VALLEYFEST: EXPERIENCE THE CITY LIKE A TRUE LOCAL
Every September, the City of Spokane Valley comes alive with the sights and sounds of Valleyfest, the city’s most cherished community celebration. From Friday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 22, this festival invites everyone to enjoy a weekend filled with live entertainment, daily activities for all ages, and opportunities to recognize the talents of the city’s youth.
Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, Valleyfest is your chance to experience the City like a true local. See why this festival is a highlight of the city’s social calendar and be part of a tradition that brings joy to all who attend.
Friday, Sept. 20 Valleyfest Events
The weekend’s festivities begin Friday at 6:15 p.m. with the ever-popular bed races, a quirky and competitive event where teams of costumed participants race down Sprague Avenue on beds outfitted with wheels. It’s a sight that brings together creativity, speed, and a lot of fun, offering participants and spectators an unforgettable start to the weekend.
As the last bed wheels cross the finish line, the excitement rolls right into the Hearts of Gold Parade at 7:30 p.m., which honors the Valley’s heritage as an agricultural center through the years. The parade is a vibrant procession of floats, bands, custom cars, musicians, ranch and farm animals, and more, winding their way from N. Gillis (at the Appleway Florist) to N. Perrine Road (at the UGM Thrift Store).
For those planning to enjoy either of these events, arrive early—Sprague Avenue between University Road and N. Pines Road will close to traffic at 6:00 p.m. Take advantage of this time to enjoy the array of eateries lining the parade route, offering everything from classic pub grub and pizza to flavorful Mexican and Chinese cuisine. With over 30 restaurants, finding the perfect pre-event meal is easy.
Saturday, Sept. 21 Valleyfest Events
Saturday’s Valleyfest events get underway with the Down Syndrome Walk at CenterPlace at 9:00 a.m. Historically, this event has drawn more than 500 participants. It begins at the Discovery Park playground and includes fun activities for kids, such as face painting, bubbles, and an inflatable maze. Early registration is now open, and participants must register by Aug. 15 to receive a t-shirt. Participants can also register on the morning of the event.
The fun continues with the launch of the STEAM showcase (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Great Room of CenterPlace Regional Event Center. This event allows kids and parents to dive into a world of innovation as businesses, schools, and enthusiastic STEAM students come together to share a variety of interactive booths and engaging experiences.
This year’s star attraction is Joe Bruce from NASA, who will deliver a captivating 45-minute lectures every hour. Don’t miss the Q&A opportunities between these sessions, where you can challenge and quiz the space expert on all things cosmic. For a more hands-on experience, Science on Wheels brings two mobile planetariums and an interactive exhibit area, allowing you to explore the wonders of space at your own pace.
Meanwhile, the sidewalk along the east side of the event center transforms into a vibrant canvas for the Chalk Art Competition. Artists of all ages are welcome to show off their skills, with prizes awarded in three different age brackets. Judging takes place on the hour, so there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate your colorful masterpieces.
After hours of interactive fun, grab a bite to eat and return to the event center for the Swinging in the Valley Dance Competition, starting at 7:30 p.m. This lively event invites dancers of all ages to dazzle with their swing skills while spectators can enjoy the high-energy performances.
Sunday, Sept. 22 Valleyfest Events
Stick around Sunday for a day filled with hearty breakfasts, classic cars, and community spirit.
Begin the day with the Valleyfest River Run at Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex at 8:00 a.m. Walkers and runners can choose from a 5K or 10K route that takes participants along the Centennial Trail past the Plante’s Ferry obelisk to the Islands Trailhead, then over the Spokane River on the Denny Ashlock Bridge and back to Plante’s Ferry Park. This is a Bloomsday qualifier race held rain or sunshine. The entry fee is $25 for either race, which includes a t-shirt. Participants must register by Sept. 4 to receive a t-shirt or by Sept. 21 to participate – no registration is available on the event day.
If you want a slower pace on Sunday morning, plan to enjoy the pancake breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at CenterPlace. At this location, the action continues with a car show in the north meadow from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., showcasing a stunning array of classic and custom vehicles. As you stroll among the gleaming cars, enjoy live classic rock music from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., adding a vibrant soundtrack to your day. A beer garden and various food vendors will also be available, offering a range of refreshments to keep you fueled throughout the festivities. The show culminates with an awards ceremony at 3:00 p.m., honoring the most standout vehicles. It’s a fitting end to a day celebrating the community camaraderie and shared passions that define Valleyfest.
Events the Entire Weekend
During your visit, you’ll always find something to see and do. Through the weekend, a diverse lineup of vendors and booths at Mirabeau Point Park offer an array of arts, crafts, and food stalls. Enjoy browsing, shopping, and sampling on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. And be sure to visit the Veteran Connections area–a serene space dedicated to hosting businesses and organizations that support the veterans in our community.
Adding to the vibrancy of the weekend, Culturefest at Mirabeau Point Park highlights the rich cultural diversity of our community. From lively dance performances to artistic exhibits, music, and global cuisine, this celebration brings the world’s diversity to the heart of the Valley.
The weekend’s entertainment will shine brightly across three main stages, two at Mirabeau Point Park and one at CenterPlace Regional Event Center. With a variety of live bands and wandering acts, the atmosphere is filled with continuous excitement.
As the curtains close on your time at Valleyfest, you’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a deeper appreciation for the unique charm of Spokane Valley. Whether you’re just passing through, already here, or a longtime local, explore the daily events and activities the Valley has to offer. If your visit falls outside the festival dates, don’t worry—the Valley is always bustling with excitement. To savor the last flavors of summer, swing by the Spokane Valley Farmers Market held every Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Sept. 27. Regardless of when you come, you’ll always find a warm welcome and vibrant spirit awaiting you in the Valley.
