Gesa Pavilion: A Spokane Icon

The Central Gathering Place for the Spokane Region

Originally built as the U.S. Federal Pavilion for Expo ’74, the Pavilion was a gift to Spokane from the United States government. As part of a visionary Master Plan, it has been revitalized into a dynamic event space, hosting a wide range of public and private gatherings. From concert and movie series to fitness events, Hoopfest Center Court, beer festivals, weddings, and corporate celebrations, the Pavilion is designed for flexibility and community engagement.

In March 2025, the City of Spokane’s Park Board approved a naming rights partnership with Gesa Credit Union. Now known as the Gesa Pavilion, this 5,100-seat venue serves as a central hub for entertainment, cultural activities, and family-friendly events. The 10-year partnership marks Gesa’s first sponsorship of an iconic Spokane landmark, reinforcing its dedication to supporting the city’s vibrant community.
Read more about the partnership.

Light Shows

The dynamic lighting effects display an array of color, brightness, and patterns. Light shows will be displayed every weekend, year‑round, for all of Spokane to enjoy.

Light Show Schedule

2026 Holiday Lighting Schedule
Holiday Date(s) Lighting Details
MLK Day January 19 Red/Green/Yellow
Valentine’s Day February 14 Red/Pink/White
Presidents’ Day February 16 Red/White/Blue
Lunar New Year February 17 Red/Gold
St. Patrick’s Day March 17 Green/Gold
Easter April 5 Spring Light Show
Earth Day April 22 Green/Blue/White
Cinco De Mayo May 5 Green/White/Red
Mother’s Day May 10 Pink
Memorial Day May 25 Red/White/Blue
Father’s Day June 21 Blue
Juneteenth June 19 Red/Green
Independence Day July 4 Red/White/Blue
Labor Day September 7 Red/White/Blue
Indigenous Peoples Day October 12 Orange/Red
Halloween October 31 Orange/Green
Veterans Day November 11 Green
Thanksgiving November 26 Red/Amber/Orange
Hanukkah December 4 – 12 Blue/White
Christmas December 21 – 30 Holiday Show
New Year’s Eve December 31 Red/Yellow/Green/White
Starts at sunset and runs until 12:15 a.m.
Lighting the Pavilion & Clock Tower

Is your organization or cause interested in lighting the Pavilion a specific color? Submit your request below! Please review our Pavilion light blade policy to ensure your request adheres to our lighting guidelines.

GESA Pavilion Concert Series

In 2019 the redeveloped Pavilion retained AEG Presents for event booking services. AEG is one of the leading providers of live entertainment in the world, booking thousands of concerts every year, including big names like Justin Timberlake, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Katie Perry, as well as festivals like Bumbershoot and Coachella.

For our full concert schedule, FAQ’s, and more information please visit our GESA Pavilion venue site.

Parking information.

Gesa Pavilion Rising Artists Poster Contest

In partnership with Gesa Credit Union & Riverfront Spokane

Riverfront Spokane and Gesa Credit Union invite high school students (grades 9–12) from Spokane County to design an original poster for the Gesa Pavilion Concert Series.

The selected artwork will be featured as the official 2026 concert lineup poster and displayed throughout Downtown Spokane, Riverfront Park, and Gesa Pavilion platforms.

Awards & Recognition

The selected artist will receive:

  • A $100 gift card from Gesa Credit Union
  • Two tickets to a 2026 Gesa Pavilion concert of their choice
  • Their poster displayed throughout Downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park
  • A social media recognition post
  • Artwork featured on the Gesa Pavilion website and displayed at the Gesa Pavilion

Eligibility

  • Open to high school students in grades 9–12
  • Must reside in Spokane County
  • One entry per student

Submission Information

  • Submit one original artwork piece and a completed application
  • Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2026
  • Submissions must be uploaded through the digital application
  • Written parental or guardian consent is required for students under the age of 18

Artwork Requirements

  • Final size must be 11 inches wide by 17 inches high at 300 dpi.
  • Final format must be a .pdf file
  • Artwork should allow space for text to be added later (see past lineup poster for reference)
  • Artwork must be original
  • Use of artificial intelligence is not permitted
  • Artwork must be appropriate for all audiences and may not include graphic, offensive, violent, or insensitive content

Theme & Inspiration

Artwork should:

  • Take inspiration from the Gesa Pavilion, Riverfront Park, and/or the Spokane region
  • Reflect the spirit, creativity, and sense of community of Spokane

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the following criteria:

Overall Appearance
  • Neatness and overall presentation
  • Use of color, balance, contrast, proportion, and composition
  • Demonstration of artistic technique and skill
Theme & Message
  • Clear connection to the Gesa Pavilion, Riverfront Park, and/or Spokane region
  • Representation of the community and concert experience
Creativity
  • Original ideas and unique visual approach
  • Creative interpretation of the theme

Terms & Conditions

  • All reproduction and usage rights of the winning artwork will be granted to Riverfront Spokane and the Gesa Pavilion
  • Riverfront Spokane and Gesa Credit Union may publicly identify the winning artist and use images of the artist and artwork for promotional purposes
  • The winner may be invited to participate in promotional activities
  • Riverfront Spokane and Gesa Credit Union reserve the right to photograph and reproduce the original artwork

Parental Consent Liability Release Form (PDF 101 KB)

Awards

  • ASLA, Washington Chapter, Honor Award for Design, 2021
  • NRPA, Best in Innovation Award, 2020
  • NRPA, Innovation in Park Design Award, 2020
  • Gray Award for Landscape, 2020
  • AIA Spokane Projects over $5M Honor Award, 2020
  • AIA Spokane Projects over $5M People’s Choice Award, 2020
  • AIA Washington Council, Civic Design Honor Award, 2020
  • CMAA, Project Achievement Award, 2020
  • CMAA, Project of the Year Award, 2020
  • DBIA Best of Architecture Design, 2020
  • DBIA Merit Award, Civic/Assembly, 2020
  • DBIA Project of the Year, 2020
  • ENR Northwest, Landscape/Urban Development Best Project, 2020
  • ENR Northwest, Landscape/Urban Development Project of Merit, 2020
  • ENR Nationwide, Landscape/Urban Development, Best of the Best Project, 2020
  • IES Illumination Award of Merit for Lighting Control Innovation, 2020
  • IES Illumination Award of Merit for Outdoor Lighting Design, 2020
  • IES International Award of Distinction in Outdoor Lighting Design, 2020
  • IES International Award of Excellence in Lighting Control Innovation, 2020
  • Build Northwest Special Projects Award (AGC), 2019

Items of Interest

Hours

Pavilion Amphitheater
Daily: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Contact Information

Matt Russell
Event & Group Rental Manager
509.625.6661
mrussell@spokanecity.org

Amy Lindsey
Programming & Marketing Manager
509.625.6372
alindsey@spokanecity.org