Districts of Spokane, Part 1: Downtown & Riverfront Revival

Spokane’s city center at its summer best

By Like Media Team

August hits different in Spokane. Long days stretch into warm nights, the river runs steady through the city, and downtown pulses with summer energy. It’s a time when patios fill, trails buzz with locals and tourists, and the creative heartbeat of the city is on full display. This month, we’re kicking off a three-part series exploring Spokane’s most defining districts—starting with the one that’s always moving: Downtown and the Riverfront.

Where Old Meets New

Downtown Spokane blends historic grit with fresh momentum. Turn a corner and you’ll find early 1900s architecture wrapped around modern concepts—coffee shops in brick warehouses, bars with repurposed neon, and retail that celebrates Spokane's creative streak.

At the heart of it all is Riverfront Park, a 100-acre downtown landmark shaped by Expo ’74 and reimagined for today. The park is home to the Gesa Credit Union Pavilion, a massive structure that now lights up the Spokane skyline with colorful LED shows at night. The Looff Carrousel, Numerica Skate Ribbon, SkyRide over the Falls, and accessible playgrounds make this space a magnet for families, photographers, and people just looking for a place to pause.

This is where Spokane gathers—for concerts, food truck rallies, Indigenous art markets, and quiet lunch breaks by the river.

Local Eats with a View

Downtown Spokane has no shortage of local food and drink spots that thrive in summer. The Roof at The Davenport Grand is open seasonally, serving rooftop cocktails and flatbreads with skyline views. It’s just across from the park and a go-to for golden hour.

For a riverside experience that’s still close to the action, check out Osprey Restaurant & Bar at the Ruby River Hotel. With a patio overlooking the Spokane River, it’s a laid-back spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner with seasonal menus and local ingredients.

Closer to the center of downtown, Wiley’s Downtown Bistro on West 1st offers elevated comfort food in a relaxed setting. And inside River Park Square, Hello Sugar delivers mini donuts with rotating glazes and solid espresso.

Shop Small, Shop Local

The downtown core supports a vibrant shopping scene made up of small, independent businesses. From Here, located inside River Park Square at 808 W Main Avenue, Suite 251, features locally made art, jewelry, candles, prints, and gifts—all created by Spokane artists and makers. Just a short walk away, Terrain Gallery at 628 N Monroe Street showcases contemporary art in rotating exhibitions throughout the year, offering a deeper dive into the local arts scene. A few blocks south, Atticus Coffee & Gifts, at 222 N Howard Street, pairs house-roasted coffee with curated gifts, books, prints, and vintage Spokane merch. Right next door at 232 N Howard Street, Boo Radley’s adds personality to downtown with offbeat gifts, nostalgic finds, and Spokane-themed gear—it’s the kind of shop where you’re almost guaranteed to discover something unexpected.

Culture, Creativity, and Character

Summer weekends downtown often mean running into live music, art walks, or pop-up markets. The First Friday Art Walk is a monthly event where galleries, boutiques, and breweries host local artists and musicians. Just follow the crowd, and you’ll land somewhere cool.

If you’re into performance, check the schedules for Bing Crosby Theater or The Fox Theater—each offers a different flavor of local and touring talent.

Even just walking downtown can feel like a cultural experience. Murals splash color across alleyways and walls, many created by local artists through community initiatives. Don’t miss the installations along Main Avenue, Post Street, and the underpasses near the park.

Worth the Trip, Every Time

Downtown Spokane doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s a mix of new and old—brick buildings, street art, river trails, music you can hear before you see where it’s coming from. In August, it’s just easy to be here. Grab something cold, take your time, and let the city show up how it does best—one block at a time.

Find more articles from this month's edition here!