Grab a coffee drink to sip on while strolling through the John A. Finch Arboretum. Want something a little different than pumpkin spice? Stop by one of the Indaba Coffee locations for a delicious beet or turmeric latte.

The Finch Arboretum is a free park offering 65 acres of tree-covered landscape alongside Garden Springs Creek. In the autumn the Azaleas, Crab Apples, Mountain Ash, Maple, and Oak trees truly create an incredible backdrop for beautiful pictures.

Walking guide

Bring an oversized blanket to Manito Park for a picnic among the flowers. Start at Park Bench Cafe, located inside Manito Park, to order a yummy sandwich or salad. Then take your time meandering your way through Manito Park’s 78 acres of native and cultivated landscape + 20 acres of gorgeous botanical gardens. Find a beautiful spot to spread out your blanket, eat your meal, and relax surrounded by the lovely scenery. My absolute favorite place in Manito Park in the fall is the Japanese Gardens.

Load up your lawn chair and head over to the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Enjoy a night of professional theatre under the stars with Shakespeare in the Park through September 25th. These plays are family-friendly, free performances. Shakespeare in the Park play schedule.

If theatre isn't your thing, consider checking out the Pavilion concert schedule and get tickets for big names like Machine Gun Kelly, Jimmy Eat World, and My Morning Jacket.

West End Oktoberfest is a celebration of beer happening in the heart of Spokane’s West End District beginning at 1 pm on Saturday, September 18th. Five breweries (Iron Goat, The Golden Handle Project, Whistle Punk, River City, and Brick West) are creating specialty beers and bringing in live entertainment: Grab your ticket for this beer fest and receive an Oktoberfest 2021 mug + any Oktoberfest beer at every location for only $3 during Oktoberfest.

The brisk fall weather is a reminder that it is truly football season. Take a little drive to Cheney to cheer on the Eastern Washington Eagles football team on their iconic red AstroTurf. Or, head to North Spokane to root for the Whitworth Pirates. Games begin in September and run through November.

Spend a few hours or a few days at Riverside State Park, depending on your activity of choice. Riverside State Park offers mountain biking, cycling, hiking, and off-road vehicle area, equestrian trails, and more! One of the most picturesque hikes in Riverside State Park is the Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail. The Spokane River tumbles over and past huge basalt formations in a turquoise froth, and a suspension bridge makes for fun crossings and river views. There are picnic shelters and tables along the hiking trail or have lunch on the banks of the river. Not wanting to hike? There are mixed-use amazing viewpoints with several dramatic vistas onto Bowl and Pitcher and the greater Spokane River within a few minutes of this hub.

Mount Spokane is one of Washington’s largest state parks with over 100 miles of forested trails. Larch trees turn gold in September and October dotting the forest and making for gorgeous fall views. Drive up to the Vista House for a panoramic vantage point. From the main parking lot, hike a little over 2 miles to the Quartz Mountain fire lookout for more amazing views. Take in spectacular views of the Spokane Valley, Idaho, and several lakes.

The Spokane River Centennial Trail is a paved, mixed-use trail that takes off from the Nine Mile Recreation Area in Riverside State Park. The 40-mile trail runs through Riverside State Park, east through Spokane Valley, and ends at the Idaho border. This map shows the trailheads available for cyclists, skateboarders, speed walkers, or anyone out for a leisurely walk. Want to explore downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park? Start your walk in Kendall Yards and head east through Riverfront Park. A lesser-traveled portion of the trail with some fall foliage is the span between Boulder Beach and the Idaho border.