About The Spokane Lilac Festival

Since 1938 the Spokane Lilac Festival Association has been celebrating the Spokane community. The annual week of festivities combines the city’s famous lilacs with community events to paint the town purple, culminating in the nation's largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane. Every year a parade crowd of over 150,000 spectators, plus those marching, gather in Spokane for this beloved event. The yearly festivities commence the second Saturday of May and culminate on the third Saturday of May when the lilacs are fully in bloom, but even before this week, there are activities and events leading up to the festival.

2023 Lilac Festival Week Dates

The Lilac Festival Event week takes place the third week in May when the lilacs are in full bloom. This year, that falls on May 15th through May 20th, 2023.

Royalty Scholarship Program Events

Following their mission to empower the youth of Spokane, the Spokane Lilac Festival provides outstanding young women the opportunity to participate in the Lilac Princess Scholarship and Training Program. The selected candidates attend workshops in communication, personal and professional etiquette, resume development, interview skills, military history and protocol, and self-defense.

Queen & Court Coronation

March 2023

The Royalty Program culminates at the Lilac Festival Royal Court Coronation, where the selection of the queen and her court of six takes place. This event is open to the public.

Royal Tea Party

April 30, 2023

This annual event gives local "Lilac Princesses in Waiting" the chance to meet the Royal Court. Attendees will learn tea etiquette and be entered to win a spot on the Jr. Lilac Parade float.

The Historic Davenport Hotel

Queen’s Luncheon

May 19, 2023

The Lilac Festival Royal Court hosts all local and out-of-town Royalty, past and present, at the annual Spokane Lilac Festival Queen's Luncheon the Friday before the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade.

The Historic Davenport Hotel

Lilac Festival Week Events

Community Military Golf Tournament

May 2023

Partnering with Fairchild Airforce Base, Team Fairchild, the Lilac Festival co-hosts this annual golf tournament. All funds raised benefit the Spokane Lilac Festival and the Wing Morale Fund.

Lilac Legacy Art Show & Competition

May 16, 2023

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association's Annual Lilac Legacy Art Show features exhibition of works from local artists and the selection of the 2024 Official Festival Artist.

Spokane Lilac Festival President’s Gala

May 19, 2023

Join the Spokane Lilac Festival for an elegant evening in the Historic Davenport Hotel's Grand Pennington Ballroom. Get dressed to the nines, enjoy amazing food, and great entertainment with Heads of Festivals from the area, VIP's, Dignitaries and family. The evening celebrates the Spokane Lilac Festival's renowned Torchlight Parade.

Spokane Lilac Festival Brewfest

May 20, 2023

Head downtown to enjoy the 2nd Annual Lilac Festival Brewfest, a showcase of our region's many award-winning and innovative breweries.

Cruzin’ The Falls Car Show

May 20, 2023

Head downtown before the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade for the Cruizin’ the Falls Car Show. Enjoy a showcase of classic cars from every era, food trucks, and hosted music before parade kick-off!

Armed Forces Torchlight Parade

May 20, 2023

With over 80 years of bringing the largest Torchlight Military Parade in the nation to the streets of downtown Spokane, the Lilac Festival features bands, floats, military and equestrian groups, drill teams, fancy cars and much more. This event involves the entire community, no matter your age. Grab a spot along the downtown Spokane parade route before the 7:45 pm parade kickoff!

Check out the Spokane Lilac Festival website for more information.