Forced Spring is in Full Force 💪

It’s been a while. . .

Spring is Actually Here!

Spokane's weather is finally getting its shit together, and I'm here for it. After months of gray skies and seasonal depression, we're finally seeing some legit sunshine. The lilacs in Manito are starting to show signs of life, unlike my houseplants which have officially given up after a winter of my neglect. RIP little buddies, you deserved better.

Speaking of spring awakening, downtown is absolutely BUZZING again. The hibernation period is officially over, and everyone's emerging from their winter caves with that distinct "I haven't socialized properly in months" energy. It's beautiful chaos.

The Spokane River is absolutely raging right now with all the snowmelt. It's giving main character energy in the most dramatic way possible—like it's auditioning for a role in a nature documentary. If you haven't taken a stroll along the Centennial Trail to witness this performance, you're missing out on prime Instagram content. Just don't get too close to the edge unless you're prepared for an impromptu whitewater rafting experience.

Squatch Out For This!

Alright, Spokane beer lovers and Sasquatch seekers, mark your calendars! No-Li Brewhouse is throwing its third annual Squatch Fest this Saturday, April 12th, from 12 PM to 3 PM at the No-Li Beer Campus. ​

A lineup of legendary brews:

• Squatch Smuggler Juicy Haze IPA: A tropical delight that'll have you believing in Bigfoot.​

• Strawberry Squeeze IPA: Berry-infused goodness for those spring vibes.​

• Shandy Squatch: A citrusy twist on a classic, perfect for sunny sippin'.​

• Pistachio Paradise Ale (Pistachio + Vanilla): Nutty, creamy, and downright dreamy.​

The party doesn't stop with the pints. Groove to DJs spinning in the Bier Hall and Patio, test your skills with cornhole and Jenga, and snap some pics at the Squatch-themed backdrop. It’d be great if coach was there. . . I have some thoughts I’d like to project.

Alright here’s the deets:

• When: Saturday, April 12th, 12 PM - 3 PM (Early entry at 11:30 AM)

• Where: No-Li Beer Campus, 1003 E. Trent Ave #170, Spokane, WA 99202​

• Cost: $15 gets you an event mug and a custom trucker hat; $8 fills.​

• Capacity: Capped at 600 people—first come, first served.​

• Age: 21+ only. ​

Pro tip: Want to beat the line? Swing by the brewery beforehand, grab a Squatch Pirate Six Pack for $10.99, and score early entry at 11:30 AM with a guaranteed ticket. ​

This event sells out every year, so rally your crew and get there early. Let's raise a glass to good beer, great company, and the elusive legend of the PNW. Cheers!​

Brick West Run Club: Where Beer Motivates Better Than Any Trainer

The annual "oh crap, Bloomsday is coming" panic has officially set in around town. You can spot the training groups every evening along the South Hill, some looking determined and others looking like they're questioning every life choice that led them to this moment.

If you're looking to join the pre-Bloomsday hysteria without committing to some hardcore training regimen, the Brick West Running Club is where it's at. They meet EVERY TUESDAY at 6PM at Brick West Brewing. I've verified this shit personally because I'm tired of giving y'all bad info. The beauty of this run club is that it ends with BEER, which is honestly the only reason my ass shows up to anything fitness-related.

From serious runners who look like they could qualify for the Olympics to people like me who consider "running to catch the last call" to be athletic activity. The routes change weekly, but they always circle back to Brick West where you can drown your exercise sorrows in a cold one.

The Split: Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K - Where Dreams and Dignity Go to Die

If you're feeling particularly ambitious this weekend (or just want to earn the right to be insufferable on social media), The Split is happening THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 13th at Riverfront Park. You can choose between a half marathon, 10K, or 5K route through downtown and along the river. See you there!

Registration is still open at runthesplit.com, but if you're like me and prefer to make impulsive decisions that you'll immediately regret, you can sign up on race day starting at 7AM. The half marathon kicks off at 9AM, with the 10K and 5K following at 9:30AM.

Pro tip: Position yourself near the back of the pack so fewer people witness your suffering, and have a friend stationed at mile 2 with a getaway car and donuts. I'm not saying I've done this, but I'm not saying I haven't either.

Romeo and Juliet: Final Weekend to See Shakespeare's OG Disaster Couple

This is your LAST CHANCE to see Shakespeare's classic tale of teenage impulsivity and poor communication skills at the Spokane Civic Theatre. Their production of Romeo and Juliet closes this Sunday, April 13th, and it's genuinely worth seeing—even if your only exposure to Shakespeare was being forced to read it in high school while secretly looking up the modern English translation under your desk.

The Civic's production takes the traditional story but gives it enough modern touches to keep it accessible without going full Baz Luhrmann on us. The sword fights are impressively choreographed, and the balcony scene managed to be romantic rather than creepy, which is a fine line when you remember these characters are supposed to be teenagers who met literally hours earlier. (Seriously, the whole play takes place over like four days. These kids need to CHILL.)

Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30PM with a Sunday matinee at 2PM. Tickets are $15-$40 depending on seating. You can grab them at spokanecivictheatre.com or call the box office at (509) 325-2507.

Hamilton: Still Running and Still Expensive AF

If you somehow missed the cultural phenomenon that is Hamilton (or just want to be in "the room where it happens" again), the Broadway musical is at the First Interstate Center for the Arts through April 20th. That's right, it's running longer than we initially reported because apparently Spokane can't get enough of colonial-era hip hop.

I've listened to the soundtrack approximately 8,000 times in my car—complete with terrible rapping and questionable vocal runs—seeing it live is a completely different experience.

Fair warning: tickets are not cheap, ranging from "maybe if I skip a few meals" to "do I really need both kidneys?" But the show lives up to the hype, and you'll be humming the songs for weeks afterward, much to the annoyance of everyone around you.

Check the First Interstate Center website for showtimes and ticket availability—might just get lucky.

Comedy Double Header: Andy Gross and JB Smoove Both Performing THIS FRIDAY

In what can only be described as the comedy gods smiling upon Spokane, we've got TWO killer comedy shows happening this Friday, April 11th. Choose your fighter:

Option 1: Andy Gross at the Panida Theater

If you're willing to make the drive up to Sandpoint this Friday, comedian/magician/ventriloquist Andy Gross is performing at the Panida Theater at 7:30PM. You might recognize him from his viral videos or his voice throwing stunts that have racked up millions of views online.

His show is a mix of stand-up comedy, magic tricks that will make you question reality, and ventriloquism that's actually funny rather than deeply unsettling (a rare feat in the world of talking dummies). Tickets are $25-$44 depending on seating, and you can get them through the Panida Theater website or by calling 208-263-9191.

Option 2: JB Smoove at Spokane Tribe Casino

Also happening this Friday night, comedian JB Smoove brings his high-energy stand-up to the Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino at 8PM. You probably know him as Leon from "Curb Your Enthusiasm," but his stand-up is a masterclass in physical comedy and storytelling that will have you crying with laughter.

What makes him special is how he can turn the most mundane situations—like grocery shopping or waiting at the DMV—into these elaborate, hilarious scenarios that somehow end up involving him doing a full split on stage. The man has the energy of someone half his age and the flexibility of a gymnast, which is a weird but entertaining combination.

Tickets start at $32 through AXS.com, and if you're feeling fancy, they have dinner packages that include reserved seating.

Honestly, the hardest decision you'll make this week is which of these shows to attend. Or be a comedy hero and hit both—Sandpoint's only an hour away, so with proper planning and a designated driver, you could theoretically catch Andy's show and then race back for JB's late set.

Storytime at the Carrousel: For Kids or Childless Adults Who Need Joy

If you have little ones (or can convincingly borrow someone else's for a few hours), Riverfront Park's Carrousel is hosting a special storytime next Thursday, April 18th. The event features stories, songs, and activities designed for preschoolers, and attendees get to ride the Carrousel for just $1 afterward.

The program starts at 11AM and is free to attend (just the $1 for the carousel ride if you choose to do that). No registration required—just show up with an enthusiastic child and enough caffeine to match their energy level—you can always get them to chill out or amp them up by taking them to the most expensive toy store on planet earth: the Lego Store. . .

And honestly, if you're an adult without kids who just wants to hear a nice story and ride a carousel horse, I say go for it. We could all use more whimsy in our lives, and the event staff are too polite to question your life choices. Just don't be creepy about it.

Gearheads: You’re Up

🚗 Spokane’s largest indoor car show is back this weekend—and it’s not holding back. The 9th Annual Spokane Speed & Custom Show runs April 11–13 at the Fair & Expo Center, and it’s packing over 400 custom builds from across the U.S. and Canada. We’re talking tricked-out hot rods, slammed lowriders, old-school muscle, choppers, and bikes that look like they were forged in Valhalla.

What to look for:

• A full Chevy Impala showcase (1958–1972 plus some ultra-rare 90s models)

• Hop Up Magazine's traditional hot rod exhibit

• NitroFest (smell the nitromethane from across the lot)

• A full-blown Back to the Future tribute—DeLorean and all

• Rob Wolfe from American Pickers signing autographs

Whether you’re a diehard gearhead or just wanna see some loud, shiny nostalgia, this show delivers.

Tickets: $15 GA / $12 for seniors & military / Kids 10 & under FREE
More info here

See you around town, SpoCo friends. If you spot me stress-eating a cinnamon roll at Madeleine's while staring blankly at tax forms, no you didn't (jkjk). And if you see me at The Split on Sunday walking the 5K while dramatically clutching my side as if I've just completed an ultramarathon, mind your business. We're all just doing our best out here.

Until next week friends. . .