It is easy to become overwhelmed with the stresses of college and life. However, the Kendall Yards Night Market is something fun you can go experience in the middle of the week.

The market has been going on for 10 years and is something Spokane treasures. It is open every wednesday, May through September, from 5:00pm-8:00pm by the Spokane River. 

They have everything from food to jewelry and art to live music. It has a beautiful view looking out to the river right alongside the Centennial Trail, so easily accessible by bike if parking is a concern. If you are new to Spokane, it is a great way to get immersed in the community and culture. 

Lisa Rawson is the director of the market and this is her first year in that position. She is thrilled to be able to help get this event started again and is confident that this year will be the best yet.

“[What] I’m actually really excited about this year is the vibe,” she said. “There’s a real positive energy and everyone is commenting on it. I feel proud about that. I feel like maybe my energy helped create some of that. Hopefully we can maintain that and just intentionally build up that community.”

While some markets focus more on one produce or more on art, this one has a wide variety of things to do. They haven’t had as many artists in years past, but this year they have really pushed to showcase different arts.

“You come, you get your food, you shop, you sit, you listen to music,” Rawson said. “It’s just a whole thing to do on a Wednesday. I think the food trucks really draw a lot of people in. And we have a large number of artists, maybe in comparison to other markets. And that was very intentional.”

The market is a slice of what Spokane is all about. It is about connecting with others in the community and supporting local businesses.

Botanical Bites is an example of a unique food booth the market has. Samantha Falcone is the owner and baker of who makes exclusively vegan desserts. 

“It all started because a few years ago when I went vegan, it was really hard to find desserts or really anything in Spokane that’s vegan,” she said. “And sometimes you don’t want that gluten free texture.”

The market is full of booths like Falcone’s. All with special stories and interesting one-of-a-kind items. 

Melanie Duffield, market manager, is hoping to promote that in the market while also making sure people have a good time. 

“We have this local fresh produce,” she said. “We can support our local farmers and our local florists and growers. It’s kind of a really fun thing to be able to be healthy and fresh. I think we like to promote that as a city.”

Whether you have been living in Spokane for most of your life or have only recently moved here, this market can be something to go to with friends and family and enjoy what Spokane has to offer. 

“We’re getting bigger, but we don’t want to ever lose touch of the heart of what we are,” Duffield said. “That’s kind of the heart of how Spokane is and the people of Spokane. Supporting each other and keeping that community and that small town feel.”

With the weather warming up and summer fast approaching, the Kendall Yards night market is a great place to go relax and enjoy yourself.