Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Grab your tickets for the second annual Spokane County Fire District 4 Fall Festival on Friday, Oct.

23 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Station 44 (17207 North Newport Highway in Mead), where families will enjoy pre-gutted pumpkins for carving, festival snacks, drinks and fire safety tips with a timed entry system and $5 admission for adults.

More than 700 people enjoyed traditional Japanese ramen at Spokane Buddhist Temple on South Perry during the sold-out Ramen Festival 2026.

Temple chefs spent five days preparing the ramen, vegetables, chicken and broth, and the event featured a vegetarian broth and mochi desserts + proceeds to help wildfire relief.

At Howl'oween on the Bluff at the Farmhouse on Green Bluff, dogs raced and paraded in costumes on Sunday, with Stubbs—the 50-pound corgi—stealing the crowd's admiration despite not winning his heat.

The festive event also featured a costume contest with themes ranging from spooky to humorous.

Spokane author Gregory Spatz launches his new novel 'The Vivaldi Church'—a story blending historic Venice and modern life with tales of all-female musical ensembles—in a book launch at West Central Abbey on Friday, Oct.

16 at 7 pm.

The Spokane Renaissance Faire held at the County Fair and Expo Center on Saturday (Oct.

3) drew nearly 30,000 visitors with smoother parking and more free entertainment, though higher food prices and some vendor issues were noted as the event continues to grow.

Golden Oldies Costumes in Post Falls rents thousands of affordable, adult-sized costumes from superheroes to historical icons and is a local staple for community events — owner Diane Wahl shares that families have enjoyed creative dress-up traditions here for decades.

James Lowe and the Spokane Symphony, joined by Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey, performed an Americana program at the Fox Theater last weekend.

The event featured works by Copland and Still along with a newly commissioned orchestral suite to honor the Declaration of Independence.

Spokane Public Schools approved a $627 million operating budget for the 2026-27 school year last August, noting a 2.6% rise mainly driven by inflation.

The district expects just over $624 million in revenue with a $3.2 million deficit and plans in-house transportation and more special education staff (officials said).

Spokane Public Schools is asking voters to approve a new three-year levy on the November ballot to fund academics, services and athletics amid rising costs—set at about $2.50 per $1,000 of property value; if passed, it will replace the levy expiring in 2027.

Gonzaga basketball fans packed the McCarthey Athletic Center Saturday to preview the upcoming 2026-2027 season; head coach Mark Few introduced new players, hosted a dunk contest, and held a scrimmage that excited the local Kennel community — the Bulldogs’ home opener is scheduled for Nov. 7 against New Mexico State.

The Spokane Chiefs remain unbeaten after beating the Everett Silvertips 3-1 Sunday night (their best start in franchise history) and sweeping three road games to 5-0.

The team will return home Friday, Oct. 9 for their next game.