by Spokane, Washington, offers a festive and family‑friendly way to celebrate New Year’s Eve on 31 December 2025 with an exciting fireworks show and plenty of surrounding activities. Whether you’re planning to enjoy a community gathering in the heart of downtown or prefer nearby spots with great viewing, Spokane has options that make welcoming 2026 memorable.
This guide highlights the best places to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in Spokane, nearby celebration spots, and helpful tips for planning your evening.
Main Fireworks Celebration in Spokane
Riverfront Park New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The centerpiece of Spokane’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the fireworks show at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. This annual event is designed to be family‑friendly and free to the public, with fireworks launching at 9:00 p.m. on 31 December 2025.
- Location: Riverfront Park, near the Clock Tower in downtown Spokane
- Fireworks Time: Around 9:00 p.m. PST
- Atmosphere: Casual community celebration with music, lights, and pre‑fireworks activities
- Cost: Free for all ages
The earlier start time of the fireworks makes this event suitable for families with children who may not stay out until midnight, while the park’s setting along the Spokane River gives everyone a scenic backdrop to enjoy the show.
Best Viewing Spots in Spokane
Riverfront Park Open Areas
Riverfront Park is one of the most popular places to watch the fireworks because it offers multiple vantage points. Here are some great options within the park:
- Clock Tower Meadow: Near the center of the park, offering direct sightlines
- Walking paths and bridges: Provide elevated or reflective views over the Spokane River
- Open grassy areas: Bring blankets or chairs for comfortable watching
Anywhere around the park that offers a clear line of sight to the Clock Tower will provide excellent views of the fireworks.
Nearby Downtown Areas
Even if you don’t want to be inside Riverfront Park, there are nearby spots that still give great views of the display:
- Downtown plazas and sidewalks: Less crowded spaces with skyline perspectives
- Bars and restaurants near the park: Some offer outdoor patios or windows facing toward the fireworks
- Parking structures with elevated views: Can provide unique photo opportunities if accessible
Downtown Spokane’s walkable layout makes it easy to find a comfortable spot to watch while enjoying dinner or entertainment beforehand.
Pre‑Fireworks Activities and Celebrations
DJ Night on the Ice
Before the fireworks begin, Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park often hosts a DJ Night on the Ice starting in the early evening. This event typically features music, skating, and lights, creating a fun atmosphere for families and friends as part of the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Pavilion Light Shows
Riverfront Park commonly runs light shows throughout the early evening that count down toward the fireworks, adding to the festive experience before the main event starts.
Nearby Places for Additional Celebration
In addition to downtown Spokane’s fireworks event, there are nearby areas and cities where you can continue festivities or experience different types of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Spokane Valley
Just east of downtown, Spokane Valley can be a quieter place to watch the distant skyline glow with fireworks if you prefer a more relaxed environment. Open parks and viewpoints in the valley area offer spaces where groups can gather to ring in the New Year.
Liberty Lake
Further east, Liberty Lake provides a scenic, small‑town atmosphere. While it may not host a large event with fireworks of its own, local parties, dining venues, and open areas near the water can make a peaceful alternative celebration with views toward the broader Spokane area.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
About a one‑hour drive north, Coeur d’Alene often hosts New Year’s Eve fireworks and celebrations along the lakefront. Watching fireworks over the water at North Idaho venues can be especially picturesque and is a popular choice for those willing to travel slightly outside Spokane.
Tips for Enjoying New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Spokane
- Arrive Early – Riverfront Park and nearby areas tend to fill up well before the fireworks begin. Arriving at least one to two hours early gives you time to find a good viewing spot and enjoy pre‑fireworks activities.
- Dress for the Weather – Late December in Spokane is cold, especially near the river. Wear warm layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes to stay comfortable while waiting for the fireworks and enjoying outdoor entertainment.
- Transportation and Parking – Parking near Riverfront Park can be limited on New Year’s Eve due to the event’s popularity. Consider public transit, rideshares, or parking a short walk away to avoid congestion and ensure you’re not rushed as the night progresses.
Why Spokane Is a Great Place for New Year’s Eve
Spokane combines community spirit, scenic settings, and family‑friendly entertainment to create a memorable New Year’s Eve experience. The fireworks at Riverfront Park are set earlier in the evening, making them accessible to visitors of all ages, while the surrounding activities and downtown nightlife provide plenty to do before and after the display.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, embracing the downtown energy, or seeking a quieter spot nearby, Spokane provides a welcoming way to ring in 2026.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering where to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve 2025 in Spokane, Riverfront Park is the definitive destination. With a free fireworks display at 9:00 p.m., scenic river views, and a variety of locations around the park for great sightlines, it delivers an enjoyable experience for everyone. Explore nearby areas or pre‑fireworks events to make your New Year’s Eve celebration even more special.
