March 6, 2025
The Spokane Symphony is such a community treasure at the Fox Theater. If you haven’t attended a show yet, you’re missing out. It is a great way to get out, explore downtown, and listen to amazing performances from world-class musicians. We break down what it is like to plan an evening, from what to wear, how to score tickets, where to eat before the show, and where you can grab a great cocktail, beer or glass of wine prior to the first beat drop. Keep reading below for what you need to know about attending the Spokane Symphony in Downtown Spokane.
You know I’m a huge fan of local music, and especially the arts. Visiting the Spokane Symphony is such a captivating experience every single time. With innovative performance selections, world-class talent, and sweepingly beautiful ambiance, you will absolutely love this local crown jewel of refined yet approachable entertainment.
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Visiting the Spokane Symphony
The Spokane Symphony’s home is located at The Fox, downtown Spokane’s art deco treasure. Specifically, The Fox is known as the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, so if you’re searching for The Fox on your GPS, you may need to search for Martin Woldson Theater. The Fox is located at 1001 W Sprague Ave.
The Fox opened in 1931 and is the only remaining large art deco-style theater north of San Francisco. Additionally, The Fox is on the National Register of Historic Places. Not to say the building is stuffy or run-down! The Fox staff does an amazing job at keeping the building in excellent condition and decorating the lobby to reflect what the current symphony is playing.
The Fox actually hosts so much more than just the Symphony, so be sure to visit The Fox’s website to see what shows are coming up here.
Seating at the Fox Theater
There’s truly no bad seat in the house at The Fox, especially when you’re watching the symphony. The building has been completely restored, and you’ll hear it when you’re there. While we had seats up front for Harry Potter, even the balcony offers a great view and excellent sound. The Fox is a small enough theater that no matter where your seat is, you’ll still get a great performance.
The orchestra section is, of course, the closest to the action. You can see so much more detail of the individual performers (hi, Paul Plowman!), and get a spectacular view of the ceiling from directly below it’s magnificent canopy. At the Spokane Symphony seats are quite close together, though, so if you tend to be a little claustrophobic at events, opt for an end seat. They also have accessible seating toward the back of the theater, and they are very accommodating to anyone with additional needs.
The balcony seating provides a sweeping overview of the entire room and the stage, and it’s quite charming to see the reactions of everyone in the audience, too. I prefer this viewing location personally, especially the first orchestra row. I love a bird’s eye view, and I feel that I can better appreciate the Art Deco architecture as a whole from here. During quieter parts of the performances, it allows my eyes to wander and take it all in as one complete thought.
Eating and Drinking at the Spokane Symphony
At The Fox, you can also eat and drink. The concessions stand in the lobby (and, depending on how busy it is, upstairs as well) serves cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks. You can pre-order your drinks and/or food and have them waiting for you at intermission – no waiting in line! Be aware there are no cupholders, however, so you’ll be holding on to your drink or carefully tucking it under your seat until intermission.
Parking Around The Fox
I know, I know. Parking downtown can sometimes be tricky! But, if you plan a little bit ahead, you’ll be fine. I promise! For a sold out show, the parking surprisingly wasn’t that difficult. Yes, we did have to park on the 6th floor of a parking garage, but we were only 2 blocks away from the theater – a very easy walk in downtown Spokane. There are several parking options when you attend the Spokane Symphony, including:
Metered Street Parking
Monday-Saturday, payment is required after 8am and not required after 7pm. Metered parking is free on Sundays.
Other nearby parking options:
1 Block from Theater:Davenport Hotel Garage – Post and First
Friendly Parking – at First and Monroe
Spokane Club Parking Garage – 36 N Madison Ave
2 Blocks from Theater:Lincoln Building – on Lincoln between Riverside and Main
3 Blocks from Theater:River Park Square Garage – at Post and Spokane Falls – $4 after 5pm
SteamPlant – free dessert with proof of paid parking
4 Blocks from Theater:Diamond Lot – on West Riverside, adjacent to the Masonic Temple – Self-serve
Parking Pro Tip
Park for $5 (for four hours, $1 every hour after – verify rates as they tend to change) at the Davenport Garage at Post and First. Bonus points if you get some Cougar Gold Cheese Dip at the Peacock Lounge, or a cocktail at the new Lobby Bar under the grand ceiling. It’s spectacular, and really sets the mood!
Dining & Drinks Downtown Spokane Before or After the Symphony
You can’t just visit the Spokane Symphony and not explore downtown! If you’re looking for places close by to eat and drink, here’s what you need to know. Some businesses around the Fox Theater.
Skewers – Directly across from The Fox, serves fabulous mediterranean street food with big flavors and the best hospitality. A lovely upscale casual vibe with exposed brick walls and a cozy atmosphere.
Neato Burrito – Open late (after 10 p.m.) and a casual spot to grab a bite, and they have customizable burritos, nachos and bowls for any dietary need. They are one of the best kept secrets in the city.
Steam Plant – One of Spokane’s most recognizable landmarks, Steam Plant is a restaurant, brewery and bar that offers something for everyone and gorgeous industrial-inspired aesthetics.
For cocktails with friends:
Volstead Act – a very cool cocktail bar a few blocks away that specializes in Prohibition Era drinks by experts in their craft.
Garden Party – this place is a whole vibe and perfect for getting together with friends. Colorful, great drinks and small bites. Plus, plants galore!
Baby Bar – conveniently located behind Neato Burrito, it’s one of those places that locals love and fiercely guard as a sort of secret. We love Patty, and seating is scarce, but worth it.
Are There Discounts to the Spokane Symphony?
Yes! There are discounts for college and graduate students, plus group discounts, military discounts and special rush discounts you can find here. They frequently offer specials, so definitely check out their Instagram and Facebook pages to learn more.
Do I Have to Dress Up to Go to The Symphony?
The Symphony’s official policy is, “The Symphony provides a sophisticated musical experience, without sophisticated rules. Comfort is the key to enjoying your favorite Symphony music. We want your evening out to be as fun as possible, so dress up or dress down…as long as you dress comfortably.“
For family-friendly programming the atmosphere at that event was whimsical and casual. When you’re considering what to wear, think about which concert you’re attending: the upcoming Nutcracker, for example, would likely be more casual than attending a classic show like Rachmaninoff. Plus, it can be fun to step out of your usual Northwest best of jeans and a t-shirt and really go all out. Many concert-goers wear their finest outfits including furs and jewelry harkening back to a bygone era. It’s truly a broad mix, and you’ll feel perfectly at home no matter what you don.
The Spokane Symphony Insider Experience
If you want to know what is happening before everyone else does, get season tickets and/or get on their mailing list. They have such beautifully designed messages, and it feels like a treat to read. We love that you can find tickets in a variety of price points, parking is easy even for sold out shows, and you’ll have an excellent experience no matter where you’re sitting. Make it an evening out by visiting one of the many terrific bars and/or restaurants nearby – it’s the perfect night out in downtown Spokane!
For upcoming concerts for the Spokane Symphony, click here. For upcoming events at The Fox Theater, click here.
About the writer: Melissa Berry is a graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and has loved Spokane ever since she lived here in the early 2000s! Melissa has lived in Spokane for over 9 years and launched EverydaySpokane.com to help newcomers learn about and enjoy all the city has to offer. Melissa has been featured as an expert on the Spokane market in outlets such as Redfin, Visit Spokane, KREM2 News, The Spokesman-Review, and more.