ART

October 6, November 3: 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.

October 16, November 5, November 20: 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.

Open: Art Romances and Molecular Dances: A Study in the Integration of Art and Science

Students at The Community School in Spokane were asked to create original works of poetry and art and, through these works, communicate concepts of chemistry. Pieces depict a wide range of concepts—from patterns of valence electrons to trends in the periodic table to characteristics of chemical reactions. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org.

Opening October 21: Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition

Educational, emotional and appropriate for all ages, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the life of Titanic. Along the way visitors will learn countless stories of heroism and humanity that pay honor to the indomitable force of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. The Exhibition has been designed with a focus on the legendary RMS Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic and extensive room re-creations. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org.

MUSIC

October 5: SPR Presents Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet

For 40 years, master fiddler Michael Doucet and his rich Cajun band have captivated listeners around the world. BeauSoleil’s many accolades include 12 Grammy nominations. Garrison Keillor featured the band regularly on a Prairie Home Companion, and when Bob Dylan heard them in New Orleans he said, “That’s my kind of music.” BeauSoleil’s distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, county and bluegrass. This captivating music brings audiences are the world to their feet. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 7: The Piano Guys: Live in Concert

The Piano Guys show will no doubt feature the same dazzling visual feast as their YouTube videos, for which they became famous. The Piano Guys have also had great success on the charts with each of their five albums—The Piano Guys, The Piano Guys 2, A Family Christmas, Wonders and Uncharted—reaching number one on the Billboard Classical chart. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 7-8: Spokane Symphony Classics: Beethoven and Dvorak

Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto ignores convention, opening with lone piano and building up to a heroic struggle between soloist and orchestra. In the end, the orchestra succumbs to the piano’s charms. The work demands astounding technique and imagination from pianist Ran Dank. Dvořák sealed his international career with his Sixth Symphony. Joyful and pastoral, it pays homage to Brahms while painting an idealized portrait of Czech country life. The program begins with Fujikura’s Banitza Groove. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 10: Joe Bonamassa

Hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians and amazing backup vocalists, they bring a whole new life to the show which will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favorites. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 14: Spokane Symphony Pops: Super Diamond

Super Diamond, fronted by Randy “Surreal Neil” Cordero, will infuse Diamond’s music and style for a rockin’ feel-good experience your whole family will love. A lush sound backed by the Spokane Symphony. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com. Tickets may also be purchased with personalized service at the Box Office of Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox or by calling (509) 624-1200.

October 21-22: Spokane Symphony Classics: Tales of Tragedy

Conrad Tao returns with Saint-Saëns’ exquisite Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the most challenging of the piano repertoire. The concerto is book-ended by three stirring tales. Franck’s The Accursed Huntsman brilliantly evokes a dark, infernal chase. Strauss captures the somber mood of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and gives a charming account of the misadventures of a peasant rogue in Till Eulenspiegel. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 28: Spokane Symphony: Halloween at Hogwarts

The Hogwarts School is coming to Spokane for Halloween. Stroll through lessons on Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Potions. Trick or Treat while you meet the ghosts, Dementors, Fantastic Beasts and more. Visit the Leaky Cauldron Pub for cool sips … then enter “Hedwig Theater” where Professor Nakahara will lead a musical ode to Harry Potter along with assorted, scary classics. An unforgettable Halloween experience, brought to life by the Spokane Symphony. Choose your house: Will it be Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin? Then order your robe/tie and LED wand for the concert experience, ah, then you’re set for Halloween. Brush up on your Harry Potter trivia for more prize giveaways during the show. Pre-concert activities begin 90 minutes before the performance times (2 and 8 p.m.). Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 29: Spokane String Quartet: Chopin and Zarebski

The Spokane String Quartet welcomes guest pianist Martin Labazevitch for an afternoon of Polish music. Labazevitch has appeared on numerous concert stages and festivals in Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea and the United States. He was born in Poland and studied in Ukraine before immigrating to the United States, where he graduated with highest honors from the Manhattan School of Music. The concert includes two piano works from the 19th century and a 20th century string quartet. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 4-5: Spokane Symphony Classics: Overtures and Arias with Thomas Hampson

The Grammy Award-winning, internationally renowned Thomas Hampson returns to his hometown for the celebration of the Tenth anniversary of the reopening of Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. He will lend his velvety baritone to a program of arias from popular operas and a selection of classics from the American Songbook. Hampson gave the final performance at the theater before it went dark and returned in 2009 for the symphony’s world premiere of Michael Daugherty’s “Letters From Lincoln.” Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 10: “In My Life”: A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles

Take a magical musical tour through The Beatles’ most iconic performances in this rock ‘n’ roll stage biography narrated from the unique point-of-view of longtime Beatles manager Brian Epstein. “In My Life” takes audiences from the mop-tops’ humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club and their career-defining performance on The Ed Sullivan Show to their famed final live performance on the rooftop of the Apple Records building. Renowned Beatles tribute band Abbey Road stars as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, providing spot-on renditions of 33 of the legendary group’s classic songs. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 11: Spokane Symphony Pops: Mambo Kings

Formed in 1995, this top-notch Latin jazz ensemble is nationally recognized for their explosive blend of Afro Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation. The Mambo Kings take you on an electrifying Latin jazz tour of the Americas with Brubeck’s “Blue Mambo a la Turk” and the burning Tito Puente’s “Tres Lindas Cubanas.” Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

EVENTS

Through October: Apple Festival on Green Bluff

The popular Apple Festival is held over several weekends offering a large variety of the best cooking apples, plus fresh pressed cider and other produce. There’s live music, craft booths, corn and straw mazes, and great food for the whole family to enjoy. Green Bluff. greenbluffgrowers.com.

October 7: Into Africa Auction

Partnering for Progress will celebrate a decade of work in Kenya at the Annual Into Africa Auction. African dishes will be served, along with western staples, and the evening’s masters of ceremonies will be Kalae Chock and Sean Owsley, anchors of KHQ’s weekday Wakeup Show. Jeff Owens will serve as auctioneer. Partnering for Progress’ has focused on health care, sanitation, education and economic development in rural Kenya for the past decade. Proceeds from the auction go to support P4P’s continuing programs. Mirabeau Park Hotel. 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. partneringforprogress.org.

October 13: Fox Presents: B—Underwater Bubble Show

When Mr. B is transported to the colorful, happy place of Bubblelandia, he finds himself surrounded by seahorses, dragon fish, starfish, mermaids, clown fish and BUBBLES. Join his imaginary journey in this beautiful “underwater world” where fantasy becomes reality and you are invited to follow him. With dance, puppetry, juggling, contortionism, sand art, and a little bit of magic, this new show from Latvia is a modern fairy tale for young and old alike. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 17: Theresa Caputo Live

Theresa Caputo, psychic medium and star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will be appearing live where she will share her incredible ability to communicate with the dead. Witness Theresa’s amazing gifts first-hand as she gives live readings to audience members throughout the show. In addition, Theresa will share personal stories about her unique and fascinating life balancing the unpredictability of her psychic gifts while maintaining her role as a typical Long Island wife and mom. For Theresa, this is not just her job … this is her life. See Theresa Caputo live for an unforgettable and potentially life-changing evening. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 17: Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony

Join them for a special presentation as they look back at the career of eight special inductees. Public is welcome to attend. 2017 Sports Hall of Fame and Scroll of Honor Inductees: Steve Gleason, Rueben Mayes, Alli Nieman, Pamela Parks, Dennis Patchin, Denny Spurlock, Sister Madonna Buder, Jay Rydell. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 27-29: Disney On Ice: Follow Your Heart

Follow your heart straight to adventure at Disney On Ice. Just keep swimming with Dory and new pal Hank from Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory as they set out to find her parents and discover the devotion of family. Cheer with Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the Emotions from Disney Pixar’s Inside Out as they work together to boost Riley’s spirit and win the big hockey game. Venture to wintery Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. See Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel and the Disney Princesses make their dreams possible through virtues of bravery, kindness and perseverance. And celebrate true friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the Toy Story gang. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 16: Survive the Wild with Hazel Auden

A unique opportunity to hear personal recollections of Hazen’s globetrotting travels while living with the most exotic communities alongside the wildest animals in the world. Hazen will share his many struggles, both getting to these places and coming out alive—but always feeling inspired for the next adventure. This is a show for any adventure, wildlife and indigenous culture enthusiast who wants to enjoy the spell-binding stories of the natural world, from a man who has experienced life with the most remote and fascinating cultures across the natural planet—all illustrated with his own film footage and photography. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

THEATRE

Through October 15: West Side Story

From the first notes to the final breath, this Broadway masterpiece boasts a score by Bernstein and Sondheim that is widely considered to be the best ever created. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to New York City in the turbulent ‘60s as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice unravels in one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. This moving tale remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 3-7: Something Rotten

Welcome to the ‘90s — the 1590s — long before the dawn of premium tickets, star casting and reminders to turn off your cell phones. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of Opening Night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self … and all that jazz. With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten is an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals — those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us, and remind us that everything’s better with an exclamation point. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 13-November 5: Psycho Beach Party

An insanely fun romp on Malibu Beach in 1962—it’s what happens when Gidget, Frankie and Annette, and Alfred Hitchcock are given a shotgun marriage. Teenage tomboy Chicklet Forrest desperately wants to be part of the surf crowd. The one thing getting in her way, however, is her unfortunate tendency towards multiple personalities … and her most dangerous alter ego—voracious vixen Ann Bowman—has nothing less than world domination on her mind. Add men in drag, a B-movie star, and the mother to top all other crazy mothers, this zany comedy is fiendishly funny. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 15: A Night with Janis Joplin

Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock and roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Fueled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Baby” and “Summertime,” this sensational show is a musical journey celebrating Joplin and her biggest musical influences—icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock and roll’s greatest legends. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

October 27: I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Reader’s Theatre

A one-act play based on the poetry created in a concentration camp by the Jewish children of Prague. This play and the book it is based on highlight the healing power of the arts in times of suffering. Raja discovers this for herself throughout the play, and uses the healing power of creativity to help her struggle through the loss of her many friends and loved ones. Irena teaches the children to use art as a tool for remembrance and healing. Hope is also an important theme, as hope is the only means for survival of the Holocaust. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 3-4: Romeo & Juliet: A Concert Reading

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a long feud between the Montague and Capulet families disrupts the city of Verona and causes tragic results for Romeo and Juliet. Revenge, love, and a secret marriage force the young star-crossed lovers to grow up quickly—and fate causes them to commit suicide in despair. Contrast and conflict are running themes throughout Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet—one of the Bard’s most popular romantic tragedies. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 8: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Marking the 25th Anniversary Tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production and world class Russian artists. Larger-than-life puppets, nesting dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Gather the family and see why the press is raving. Get the best seats today and memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

November 14: Tuesdays With Morrie

The autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie’s appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

HEALTH

Through October 23: Kids Grief Support Group

Mondays at 4 p.m. This group is designed for kids ages 6-12. Hospice of North Idaho. 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID.

November 2: Caring Conversations About Tough Choices

Join Hospice of North Idaho at the Senior Meal Site to discuss end-of-life topics and empowering your choice for quality of life. Is it time to have the conversation about your final wishes? Hospice of North Idaho encourages our community to Live Fully. Living Fully is about making well-informed choices, letting your choices be heard, and having an advocate at your side. Do you know how you want to experience your final chapter? Explore considerations outside of finances, inheritance, or life-saving measures. Senior Meal Site. 711 Jefferson St, St. Maries, ID. hospiceofnorthidaho.org.

November 8: Being Mortal Screening and Discussion

Hospice of North Idaho introduces critically-acclaimed FRONTLINE documentary “Being Mortal” in a free community screening in which award-winning author Atul Gawande shows us how to have the hard conversations as life draws to a close. Gawande highlights a few people and professionals who reveal how we can ensure that we never sacrifice what people really care about during their final days. A panel of experts from Hospice of North Idaho will facilitate a discussion and take questions after viewing the documentary. Coeur d’Alene Public Library. 702 E. Front Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID. hospiceofnorthidaho.org.