ART

May 4, June 7: First Friday

Enjoy visual arts, musical presentations, sample local foods, get acquainted with local performing artists and more at this monthly event sponsored by the Downtown Spokane Partnership. On the first Friday of each month, participating galleries, museums, boutiques and more host a city-wide open house with refreshments and entertainment. First Friday is free and open to the public. Downtown Spokane. downtownspokane.org.

May 10, June 14: CdA ArtWalk

5-8pm every second Friday of the month, April-December, stroll through beautiful downtown Coeur d’Alene and enjoy local and nationally acclaimed artists. Visit supporting galleries, shops, restaurants and businesses. A free, family-friendly event. Downtown Coeur d’Alene. artsandculturecda.org

May 5, May 20, June 2, June 17: Spokane Poetry Slam and BootSlam

Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry at its Northwest finest. Every first and third week of the month spoken word warriors battle for Inland Empire supremacy, and a $50 Grand Prize. Each poem is judged by five members of the audience and, after two rounds of poetry, whichever poet has the highest cumulative score is declared the winner. Bootslam, at Boots Bakery, is held on the first Sunday of each month, while Spokane Poetry Slam, held at the Bartlett, is held on the third Monday of each month. Boots Bakery and Lounge, 24 W. Main Ave. The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. spokanepoetryslam.org.

Currently open: The Inuit Art of Povungnituk

Over a decade in the making, Cory Trépanier’s Into the Arctic exhibition tour presents the most ambitious body of artwork ever created from the Canadian Arctic, a wilderness so remote and untouched, that many of its landscapes have never been documented before. Adding to his majestic paintings are a series of three Arctic films, which cinematically convey the wonder, awe, and challenges of his northern painting expeditions. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org or themac@northwestmuseum.org

Currently open: Into the Arctic

The artists in Povungnituk, located in Arctic Quebec, have been recognized for over a quarter of a century for the quality of their printmaking and their distinctive style. The Povungnituk sculptures and prints chronicle the history and legends of a people. Characterized by crisp images of native animals and human figures set against stark backgrounds, many of the artworks reveal the rituals that have allowed the Inuit people to survive. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org or themac@northwestmuseum.org

Currently open: Luminous: Dale Chihuly and the Studio Glass Movement

In partnership with the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, the MAC presents an exhibition featuring works by eighteen internationally renowned studio glass artists including Dale Chihuly, Preston Singletary, and Lino Tagliapietra. The Pacific Northwest serves as a center of innovation for this medium, and the Museum of Glass has built a collection by artists who are masters in the field. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org or themac@northwestmuseum.org

MUSIC

May 4-5: Spokane Symphony Classics: Eckart’s Farewell

Experience the unforgettable Concerto of the Mad Queen, at times pulsing and high-energy and at others soft and lyrical, performed by composer Živković. Alpine Symphony by Strauss is the ultimate tone poem — stunning, soaring, majestic — a gorgeous musical extravaganza depicting a dawn-to-dusk hike in the Alps. There is a pre-concert talk one hour before each performance. Come early to learn more about the music you will hear. This talk is free to all ticket-holders. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 6: Chicks With Hits

Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, and Suzy Bogguss announce their all-star Chicks with Hits tour. Audiences will enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing three of the biggest female artists in country music on stage together performing an intimate night of acoustic music. And with 36 top 10 singles between them there’s a lot of material to pull from. The triple-threat combination of talent is unparalleled; with over 10 million records sold, and numerous GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, and CCMA awards. But ultimately, it’s about three friends singing and playing great songs together, and having fun. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 10: Heart Strings Guitar Pull

Heart Strings presented by Radia and 93.7 The Mountain is a county music concert in the style of a guitar pull – a tradition in which a small group of musicians sit together and take turns telling their stories and playing their songs. Join us as Craig Campbell, Brandon Lay, Lauren Alaina and Bryan White take the stage and invite you to experience their music in this unique way. Proceeds will benefit cardiac services here in the Inland Northwest. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 11: Celtic Woman: Ancient Land

Since its debut, global musical sensation Celtic Woman’s concerts continue to capture the hearts of an audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Woman celebrates Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage, while continuing its remarkable legacy of introducing some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians onto the world stage. A one-of-a-kind live act, Celtic Woman combines the country’s finest musical talents with epic stage production to present a uniquely inspiring live experience. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 13: Savoy Brown

One of the earliest British blues bands, Savoy Brown, with founder guitarist Kim Simmonds at the helm, helped launch the 1967 UK blues boom movement that brought blues music back to the USA invigorating the style forever. In the process, the band became part of the framework that launched the rock and roll music of the 1970’s. Their influence now stretches into modern rock as we know it today. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 16: 4U: The Music of Prince

4U will present the music of Prince like never before, with a full symphony orchestra. In addition, each show will feature a live band with world-class musicians and vocalists who will perform alongside the orchestra. 4U will draw from Prince’s extensive music catalog, highlighting many of his hits that captivated generations of fans, alongside lesser-known gems. Questlove, an avid Prince fan, has helped curate the music and orchestral arrangements the symphony will play. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 16: Art Garfunkel

Fox Presents an intimate evening with the legendary Art Garfunkel. Although it has been over 40 years since “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was recorded, Art Garfunkel’s image and signature vocals remain among the most instantly recognizable in popular music. He has made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled folk-rock duo, Simon & Garfunkel. As a soloist, Garfunkel went on to record 12 critically acclaimed albums, featuring hits such as “All I Know,” “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “A Heart in New York,” “99 Miles From L.A.” and more. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 17: Thomas Rhett

The 2018 CMA Music Video of the Year winner, Thomas Rhett, is hitting the road and bringing his Very Hot Summer Tour to Spokane this spring. Rhett scored his first No. one hit in 2013 with “It Goes Like This,” introducing a sound that mixed the southern swagger of county music with pop hooks, R&B grooves, soulful strut, and the anything-goes attitude of rock. During the years since, he’s become a husband, a father, and, thanks to eight chart-topping singles, a headliner of massive arenas. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

June 3: Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

American bluegrass and jazz quartet, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, is making a summer tour stop in Spokane. For many Flecktones fans, the return of the original line-up allows a chance to see a band that many had never gotten to witness before. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

June 7: John Ford Coley and Friends

Famous as part of the Grammy® nominated duo with England Dan, John Ford Coley reached multi-gold and platinum status with several hit albums and singles. Their debut album in 1976, “Nights Are Forever,” shot the duo to stardom with the hit singles “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.” In addition to a regular touring schedule performing his own hits, Coley is also known for producing songs for other artists, including Eddie Money, Tom Wurth, Vince Gill and Lynn Bryant. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

June 18: Indigo Girls

The Indigo Girls are returning to Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox to create their signature harmonies and dynamic soundscapes. Twenty years after they began releasing records as the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have politely declined the opportunity to slow down with age. With a legacy of releases and countless U.S. and international tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have forged their own way in the music business. Selling over 14 million records, they are still going strong. Amy & Emily are the only duo with top 40 titles on the Billboard 200 in the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s and ’10s. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

EVENTS

May 14: Nicole Chung

The Spokesman-Review‘s Northwest Passages Book Club welcomes author Nicole Chung. Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR and others, Chung’s All You Can Ever Know is a memoir of family secrets and finding your roots. Her book also is a finalist for a 2018 National Book Critics Circle Award. Bing Crosby Theatre. 901 W. Sprague Ave.  (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 14-15: PAW Patrol Live

It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay and Ryder will need all paws on deck as he and the PAW Patrol discover a secret treasure map while on a mission to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com

May 17: William Shatner

Set your phasers to stun. Prepare to be beamed up for an unforgettable night with William Shatner, live on stage. In this unique evening you’ll enjoy a screening of the classic film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on the big screen presented by Lilac City Comicon and First Interstate Center. Following the movie, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures, William Shatner, will take to the stage to share fascinating and humorous behind the scenes stories from portraying the original Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek television series and movies as well as his career spanning over 50 years as an award winning actor, producer, director and writer. Fans will also have a chance to ask William their question during the audience-led Q&A. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com

May 18: Spokane Brewers Festival

The 2019 Spokane Brewers Festival will celebrate local brewers on Saturday, May 18 inside the Spokane Arena. This year’s event will top off Spokane Craft Beer Week (May 11-18) in which 50+ events are planned throughout the city, including brewery collaborations, beer dinners and tap takeovers. The Spokane Brewers Festival is proud to announce that proceeds from this year’s festival will go towards supporting the mission of the Wishing Star Foundation. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

June 1-2: Lilac City Comicon

Mark your calendars for the largest comic book & pop culture show in the Eastern Washington. The goal of The Lilac City Comicon (formerly known as Spokane Comicon) is to help promote awareness of local artists & businesses from around the Inland Northwest via a traditional comic book convention. We also strive to make our show the most fun and affordable experience for all ages to enjoy. Spokane Convention Center. 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd. 

June 20: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles

In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, Rain will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites. This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing the Beatles” (Associated Press). Experience the world’s most iconic band and come celebrate the best of Abbey Road. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

THEATRE

May 3-26: The House of Blue Leaves

Artie Shaugnessy is a songwriter with visions of glory and the lead character of this delicious black comedy. Toiling by day as a zookeeper, he suffers in seedy lounges by night, plying his wares at piano bars in Queens, where he lives with his wife, Bananas, much to the chagrin of Artie’s downstairs mistress, Bunny Flingus, who refuses to cook until they are married. On the day the Pope is making his first visit to the city, Artie’s son Ronny goes AWOL from Fort Dix. Also arriving are Artie’s old school chum, now a successful Hollywood producer, Billy Einhorn, and his starlet girlfriend who holds the key to Artie’s dreams of getting out and away from the life he so despises. But like many dreams, this promise of glory evaporates amid the chaos of ordinary lives. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. For tickets: (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

June 20-23: 31st Playwrights’ Forum Festival

Spokane Civic Theatre is proud to present it’s Playwrights’ Forum Festival, which showcases new one-acts by playwrights across the region since 1983. The festival is performed in two separate sets on alternating days. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. For tickets: (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

May 8-12: School of Rock

Based on the hit film, School of Rock is a hilarious new musical that follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star turned substitute teacher who transforms a class of straight-A students into grade-A rockers. It features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever live kids rock band. First Interstate Center (previously INB Performing Arts Center). 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com

HEALTH

May 19: Windermere Marathon and Half-Marathon

One of Spokane’s premiere running events — and a Boston Marathon qualifier — the Windermere Marathon and Half-Marathon includes scenic views of the beautiful Spokane River, during its most vibrant season, and due to its flat, fast course, many runners achieve personal records. windermeremarathon.com/

May 26: Coeur d’Alene Marathon

The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run offers one of the most spectacular events in the country. At an elevation of 2200 feet above sea level, the resort community of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, resting on the shores of spectacular Lake Coeur d’Alene, welcomes visitors to one of the most breathtaking races in North America. The 2019 event will offer a brand new course, new 10k distance, and many more exciting changes. Nsplit.com

June 15: Stache Dash

The Stache Dash is back for its 3rd year. Get ready for another great event including a 5k or 10k run or walk. Runners, walkers and wheelchair racers welcome. Nsplit.com

June 16: Dad’s Day Dash

The 2019 Dad’s Day Dash is the 7th annual 5K benefiting SNAP, your local community action agency. The event will be a hosting a non-timed 1.4 mile walk and a timed 5k run. Nsplit.com