First Interstate Center for the Arts Spokane
A premier Spokane venue hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy, complemented by riverside views and local art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience top touring shows
First Interstate Center for the Arts Spokane
Best Time
Experience top touring shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier Spokane venue hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy, complemented by riverside views and local art.
"Such a great venue for plays and events. There's really not a bad seat in the theater."
🎯 Book Broadway Tickets Early
Popular shows like Wicked and MJ The Musical sell out quickly. Book in advance!
👂 Check Seating for Sound
Some find Terrace level sound challenging. Research for best audio quality.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Broadway Tours
Experience world-class musicals like 'Wicked', 'MJ The Musical', and 'Funny Girl' live on stage.
+2
Concerts & Comedy
Catch renowned musicians and comedians, such as Jim Jefferies, in an intimate setting.
Harold Balazs Sculptures
Admire iconic local art, including the 'Lantern' tower and Centennial sculpture, near the center.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
+1Consider Your Seating Choice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Broadway Tickets Early
Popular shows like Wicked and MJ The Musical sell out quickly. Book in advance!
👂 Check Seating for Sound
Some find Terrace level sound challenging. Research for best audio quality.
🚗 Convenient Parking Available
Reviewers mention good parking options near the venue.
✨ Enjoy Riverside Views
Take a moment to appreciate the scenic Spokane River and fountain nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Broadway Tickets Early
Popular shows like Wicked and MJ The Musical sell out quickly. Book in advance!
👂 Check Seating for Sound
Some find Terrace level sound challenging. Research for best audio quality.
🚗 Convenient Parking Available
Reviewers mention good parking options near the venue.
✨ Enjoy Riverside Views
Take a moment to appreciate the scenic Spokane River and fountain nearby.
🎭 Diverse Event Calendar
From musicals to comedy, there's always something exciting happening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the First Interstate Center for the Arts as a great venue for quality events, highlighting its friendly staff, clean and spacious environment, and the diverse range of performances booked. Many appreciate the riverside views and nearby art installations. However, some patrons have noted consistent issues with sound clarity in the Terrace level, making it difficult to understand dialogue during certain shows.
"Such a great venue for plays and events. We've been several times. Staff is always friendly. There's really not a bad seat in the theater. It's clean and spacious. It's obvious that they try and book quality events. Thank you, Spokane, for bringing culture to the PNW!"
M C
"It was amazing for my first performance!!!! If I had the money I would go again! I was alittle sad the Hamilton cast wasn't the original people but thats okay cause the cast who did play was amazing. I cried alittle cause I was so moved and happy. Definitely a must see performance. The interstate center was great in itself. The view I had was almost perfect. The food and drinks and merch setups were in great spot. The people who were pulling security and handing out flyers inside were very knowledgeable and helpful. I definitely will be seeing more shows going forward."
Tilly Finafrock
"Love the riverside views and fountain near the arts center."
Mark Damian Fowler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The First Interstate Center for the Arts is located in downtown Spokane, WA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options also serve the downtown area.
Yes, reviewers consistently mention good parking options available near the venue, making it convenient for attendees.
If you are staying in downtown Spokane, the center is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions.
Major routes like I-90 will lead you to downtown Spokane. Follow signs for the performing arts center. Specific directions can be found on their official website.
Typically, ride-sharing services can drop off and pick up passengers near the main entrance or designated areas. It's best to check with your driver or venue staff on arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased through the official First Interstate Center for the Arts website, authorized ticket vendors, or at the box office.
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the show and seating location. For example, 'Come From Away' tickets ranged from $45.50 to $95.50.
Yes, a seating chart is usually available on the ticketing website to help you choose your seats.
It's possible, but highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular Broadway tours, as shows can sell out.
Refund and exchange policies are typically set by the touring production or event organizer. Check the terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
While many seats offer good views, some patrons have noted that sound quality can be inconsistent in the Terrace level, especially for musicals where lyrics might be hard to discern.
Yes, reviewers mention that food, drinks, and merchandise setups are available and conveniently located within the venue.
The venue is generally accessible, with accommodations for patrons with disabilities. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific needs.
There is no strict dress code, but most attendees opt for smart casual attire for Broadway shows and concerts.
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disrupting the show and other audience members. Check venue policies for specific events.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the center offers scenic views, including the Spokane River and nearby sculptures like Harold Balazs' 'Lantern' tower.
While photography during performances is restricted, the lobby and exterior of the venue can offer nice photo backdrops before or after a show.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photographing the 'Lantern' sculpture.
Typically, you can take photos of the empty stage or auditorium before the performance begins, but always check with venue staff for current policies.
For performances, professional photography is usually not allowed. For general venue shots, a smartphone or a camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The venue's welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming mean there's often something to capture the imagination of younger audiences, from beloved holiday tales to engaging musicals. When choosing seats, consider opting for sections that offer clear views and good sound, especially for younger children who might be more sensitive to audio issues.
🎭 Theater Enthusiasts
+2 The opportunity to witness these performances live, with impressive sets and talented casts, is a significant draw for enthusiasts. Beyond Broadway, the center hosts a variety of other performances, including concerts and comedy shows, ensuring a diverse cultural calendar.
+1 While most seats offer good views, seasoned theater-goers might want to research specific seating recommendations for optimal acoustics, as noted by some patrons regarding the Terrace level. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Harold Balazs
Another significant piece by Balazs is the Centennial sculpture, located in the Spokane River just south of the clock tower, adding to the artistic landscape surrounding the performing arts center. These sculptures are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply integrated into the city's identity, offering visitors a chance to connect with Spokane's creative spirit.
Experiencing these artworks can enhance your visit, providing a broader appreciation for the cultural richness of Spokane beyond the stage. They are easily accessible and offer great photo opportunities, especially during daylight hours.
Navigating Seating and Sound
For certain shows, especially musicals where lyrics are crucial, the sound system or acoustics in the Terrace section might make it difficult to understand dialogue. This has been a consistent observation for some attendees across multiple events.
Despite these occasional sound concerns, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many appreciating the venue's ability to host a wide array of quality events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit