As I write this, it’s hard to believe that the 2026 Spokane Lilac Festival is already behind us. After months of planning, countless volunteer hours, and a week filled with unforgettable events, our festival season has come to a close. What a remarkable year it has been.

On behalf of the Spokane Lilac Festival Association, thank you to our volunteers, directors, sponsors, military partners, community supporters, and everyone who attended our events. Your dedication and enthusiasm made this year’s theme, EMBRACE, come to life in meaningful ways throughout our community.

While festival week may be over, our work is far from finished. One of our core mission pillars is “Showcasing Our Region,” and throughout the summer our float, Royalty Court, and volunteers will continue representing Spokane at festivals and parades across the Pacific Northwest. From Portland to Tekoa, Coeur d’Alene to Seattle, we are proud to serve as ambassadors for Spokane and share the spirit of our community wherever we go.

We’re also turning our attention to our next major event—the Military Appreciation Golf Tournament on July 31. This exciting partnership supports both the Spokane Lilac Festival and the Fairchild Air Force Base Morale Fund, helping us continue our missions of honoring our military, empowering our youth, and showcasing our region. We look forward to seeing many of you on the course and appreciate the generous sponsors and volunteers who are helping make the tournament a success.

As summer unfolds, I hope you find time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer. Thank you for being part of the Spokane Lilac Festival family. Together, we continue to build traditions, create opportunities, and celebrate the very best of Spokane.

With gratitude,
Monika Hawkinson
President, Lilac Festival Association