Opening Celebrations
Legacy Signature Event
Sustainability Signature Event
Tribal Culture Signature Event
Recreation & Sports Signature Event
Arts & Culture Signature Event
Closing Ceremonies

Beyond the community events taking place throughout the Spokane region in commemoration of Expo 74's 50th Anniversary, Riverfront Spokane will be transformed into Expo Village. Featuring signature events from May 4th to July 4th, you can find live performances, local vendors, and interactive experiences throughout the park.

Opening Celebrations

Presented by City of Spokane, Garco Construction, NonStop Local KHQ, Spokane County & Washington Trust Bank

Opening Celebration at Riverfront Spokane

May 4, 2024 | 3 PM — 9 PM

Click here for a detailed agenda

The community is invited to Riverfront Park from 3 PM - 9 PM in the Central Plaza for an immersive community event. Explore Spokane's rich history, enjoy recreational activities, and get a taste of the nine weeks ahead from community groups and clubs.

Legacy Signature Event

It Happened Here: Expo '74 Fifty Years After at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

July 26 to January 26, 2025

It Happened Here: Expo ​’74 Fifty Years After

For many in the Inland Northwest, the 1974 World’s Fair remains the single most transformative event in living memory. Radically reshaping Spokane’s natural and built environment, Expo ’74 ushered in a new era for the city—one centered on urban renewal, commercial growth, and political progress. This 50th anniversary exhibition revisits the historical roots of Expo ‘74’s stated environmental purpose and its popular “community spirit” legacy. Incorporating recognizable elements from Expo’s built environment with museum artifacts and archival materials, visitors will engage with the familiar, nostalgic, and perhaps lesser-known stories found within the MAC’s largest archival collection, seeing Expo ‘74 in a new light.

Sustainability Signature Event

Environmental Legislative Summit | Presented by Amazon, Itron, and Empire Health Foundation

Environmental Legislative Summit

Click here for a detailed schedule

Hosted by The Lands Council, this event picks up where the original 1974 World's Fair Environmental Symposium left off. While a lot of important environmental case studies and solutions were discussed, the criticism at the time was that not enough policy makers attended Expo '74, therefore no driving policies to combat Global Warming or Climate Change were put into place. At the 2024 Legislative Summit, legislators and local area experts will craft legislation on six locally important topics with a Climate Justice thread running through them; these proposed bills will be sponsored in the 2025 Legislative Session and could possibly become law if passed.

Tribal Culture Signature Event

Pow-Wow at the Falls | Presented by Washington Trust Bank, Nonstop Local KHQ, Garco Construction, The City Of Spokane, Spokane County, Avista, Spokane Falls Community College, Innovia Foundation, The Native Project, Empire Health Foundation, The Kalispel Tribe Of Indians, Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Coeur D’alene Tribe, Spokane Tribe Of Indians, The Confederated Tribes Of The Colville Reservation, American Indian Community Center, Elk Soup And Red Nations

Pow-Wow at the Falls

Mark your calendar for the Expo ’74 Celebration Pow-Wow at The Falls, featuring master of ceremonies Ruben Little Head and showcasing the region’s tribal culture for two full days. With award-winning drummers, tribal members wearing traditional regalia, tribal cuisine and cultural exhibits, this event is sure to be an immersive educational experience.

PERFORMANCE LINEUP

Master of Ceremonies Ruben Little Head
MC Dave Madera
Arena Director Russell McCloud
Arena Director Larry White
Head Man Judge Dr. Orrenzo Snyder
Head Female Judge Bobbie White
Head Drum Judge Grant Timentwa
Head Man Dancer Alec Bluff
Head Lady Dancer Janessa Porter
Head Boy Dancer Chimoqkeen Abrahamson
Head Girl Dancer Melody Waskahat
Host Drum Showtime

Recreation & Sports Signature Event

Picklefest '24 Jamboree & Tournament at Spokane Pavilion | Presented by the Spokane Pickleball Club and the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation.

Click here for tournament details and tickets

A pickleball jamboree & tournament celebrating the history & future of pickleball in Spokane.

A 5-day 'popup' pickleball event in and around the Spokane Pavilion. Leading up to the weekend tournament is a 3-day public jamboree with opportunities for anyone to play, learn, and celebrate pickleball. From Wednesday to Friday the jamboree will offer a variety of public options to play and learn pickleball. More details available on pickleheads.com

Picklefest '24 culminates with a weekend tournament hosted inside the beautiful and historic Spokane Pavilion with Selkirk nets and pickleroll courts. Teams can sign up to compete in various age and skill brackets for Men's and Women's Doubles. Prizes sponsored by Selkirk Sport's Pro S1 Pickleball.

Arts & Culture Signature Event

Community Stage & Vendor Village | Presented by City of Spokane, Garco Construction, NonStop Local KHQ, Spokane County & Washington Trust Bank

Community Stage & Vendor Village

Select Saturdays May 4 — June 29 | 11 AM — 4 PM

The Expo '74 - 50th Anniversary Community Stage will be a dynamic multicultural showcase select Saturdays at 11am at the following locations:

(5/18) EXPO Community Stage – Rotary Fountain Plaza, Riverfront Park
(5/25) EXPO Community Stage – Lilac Bowl, Riverfront Park
(6/1) EXPO Community Stage – Lilac Bowl, Riverfront Park
(6/8) EXPO Community Stage – Manito Park
(6/15) EXPO Community Stage – Lilac Bowl, Riverfront Park
(6/22) EXPO Community Stage – Lilac Bowl, Riverfront Park

Click here for performance schedules for each stage

Experience a fusion of dance, performing arts, inspiring talks, and a wide array of performances from a diverse range of community talents. The stage will offer an engaging, celebratory and varied entertainment experience for all. Enjoy international cuisine, memorabilia, and historic and interactive activities. The stage will be adjacent to the Vendor Village, featuring a variety of local vendors, artisans and hand crafters.

Closing Ceremonies

4th of July Concert and Fireworks

July 4, 2024 | 4 PM — 10 PM

Join us for Spokane’s signature Independence Day celebration and fireworks. Front-of-stage seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 4pm with community performances and artisan vendor village with the spectacular fireworks display at 10pm. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration.

Thank You Signature Sponsors