Fun, free things to do in Spokane
Nothing stirs up cabin fever quite like summertime! With long, sunny days calling you outside, finding ways to enjoy the season is a must. But constantly buying tickets for concerts, festivals, or events can get pricey fast. The good news? Spokane is packed with fun, free activities that won't break your budget. Reading magazines like Trending Northwest is a great way to stay in the loop with fun things to do. We've rounded up our own list to help you fill your calendar with affordable adventures for everyone to enjoy!
Explore Spokane parks
Spokane has 87 city parks that are free to the public. From Riverfront to Manito to Finch Arboretum, each park offers a new, exciting area to explore. Spokane’s proximity to nature provides unique access to lush trees, roaring waterfalls, and curated gardens within city limits. Challenge yourself to visit all 87 parks and discover a new favorite spot. Let us know which one tops your list!
Walk, run, or bike the Centennial Trail
Popular with runners, walkers, and cyclists, the Centennial Trail is the perfect way to take the scenic route through Spokane. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll with friends or biking to Kendall Yards on a warm evening, the trail offers a front-row view of historic neighborhoods and the stunning Spokane River. It’s a free and refreshing way to soak up the city’s beauty!
Visit the Chase Gallery
Appreciating art in Spokane doesn’t have to cost a thing! Several local galleries offer free admission, including the Chase Gallery downtown. With rotating exhibits featuring a variety of artists, there’s always something new to discover. Make it a regular stop and enjoy a fresh dose of air-conditioned creativity throughout the summer.
Window shop on Monroe Street
Monroe Street is a treasure trove of quirky antique shops, each packed with fascinating finds. Spend an afternoon browsing unique spots like Tossed and Found or 1889 Salvage Co., where vintage clothing, vinyl records, and retro appliances turn a simple stroll into a journey through history. You never know what hidden gems you’ll uncover — half the fun is the thrill of the hunt! Whether you’re digging through a box of old knickknacks or flipping through a rack of vintage threads, you're bound to stumble across something truly one-of-a-kind.
Float the river
With the right gear and safety precautions, floating the Spokane River is one of the best (and free!) ways to stay cool during the summer. It’s even more fun with a group of friends! Pro tip: leave one car parked at the end of your route and carpool to the starting point. It’ll save you from an unexpected hike once your float is over. Pack your favorite snacks, and plan to pull out at one of the sandy coves for a swim break. Feeling adventurous? Some people like to jump from the old bridge — but be careful! It might be smarter to stick to safe splashing and keep your emergency fund intact. Speaking of strengthening your savings, Canopy Credit Union offers a variety of accounts that will be there for you through any summer surprises! Check them out here.
Stroll the Spokane Sculpture Walk
This walk guides you from Washington State University’s Downtown campus and ends on the southeast corner of the Monroe Street Bridge. Tour downtown Spokane, get your steps in, and check out the amazing sculptures all over town!
Participate in a Hive workshop at the Spokane Library
Want to learn how to design an amazing print or write a thrilling story? Spokane Public Library hosts a variety of amazing workshops on a variety of subjects. Art classes can be expensive at studios, so participating in workshops through public libraries is a great way to try your hand at a new hobby and easily fit it into your budget. Creating art together is also a wonderful way to understand your friends on a deeper level! Plus, you get to take home something you feel proud of.
Come out for First Friday
First Friday is an art walk that happens on the first Friday of every month (fitting name, right?). Different restaurants, bars, and galleries in downtown Spokane host a variety of artists, so it’s a great way to pop into new establishments and explore the city. Warm evenings and extended daylight hours make wandering city streets as enjoyable as experiencing the music and art itself!
Visit a farmer’s market
You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy a farmers’ market — in fact, simply wandering through and soaking up the sights, smells, and sounds can be the best part! The Kendall Yards Night Market and Perry Street Farmers’ Market are both buzzing with local flavor and good vibes. Browse unique handmade goods, sample fresh produce, and catch some awesome live music — all for free!
Join a local run club
Looking for a fun, free way to stay active and meet new people? Spokane has a variety of run clubs that meet at local breweries like Uprise and Brick West. Unlike gym memberships, which can be pricey, run clubs are totally free and built around community. Runners of all experience levels are welcome, and the best part? Everyone usually hangs out at the brewery afterward to relax and socialize. Whether you're showing up solo or bringing friends, you'll likely leave with a few new ones. It’s the kind of routine you’ll actually look forward to.
Self-guided tour of historic Browne’s Addition houses
Did you know Browne’s Addition was Spokane’s first neighborhood? The Spokane Historical website provides a 1.5-mile tour that begins and ends at the MAC. As you stroll through the charming streets, you’ll get a glimpse into what life was like back in 1878, when just 54 people called the neighborhood home. It’s a free and fascinating way to connect with the city’s roots while enjoying a scenic walk.
Explore the Davenport Hotel
Staying the night at the Davenport Hotel might not be free, but exploring its historic beauty is! With grand marble floors, ornate woodwork, and elegant ballrooms, walking through the hotel feels like stepping into an episode of Bridgerton. Take your time wandering the carpeted halls and soaking in the timeless charm. Visiting with a special someone? Keep an eye out on the west side of the hotel — there's a hidden message etched into the molding that reads, “Will you marry me?”
Movies at the Pavilion
We love a good summer blockbuster, but there’s something special about re-watching a classic under the stars. Riverfront Park’s outdoor movie nights offer a movie-going experience like no other. Just grab a blanket, find a cozy spot on the grass, and enjoy a film projected on the big screen with the city skyline as your backdrop. Bring your own snacks or have dinner beforehand so you can kick back and relax without needing to grab anything on the go. Check out the full summer movie schedule here.
Go stargazing
Sometimes, the simplest moments make the best memories. Grab a blanket and take a short drive outside the city — one of Spokane’s greatest perks is how quickly you can escape into nature. Once you're far enough from the glow of city lights, the stars come alive overhead. Slow down, stretch out under the sky, and take it all in. You can look up constellations before you go and try to spot them, or just enjoy the quiet magic of a starlit night.
This summer…
The cost of living might be rising, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on living life to the fullest. We know how challenging it can feel to stick to a budget, which is why we’ve gathered these fun, free ways to enjoy everything Spokane has to offer. And if you're looking for more ways to take the pressure off your finances, Canopy Credit Union’s free financial coaching is here to help — offering personalized strategies to make your money go further.
Book a session today to talk through your unique goals and get started on a plan that works for you.
We can’t wait to see you out there enjoying Spokane!