Annual summer and fall events in the Inland Northwest
The Inland Northwest offers not just beautiful scenery but incredible events and entertainment throughout the year. During the warmer months, communities take advantage of the clear skies and temperate weather, as well as the many happenings occurring around them—especially those that can be found outdoors. From festivals and fairs, marathons and biking events, food celebrations and more, there is no shortage of fun to be had. Dozens of farmers markets can be found peppered from Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene to Post Falls, and across the border into Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley and Spokane. Outdoor music series are also abundant in our neck of the woods, with many offering weekly performances throughout the summer months.
Check out some of the events you won’t want to miss!
2022 Summer & Fall COE
JULY 2022
July 14 - 16 CRAVE! CRAVE! has made a name for itself over the years as the must-attend culinary event not to miss right here in the Inland Northwest. This premier food and drink celebration returns to Spokane Valley CenterPlace July 14 through 16, showcasing the creative talents of visionary chefs and tastemakers from around the region while highlighting flavors of the great Northwest.
July 28 - August 7
Festival at Sandpoint Sandpoint puts on an unforgettable live music experience each summer, featuring a variety of popular musicians, from country and rock to blues and orchestra. All performances are held in a beautiful outdoor setting under the stars on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at Memorial Field. To see the full lineup, and purchase your tickets today, visit FestivalatSandpoint.com.
July 31
Post Falls Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon Held at Q’emiln Park in Post Falls, the annual Post Falls Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon is a USAT-sanctioned event and includes a 5k swim, 19k bike and 5k run. The race begins at 7am and is chip timed, and snacks and an award ceremony will follow the race. For additional information, and to register for the event or to volunteer, visit PostFallsIdaho.org/triathlon.
AUGUST 2022
August 5 - 7
Art on the Green The original Coeur d'Alene arts festival, Art on the Green has been supporting artists, arts education and community projects for more than five decades. Held on the grounds of North Idaho College, the 54th annual event brings together artists, musicians and performers, handcrafted artwork, beer garden and food court, juried art show and a children's art garden. For additional details, visit ArtontheGreenCdA.com.
August 19 - 28 North Idaho State Fair Carnival rides, fair food, monster trucks, 4-H and FFA shows, and more, is what you'll find at the North Idaho State Fair. Held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene, mark your calendars for August 19 through 28, where you'll enjoy fun-filled days for all ages. For up-to-date information, and to purchase tickets, visit NISFair.fun.
August 31 - September 5 Pig Out in the Park Held during Labor Day Weekend at Riverfront Park, this favorite six-day food and free music festival offers a tasty menu of food, fun and entertainment. The 2022 event features 90 free concerts on three stages, over 50 food booths, three adult beverage gardens, and 40 public market booths. Hours are 11am to 10pm daily. Visit PigOutinthePark.com to find out more.
SEPTEMBER 2022
September 9 - 18 Spokane County Interstate Fair The best way to celebrate the end of the summer season, the Spokane County Interstate Fair returns for the 2022 season, kicking off September 9 and continuing through September 18. Whether you're looking for carnival rides, entertainment, animals, exhibitors, or food, the Spokane Interstate Fair has it all. 2022 highlights include acts like Nelly and Cole Swindell live in concert, PRCA Rodeo Nights, Demo Derby, Cornhole Tournament, and Art Walk. Purchase tickets online at TheSpokaneFair.com.
September 12 - 17 WaCanId Ride The WaCanId is an annual Rotarian-supported bicycle tour taking cyclists on paved roads encircling the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Canada and Idaho. During the six-day ride, cyclists will cover 370 miles, which showcases majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, rivers, and the world's longest free scenic fairy. Additional details, as well as the link to register to participate, can be found at WaCanId.org.
September 23 - 25 Valleyfest Spokane Valley's premier community event since 1990, the three-day celebration includes fun outdoor activities, food, music, and other family friendly events. This all-ages event is held across three locations: CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley, and Plantes Ferry Park in Spokane. Admission is free to attend. Check out Valleyfest.org to find out all that’s planned for this year’s Valleyfest.
OCTOBER 2022
October 1 & 2 Custer's 47th Annual Fall Antique & Collectors Sale A two-day vintage sale unlike any other, and held at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center, Custer's annual Antique and Collectors Sale brings together dealers from across the Northwest selling everything from rare to retro. Make plans to spend a day, or two, shopping among thousands of unique items, from kitchenware and industrial, furniture and rustic garden, to elegant glass, prints, estate and costume jewelry, and more! Visit CusterShows.com.
October 15 Hayden Lake Marathon This annual marathon, half marathon and 1/4 marathon takes place in Hayden Lake, offering runners breathtaking views while running past golf courses, lakes, horse pastures, farms and forests, finishing at Hayden Lake's Honeysuckle Beach. Mark your calendars for the Hayden Lake Marathon on October 15, and register today at HaydenLakeMarathon.org to take part in this beautiful fall run.
October 29 Fall Fest & Apple Palooza Join the Kootenai Farmers Market and Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association on Saturday, October 29, for Fall Fest and Apple Palooza. From 10am to 3pm, shop the season's harvest from local farmers market vendors at Fifth Street and Sherman Avenue, enjoy live music and food, and get your tickets to participate in the delicious fall apple tasting event, Apple Palooza. Get your tickets online at CdADowntown.com. NOVEMBER 2022
November 12 & 13 Fall Folk Festival 2022 marks the Spokane Folklore Society's 27th annual Fall Folk Festival, where attendees are invited to celebrate cultural diversity. The two-day event is free to the public and features traditional and ethnic dance, music, workshops, special entertainment, traditional crafts sale and more. Festival hours are 11am to 10pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday. All events are held at Spokane Community College in The Lair. Visit SpokaneFolkFestival.org to find out more about this year's event.
November 18 Epicurean Delight Epicurean Delight celebrates its 40th year on November 18 at the Spokane Convention Center. Guests will enjoy an evening of delicious gourmet food from area restaurants and libations from area wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. Live entertainment, awards, dancing and more round out the event. This night of epicurean delights is for those 21 and older, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Blood Center Foundation of the Inland Northwest and Vitalant. Tickets can be purchased at EpicureanDelight.org.
November 25
Lighting Ceremony, Parade & Fireworks
Each year, the day after Thanksgiving, locals and visitors alike head downtown in Coeur d’Alene for the Lighting Ceremony, Parade and Fireworks show. All ages will enjoy this evening, replete with a holiday parade down Sherman Avenue starting at 5pm, followed by an incredible fireworks display over the lake, and concluding with the lighting ceremony, in which more than 1.5 million lights brighten the area with a flip of a switch. Find out more at CdADowntown.com.
