A Travel Guide to Spokane, Washington's Best Concerts & Events

Spokane isn’t just the economic hub of the Inland Northwest; it is a vibrant cultural epicenter teeming with live music, championship-level sports, and festivals that draw crowds from across the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are rallying a Gonzaga alumni group for a basketball game, organizing a corporate outing to the Spokane Arena, or planning a massive family reunion around Hoopfest, getting there is half the battle. At Charter Bus Spokane, we believe the journey should be as exciting as the destination.

Navigating the streets of the Lilac City during a major event can be stressful. Parking near Riverfront Park is often scarce, and coordinating a convoy of cars to the Northern Quest Casino can result in late arrivals and separated parties. That is where we come in. We offer the most reliable charter bus rentals in Spokane, ensuring your group travels together, arrives on time, and enjoys premium amenities like reclining seats and climate control along the way.

If you are planning a trip to catch a show or attend a festival, let this guide serve as your roadmap to the best entertainment Spokane has to offer—and how Charter Bus Spokane can help you get there.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Catch the Biggest Acts at the Spokane Arena

When major headliners come to Eastern Washington, they play at the Spokane Arena (720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201). This multi-purpose venue is the heartbeat of the city’s entertainment district. With a seating capacity of over 12,000, it hosts everything from the massive sold-out concerts of touring rock legends and country stars to Disney on Ice and monster truck rallies.

It is also the home ice for the Spokane Chiefs (WHL). If you are a hockey fan looking to organize a group outing, there is no better way to travel than a private bus rental. Skip the hassle of the parking garage on Mallon Avenue. Your driver can drop your group off right near the entrance, allowing you to head straight for concessions or your seats. After the final buzzer or the encore, you won’t be stuck in the gridlock trying to exit the lot; your warm, comfortable bus will be waiting to shuttle you to a late-night dinner at Kendall Yards or back to your hotel.

Outdoor Fun at Riverfront Park and The Pavilion

Riverfront Park (507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201) is the crown jewel of downtown Spokane. Following its massive redevelopment, the U.S. Pavilion has become one of the most unique outdoor concert venues in the country. Seeing a show under the iconic cable structure while the Spokane Falls roar in the background is an experience your group won't forget.

This is also ground zero for some of the city's largest festivals, including Pig Out in the Park, a massive six-day food and music festival held every Labor Day weekend. Navigating downtown during these events can be a nightmare for individual drivers due to road closures and heavy pedestrian traffic. With a Charter Bus Spokane rental, we can coordinate drop-off points that get you close to the action—perhaps near the Rotary Fountain or the Looff Carrousel—so you can spend your time eating and dancing rather than circling for a parking spot.

Experience the Arts at The Fox and The Bing

For a more sophisticated evening, Spokane offers historic theaters that rival any on the West Coast. The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox (1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201) is an Art Deco masterpiece and the home of the Spokane Symphony. Just down the street is the Bing Crosby Theater (901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201), which hosts comedy acts, jazz ensembles, and film screenings.

If you are organizing a trip for a school band, a senior citizen community, or a corporate gala, these venues are top-tier. However, parking in the downtown core on a Friday or Saturday night is competitive. A private shuttle bus rental adds a touch of elegance to the evening. We can transport your group from a pre-show dinner at a local favorite like Clinkerdagger or Churchill’s Steakhouse directly to the theater doors. Enjoy a glass of wine or relax in air-conditioned comfort without worrying about feeding a parking meter.

Gonzaga Basketball at the McCarthey Athletic Center

In Spokane, college basketball is practically a religion. The McCarthey Athletic Center (801 N Cincinnati St, Spokane, WA 99258), affectionately known as "The Kennel," is where the Gonzaga Bulldogs dominate the court. The energy here is electrifying, but the University District gets incredibly congested on game days.

Whether you are an alumni group coming in from Seattle or a local booster club, a charter bus rental is the ultimate game-day hack. We can pick your group up from a designated meeting point, allow you to store banners and gear in the overhead bins, and drop you off right on campus. If you are traveling with a visiting team, our full-sized motorcoaches offer ample undercarriage storage for equipment bags and uniforms, giving your players the space they need to focus on the game.

Summer Concerts at Northern Quest Resort & Casino

Located just outside the city limits in Airway Heights, Northern Quest Resort & Casino (100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001) hosts the BECU Live outdoor summer concert series. This venue attracts major acts ranging from classic rock bands to modern pop stars. It’s a fantastic destination for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or corporate retreats.

Because alcohol and gaming are often part of the experience at Northern Quest, safety is paramount. By booking a party bus or charter bus with Charter Bus Spokane, you ensure that everyone has a comfortable ride home. You get a built-in designated driver who stays with your group throughout the night. Enjoy the concert, hit the gaming floor, and have a great time knowing that your driver is ready to take you home whenever you call it a night.

Spokane Hoopfest and Bloomsday: City-Wide Logistics

Spokane is famous for hosting the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Hoopfest, and one of the largest timed road races in the world, Bloomsday. During these weekends, the entire downtown area transforms. Streets are closed, hotels are booked solid, and moving around the city requires serious strategy.

If your team or running club is participating, do not rely on personal vehicles. A minibus or charter bus can serve as your team’s base of operations. We can shuttle you from hotels in Spokane Valley or near the airport into the city center. The drivers know the road closure maps inside and out. We can get you as close as possible to your court or the starting line, keep your warm-up gear secure on the bus while you compete, and provide a climate-controlled space to cool down afterward.

The Spokane Interstate Fair

Every September, the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center (404 N Havana St, Spokane Valley, WA 99202) comes alive for the Spokane Interstate Fair. From rodeos and demolition derbies to live concerts and 4-H exhibits, it is a massive event that draws thousands.

This is a popular destination for school field trips and youth groups. Charter Bus Spokane offers the most efficient way to transport students. Unlike traditional yellow school buses, our charter rentals can come equipped with DVDs and TV screens to keep kids entertained during the ride, as well as onboard restrooms to minimize stops. Teachers and chaperones can relax knowing everyone is accounted for in one vehicle.

Ready to Book Your Spokane Event Transportation?

Don’t let traffic and parking logistics overshadow your experience of Spokane’s incredible events scene. Whether you are heading to a Zags game, a symphony performance, or a massive outdoor festival, Charter Bus Spokane has the fleet and the expertise to get you there effortlessly.

From 18-passenger minibuses for intimate groups to 56-passenger motorcoaches for large organizations, we have the perfect vehicle for your needs. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, help you plan your route, and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Call us today at 509-381-3214 and let’s get your group on the road to your next great Spokane adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spokane Concert Transportation

How far in advance should we book a bus for major events like Hoopfest?

For city-wide events like Hoopfest, Bloomsday, or graduation weekends at Gonzaga and EWU, demand for transportation is extremely high. We recommend booking your charter bus at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability and the best pricing. While we can often accommodate last-minute requests, booking early guarantees you get the exact vehicle type you need for your group.

Do you offer transportation to events outside of Spokane?

Absolutely! Charter Bus Spokane serves the entire Pacific Northwest region. If you want to take a group to a concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre, a football game at Washington State University in Pullman, or even a multi-day trip to Seattle or Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, we can take you there. Our long-distance charter buses feature comfortable reclining seats and onboard restrooms, making them perfect for longer road trips.

Where does the bus park during the event?

This depends on the specific venue. For large venues like the Spokane Arena or the Gorge, there are designated bus parking lots. For events downtown or at hotels, your driver may drop you off at the entrance and then park at an off-site location until you are ready to be picked up. When you book your trip, our reservation specialists will help coordinate these logistics so you know exactly where to meet your driver after the event.

What amenities are included on your buses?

Our fleet offers a variety of premium amenities to make your ride comfortable. Most full-size charter buses come equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, overhead storage, and undercarriage luggage bays. You can also request buses with WiFi, power outlets, and DVD players with monitors. If you have specific needs for your group, just let us know when you call 509-381-3214, and we will match you with the perfect vehicle.