Here’s How to Help Bloomsday Run Smoothly
Brian Walker, Communications Manager, 509.625.6765
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 2:21 p.m.
The City is proud to partner with Bloomsday for the 47th running of the 7.46-mile race/walk in downtown Spokane on Sunday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In hopes that Bloomsday, expected to have about 40,000 participants, runs as safe and smoothly as possible for participants, fans, volunteers and residents, please consider the following tips:
- On Friday night red “No Parking/Tow Away Zone” placards on parking meters along the race route will be posted, notifying motorists that the tow away zone will be in effect all day on Sunday. If someone parks in the spaces that have been reserved, they may be towed. The parking spaces can be used Friday night, all day Saturday and Monday. Vehicles can’t be parked along the route starting at 12 a.m. on Sunday.
- Park vehicles off the race route. The Police Department will check the course the morning of the race, and vehicles left on the course may be towed. Residents in Browne’s Addition, Peaceful Valley, West Central, River Run/SFCC area, and Kendall Yards should take note of road closures Sunday morning into early afternoon.
- Keep dogs secured or fenced if the run is in your neighborhood to increase safety for the pets and participants.
- Make plans ahead. Traffic in the race area will be restricted during the run. Motorists will not be able to cross the course once the race has started.
- To accommodate Bloomsday shuttle operations by Spokane Transit Authority, Howard Street from First to Fourth avenues will be a no-ride zone for Lime e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as one block on either side of Howard on Second and Third avenues. The race start and finish zones will also be no-ride zones on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid interfering with Bloomsday participants. Lime scooters and bikes can still be used to get to and from downtown for Bloomsday, parking them on the periphery of the downtown core near First Avenue or Browne Street.
- Bloomsday packet pick-up will be at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 5, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, so watch for increased pedestrian traffic downtown on those days. The full weekend schedule is posted online.
- Little things matter a lot. Do your part during Bloomsday to not be a litterbug and use trash receptacles along the course.
- Avoid congestion and consider taking Spokane Transit shuttles and buses to and from Bloomsday! It’s easy, convenient, and affordable!
If you have any questions, contact Bloomsday staff or visit the FAQ page.
More About...
