The Lilac Bloomsday Run (509/838-1579, www.bloomsdayrun.org) held the first Sunday in May, attracts over 60,000 runners with a downtown 12-kilometer course. It’s called the world’s largest timed race; all competitors are given finishing times. Simultaneously, Spokane hosts one of America’s largest fitness and running trade shows.

After Bloomsday, Spokane blossoms with two weeks of activity called the Lilac Festival (509/535-4554, www.lilacfestival.org), culminating in the Armed Forces Day Torchlight Parade on the third Saturday of May. The lilac garden at Manito Park is usually in full bloom for the festival; other events include entertainment, concerts, and an amateur golf tournament.

The first weekend in June brings ArtFest, a kid-oriented hands-on event with arts, crafts, and food at Museum of Art and Culture.

Basketball players from all over the Western U.S. descend on Spokane for Hoopfest (509/624-241, www.hoopfest.org) in late June, a weekend of three-on-three basketball games. More than 4,600 teams compete in this double-elimination tournament that spreads over 300 courts. In addition to the hoops, you’ll find a food fair and other activities at Riverfront Park.

On the fourth Saturday in July Spokane comes to life with the Royal Fireworks Concert and Festival (509/455-6865, www.allegrobaroque.org), an extravaganza of food, entertainment, and an open-air symphony concert at Riverfront Park. Fireworks follow the music.

Pig Out in the Park, on the week before Labor Day, is four days of food, live music, and a beer garden in Riverfront Park.

The Spokane Interstate Fair (509/477-1766, www.spokanecounty.org/fair), held for nine days in mid-September at the fairgrounds at Broadway and Havana, features big name musical entertainment and a PRCA rodeo.

In late November, Christmas Tree Elegance features the lighting of an enormous metallic tree, a giant snowman, strolling carolers, carriage rides, and decorations.