Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Families are invited to a hands-on Earth Fest at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where volunteers may join in seedling potting + fence removal and tree thinning + hear a keynote speech by Jack Nisbet on fire history.

On Saturday at 7 p.m. at Bing Crosby Theater, Willy Vlautin will join Spokane writer Jess Walter for a Northwest Passages conversation about writing and his eighth novel (The Left and the Lucky) as part of the annual Get Lit festival, with tickets selling fast.

GasBuddy expert Patrick De Haan explained that Spokane drivers face higher fuel costs as up to 85% of the price rise stems from the U.S. war with Iran while seasonal maintenance adds to the pressure; locals now pay as much as $75 for a full tank compared to lower costs a decade ago.

Looff Carrousel is hosting a free Storytime event for children ages 2-5 this Friday from 11 a.m. to noon — the event will feature stories, songs, and preschool activities with carousel rides available for $1.

SHA received $126,000 from the Washington State Dept. of Commerce to plan a new childcare center next to Orchard Vista Apartments in Dishman Hills, with predesign work for a 4,500 sqft facility that will offer up to 40 childcare slots (meeting local workforce needs).

Shades of Motherhood Network is hosting five free events next week as the city recognizes Black Maternal Health Week — including a fashion show titled 'Dear Sis: Motherhood in Motion' that offers tips on wellness and community support.

Over 400 kids and teens raced through Riverside State Park on Sunday in a mountain bike kickoff event organized by the Washington Student Cycling League.

Riders navigated 5.25-mile loops while families gathered (with tents and camp stoves) at the Seven Mile Trailhead to cheer on the young competitors.

Young runners competed in the annual Junior Bloomsday race at Spokane Falls Community College on April 12, 2026.

Participants ran the one-mile course repeatedly, with some recording strong times as proceeds supported Active4Youth's free after-school cross country program.

Junior Livestock Show of Spokane

All day — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — Free entry — Experience the thrill of the Junior Livestock Show with youth competitors showcasing their agricultural talents.