Under the Lilac City Sky: Summer Nights in Spokane
A Spokane summer night can feel almost endless. In June and July, daylight lingers well past 9 PM, and the warmth of the day gives way to a balmy evening breeze. It’s the perfect time to head outside. Let’s explore some of the city and area’s afternoon and evening options!
Outdoors Evenings
One beloved local pastime is floating down the Spokane River on an inflatable tube—arguably the quintessential summer ritual. Drifting along the river’s gentle current as the sun sets is a blissful way to cool off after a hot day. (Don’t forget your life jacket—it’s required by law for river floats in Spokane County and keeps the fun safe and worry-free.)
If moving water isn’t your thing, going to the lake is practically a religion here. Within an hour’s drive of Spokane, there are 76 lakes to choose from—from the clear calm of Medical Lake to the expansive blues of Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille. Many students make day trips to swim, paddleboard, or lounge on a dock until twilight streaks the sky pink. There’s nothing quite like cooling off in a lake at dusk and watching the stars appear over the ponderosa pines.
Float the Spokane River | Spokane Rivers and Lakes Guide
Hiking, Climbing, and Camping
Spokane’s surroundings are outdoor playgrounds. When the heat subsides, local trails become inviting avenues for evening adventures. At Rocks of Sharon in Iller Creek, scramble up granite outcrops for sunset panoramas of the valley. On weekends, some Zags venture to Mount Spokane State Park or Riverside State Park to camp under clear skies. Gather friends around a campfire, roast s’mores, and swap stories until the Milky Way appears overhead. If you’re not up for camping, a simple barbecue in a city park can be magical on a warm evening. Grill up burgers at Manito Park or down in Peaceful Valley and soak up Spokane’s mellow twilight atmosphere.
Local Hiking and Camping | Spokane Park BBQ Info
Community & Culture Under the Stars
Spokane summers also mean vibrant community events. Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, transforms downtown into a festive playground each June. Evening brings music, food trucks, and spirited gatherings all over the city. The Kendall Yards Night Market offers a hip alternative, with local art, live music, and delicious bites against a sunset skyline. Neighborhood markets like South Perry’s Thursday Market and the Scale House Market further enrich Spokane’s summer community vibe.
Hoopfest | Kendall Yards Night Market | Scale House Market | Thursday Market
Outdoor Performances & Sports
Catch Shakespeare in the Park, with productions like "As You Like It" performed under the open sky. Spokane Indians baseball games at Avista Stadium are classic summer fare, complete with fireworks after Friday home games. Soccer fans can experience the buzz of USL Spokane matches downtown, with both women’s and men’s teams (Zephyr and Velocity, respectively). With these options, summer nights here are never short on excitement.
Summer Theater Guide | Spokane Indians Baseball | USL Spokane Soccer
Indoor Escapes & Nightlife
Sometimes the best summer night is indoors. Touring Broadway shows regularly grace Spokane’s First Interstate Center for the Arts, while local theaters like Spokane Civic Theatre present diverse productions. Movie buffs can visit the historic Garland Theater or Magic Lantern Theatre for indie films. Summer also means lively concerts—from large shows at Northern Quest Casino’s outdoor venue to intimate acoustic sets in downtown coffeehouses and restaurants.
Broadway Spokane | Magic Lantern Theatre | Spokane Live Entertainment
Trivia, Games, and Late-Night Fun
Trivia nights are hugely popular, offering a lively way to test your knowledge at spots like The Bar at Pizza Pipeline and Boiler Room, both friendly for under-21 students. Game enthusiasts can head to Uncle’s Games downtown or Gamer’s Haven for evening tabletop gaming sessions. There’s even a cool little shop in Hillyard called Bear Totem where they run a D&D campaign every Thursday night in-store with a huge selection of miniatures – anyone can drop in, grab a character sheet and a miniature, and join the adventure!
Spokane Game Stores
Pig Out in the Park
Summer concludes spectacularly with Pig Out in the Park, a Labor Day weekend festival that transforms Riverfront Park into a lively feast of food and music. It’s a perfect opportunity for students to mingle with the Spokane community, savoring everything from local delicacies to free concerts under the stars.
Pig Out in the Park