Spokane's culture started with the Spokane Indians that reigned over millions of acres for many years. The name "Spokane" (originally spelled without the "e") means "Children of the Sun". Spokane’s culture has been growing since the first white community and settlement in the 1800’s. Coeur d’Alene Park (Spokane's first park) and the architecture that spawned after the fire of 1889 are prime examples.

Since then, Spokane has continued to take in a very diverse community that has grown and expressed itself through endless mediums such as the construction of Riverfront Park and the Worlds Fair in 1974. The City of Spokane has preserved a lot of the culture from its past and still has a historic atmosphere.

Spokane is home to over 40 arts organizations, representing all areas of the literary, visual, performing and musical arts. The Opera House, located in Riverfront Park, hosts many national and international entertainers on tour throughout the Northwest. It is also home to the Spokane Symphony and Ballet. Additionally, the Spokane Civic Theatre puts on plays and musicals at its own Civic Theatre. The new convention center down town will be another enormous addition to Spokane’s cultural events.