artists and arts-based businesses.”
Every June, Downtown Spokane: Main Ave. & Post St, terrainspokane.com