Spokane’s surprisingly active club scene has spawned a number of national acts. You’ll find something going on every night of the week, from garage band grunge to poetry readings. Pick up a free copy of The Inlander newspaper for information on upcoming events.

Clubs with live bands and DJs include Sunset Junction (1801 W. Sunset Blvd., 509/455-9131), Thudpucker’s (43 W. Riverside, 509/747-5547), and The Rocket Downtown (18 S. ]Monroe]], 509/455-5282).

Hang out with the college crowd at Jack & Dan’s Tavern (1226 N Hamilton St., 509/487-6546). Owned by Gonzaga alum and former NBA star John Stockton’s dad, this is a decades-old classic. Another popular sports-and-boozing bar is The Viking (1221 N. Stevens, 509/326-2942). On Sunday nights the scene shifts to Mootsy’s Tavern (406 W. Sprague, 509/838-1570), where the poetry readings often pack the house.

Bayou Brewing Company (1003 E. Trent, 509/484-4818) is the most packaged place in town, with a re-created New Orleans’ atmosphere (created by movie set designers), fresh-brewed beers, Cajun cooking, pool tables, and dance bands or comedy acts nightly. This is the place to be on Fat Tuesday. O’Doherty’s Irish Grille (W. 525 Spokane Falls Blvd., 509/747-0322) often has live Irish music and always has Guinness on draught.