2020 Spokane Lilac Festival Updates

It is with deep sadness that we announce the Spokane Lilac Festival for 2020, “Destination Spokane,” has been canceled.  This was not a decision taken lightly.  After many discussions and meetings with our local and state officials, it is clear that it is not feasible to hold the Festival in a safe manner, nor the type of Festival our wonderful community deserves and has come to expect.  This is only the second time in our 82-year Festival history that the Parade or any of our events have not been able to take place; the first 1943-1945 during WWII.  

Although we are very disappointed with the outcome of our 2020 Festival, we look forward with anticipation to the Spring of 2021 when we can resume our commitment to Honor our Military, Empower Our Youth and Showcase Our Region.  Thank you to all of those who have supported this mission, including the Volunteers, Sponsors, our Lilac Directors and most importantly, our amazing Lilac City.

Dan VerHeul
2020 ‘Destination Spokane’ Lilac Festival President

If you have purchased tickets for any of our 2020 events, we will be reaching out to you in the coming days with next steps.  Thank you for your patience.

The Hosting committee coordinates arrangements for visiting dignitaries. Hosting also facilitates arrangements for festival meetings and various events before and during the Lilac Festival.  The function of this division is to plan and arrange all hospitality activities that provide non-parade entertainment.  We schedule and organize all dinners, breakfast, luncheons and the hospitality room as well as extend invitations to out of town festivals to promote attendance throughout the Lilac Festival Week.   

A few weeks prior to the Lilac Festival Week, we organize and host the Royal Tea Party at the Historic Davenport Hotel.  This is a wonderful opportunity for local “Lilac Princess’ in Waiting” to meet our Royalty court, learn proper “afternoon tea” etiquette and participate in a raffle to earn a spot on the Lilac float during the Jr. Lilac Parade.