Hello!

Happy New Year! As we step into this exciting new chapter, our 2026 theme—Embrace—could not be more fitting. It invites us to embrace our community, our traditions, and one another as we come together to celebrate all that makes Spokane shine.

One of the greatest joys of this season is welcoming our 17 outstanding Lilac Festival Ambassadors from high schools across the Spokane area. These young leaders represent the heart of our future, and over the coming weeks we will be getting to know them as they begin their Lilac Festival journey. We are so proud to embrace each of them into our Lilac Festival family.

January is already full of meaningful moments as we begin preparations for our festival in May. From early planning meetings to creative brainstorming and parade logistics, our volunteers are embracing the work ahead with enthusiasm and dedication to make this year’s celebration truly special.

This month we also pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., embracing his enduring legacy of service, equality, and unity—values that continue to guide and inspire the Lilac Festival.

In the spirit of love and gratitude, we look forward to Valentine’s for Veterans, where we have the privilege of embracing our local heroes with heartfelt messages and appreciation for their service.

And the excitement keeps growing as float building season begins! This is where creativity, teamwork, and community spirit truly come to life—and we cannot wait to see what our talented builders will create as they embrace this year’s theme in color, motion, and design.

Thank you for being part of our Lilac Festival family. Your support allows us to keep embracing what matters most: community, service, and celebration. Here’s to a joyful and inspiring start to the new year—we can’t wait to share all that’s ahead with you.

Warmest regards,

With gratitude,
Monika Hawkinson
President, Lilac Festival Association