What to Know About Expo ‘74 Anniversary Celebrations in Spokane
In 1974, the city of Spokane was called upon to host the International World Fair, the smallest city to ever hold the event. “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Fresh, New Environment,” was the decided slogan to showcase the world’s first environmentally-themed fair in the heart of a blooming downtown Spokane.
The celebration began May 4th, 1974 and ran through November. The first expo brought in prevalent figures like President Richard Nixon and flooded $700 million dollars into Spokane’s local economy, according to the Inlander.
50 years later, the city is honoring its history by celebrating the Expo ‘74 Anniversary. There are plenty of celebrations for residents and visitors to partake in throughout the multi-month festivities. The celebration will run until July 4 when it closes with fireworks. There is something for everyone at Expo ‘74! Here’s what to know.
Community Stage and Vendor Village
The Community Stage at the Spokane Pavilion and certain community vendors will be open and running until June 29 each day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment acts will be happening on June 8th, June 15th and June 22 at the Lilac Bowl at Riverfront Park. Listen to main stage talks, dancing, performing arts and more.
Expo ‘74 Closing Ceremonies
The celebration’s closing ceremony will be held on Thursday, July 4 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Spokane Pavilion. Bring family or friends for fireworks under the stars. Sit and enjoy on a first-come-first-serve basis and celebrate Independence Day downtown. Enjoy live music, food and more fun at the Spokane Pavilion as well.
Community Expo Events Running
2nd Inland Northwest Juried Landscape Art Exhibition
Running until Thursday, July 4.
Jundt Art Museum, Gonzaga University
It Happened Here: Expo '74 Fifty Years Later
Running until January 26, 2025, the Northwest Museums of Arts and Culture will host a thorough display of Expo ‘74 history.
Spokane Indians Expo ‘74 Game
The Spokane Indians will play one last Expo ‘74 game this Sunday, June 9 at 1:05 p.m.
Attend Spokane’s once-a-year competition featuring many of Spokane’s talented residents. Hosted by the Spokane Civic Theatre, Spokane’s Got Talent welcomes auditioned talent to the main stage June 20th at 6 p.m. at the Spokane Pavilion.
Parking for Expo '74
Downtown Spokane parking rates are from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rates range from $1.00 to $1.70 an hour.
Other parking options are available, including Spokane Public Transit, which is free on the weekends until July 4th. There are also over 21,000 off-street parking spots available.
For the bus routes, click here.
For more information on Spokane, North Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, click here.
Jordy Blaine, Director of Community Partnerships
Jordan (Jordy) Blaine has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a major in Public Relations from Carroll College, and is a professional journalist with 10 years of experience in newsrooms. Jordy has worked at Krem 2 News, and is now at Trending Northwest to organize events, coordinate PR campaigns, and expand coverage of marginalized communities . If you want to learn more about how she is making an impact right here in the Northwest, give her a follow on Instagram or Facebook.
