Top 6 Cultural Attractions in Spokane, WA

Lively and historic as Spokane, Washington is, it might not come as a surprise that our city is home to a host of enriching cultural attractions and events. Exploring the local art, music, theater, and history could help you learn more about your community, connect with your loved ones, and enjoy a laugh or cry. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to take in arts and culture around Spokane. Here’s Spokane Hyundai’s list of six of the top cultural attractions in Spokane, Washington.

Fox Theater

Fox Theater by Walter Smith via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Originally built in 1931, the Fox Theater has been a mainstay of the Spokane arts scene for decades. The Spokane Symphony owns the building, and the organization has been associated with the building since 1945. In the years since, it’s hosted some of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars, including Will Rogers, Bing Crosby, Katharine Hepburn, and Frank Sinatra. The current iteration of the space, known as the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, hosts local and touring performances by musicians, comedians, dance groups, and theater groups.

The theater isn’t just home to performing arts history. Just look up and you’ll notice you’re surrounded by decadent architecture. With ornate, hand-crafted details, the Fox Theater is a remaining hallmark of the art deco style, which was popular at the time of the theater’s construction. There’s plenty of kid-friendly entertainment at the Fox Theater as well as performances suited for adult visitors. You can explore the theater’s calendar to find an upcoming event that excites you and purchase tickets online.

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

The largest cultural institution in the Inland Northwest, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture is a must-see attraction for Spokane locals. The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate, and its mission is to honor the legacy of the Inland Northwest people, featuring indigenous artwork, artifacts from pioneers, and exhibitions that reveal details of domestic life and early industry in the region.

On the grounds is also the Campbell House, a historic Spokane house designed by Kirkland Cutter that captures the memory of settlers in the area in the early 1900s. Built in 1898, the preserved home provides insight into the life of its dwellers, the Campbell family. You can view the home Tuesday through Sunday between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Bing Crosby Home

If you have any music historians, black-and-white movie fanatics, or musical theater fans in the family, schedule a visit to the childhood home of Bing Crosby. The house sits on the campus of Gonzaga University, which Crosby attended. Crosby is one of the most famous individuals to come from Spokane. A beloved singer and actor in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, Crosby recorded an expansive catalog of jazz standards, starred in some of the most popular films of his day, and encouraged the development of modern recording technology.

His family home in Spokane is a tribute to his work and legacy, featuring over 200 artifacts from his career. Here, you can explore photos, manuscripts, records, paintings, and awards, including Crosby’s 1944 Academy Award for his performance in “Going My Way”. It’s free to attend the home, and it’s open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Chase Gallery

The next time you’re running errands in downtown Spokane, explore Chase Gallery, a small art gallery located inside City Hall. Spokane Arts, a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting visual and performing arts in the area, administers Chase Gallery. They spotlight a handful of local artists for temporary exhibits which feature a variety of art pieces reflecting on a chosen theme. Chase Gallery is free to visit and open to the public from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spokane Civic Theater

There’s no business like show business, and there’s nothing like an evening at the theater. Spokane is home to one of the nation’s oldest civic theaters, Spokane Civic Theater, which opened in 1945. The theater supports a robust season of performances, producing over 20 plays and musicals each year. The theater consists of two stages, the Main Stage, which presents large-scale productions, and the Firth J. Chew Studio Theater, a black box space that presents more minimalistic shows.

If you want to get involved at Spokane Civic Theater, you can register to audition for their upcoming production. To catch a show, explore the theater’s website and purchase tickets for an upcoming production of your choice. There are summer programs for little ones interested in drama, and The Academy at Spokane Civic Theater offers classes for adults of all skill levels.

Lucky You Lounge

If you pride yourself on discovering new musicians and always knowing about the next popular artist, stop by Lucky You Lounge for some live music. This hip spot specializes in vegetarian-friendly bites and delicious cocktails, too, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. Lucky You Lounge hosts artists in a variety of genres, like jazz, indie rock, country, and electronic, so there’s a show for every listener. Some shows are free, but most require you to purchase a ticket. Prices are typically around $12-$15, and you can reserve your seat online in advance.

Before or after the performance, which takes place in the upstairs bar, you can enjoy drinks and food downstairs or on the outdoor patio. If you like being ahead of the trends, Lucky You Lounge is a charming spot to enjoy a date night or catch up with a friend while supporting up-and-coming musicians. You can learn more about the artists playing soon on the restaurant’s website.

Spokane is home to a rich tradition of art, culture, music, theater, and more, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to observe, support, and even participate in the arts. Let us know if you know about another place to take in arts and culture in Spokane. You can even engage with culture from behind the wheel with a new Hyundai vehicle that supports your favorite podcasts, music, and audiobooks via wireless connectivity. To learn more about what our cars are capable of, schedule a visit to our Spokane, Washington dealership.