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.
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.