Things to do in and around Spokane this weekend

Check out these five can't-miss events happening around the Inland Northwest this weekend.

See even more events in our calendar listings.

Meet Cute Market: Summer Edition
Sun, July 20 from 9 am-4 pm
It's a Love Story Books & Cafe

Search for your true love inside the pages of a new romance book purchased at the Meet Cute Market adult book fair. Organized by It’s a Love Story bookstore in Hayden, the market invited local vendors, authors and creatives to make the outdoor event as magical and romantic as the novels they’re selling. On top of books, featured vendors will have romance-themed and bookish goods such as art, self-care goods and stationery supplies. Treats and snacks will also be available to buy, including cakes from Novalee Cakes. Whether you’re a serious romance fan or looking for a fun weekend activity with friends, the Meet Cute Market might have something sweet in store. (MARTA SZYMANSKA)

Jay Leno
Fri, July 18 at 8 pm
Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino

It’s difficult to find anyone who hasn’t heard of Jay Leno. From hosting The Tonight Show for 17 years, winning multiple Emmys, and continually making guest appearances in TV and film, he has more than earned his place in the Television Hall of Fame. Leno’s career accolades define him as one of the most iconic entertainers of our time. Next, alongside special guest Arsenio Hall, Leno makes a stop to perform his well-honed comedy at the Spokane Tribe Resort and Casino on July 18. Whether you’re a longtime Leno fan or just a casual comedy enjoyer, his hilarious stand-up is sure to give you a good time. (ELLIS BENSON)

Crave! Northwest
July 17-19 from 6-8 pm

Putting Inland Northwest chefs to the test, Crave! Northwest draws foodies to Spokane Valley’s CenterPlace Regional Center for one of the largest culinary events in the state. Taste how regional chefs utilize fresh ingredients from fresh seafood and meats grilled over an open flame to vegetarian options and more. The net proceeds from Crave! go towards the JAKT Foundation, a nonprofit that supports chef education and more. Since its inception, the event has expanded to other cities like Billings, Montana (Aug. 8) and Lynnwood, Washington (Sept. 26). Single- or multi-day tickets includes samplings of all food and beverages, so all you have to do is prepare your appetite for a full day of foodie fun. (DORA SCOTT)

Carrie
July 18-26; Fri-Say at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm
Stage Left Theater

Just about everyone knows about Stephen King’s Carrie, the story of the bullied teenager who gets telekinetic revenge on her class after a humiliating prank at prom, whether they like it or not. It’s notorious because beyond the supernatural scares is a retelling of the mundane — and all-too-common — horrors of high school. The story is so popular that there’s even a musical retelling, which is now showing in Spokane at Stage Left Theater for the next two weekends. With music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, the show is produced by Bright Comet Theatre, a three-year-old group composed of younger artists and those who’ve been underrepresented in Spokane’s theater community. (COLTON RASANEN)

Fight Fire with Beer
Fri, July 18 and Sat, July 19, starting at noon
No-Li Brewhouse

In support of the local first responders and families impacted by the recent Canfield tragedy that resulted in the killing of two Kootenai County firefighters last month, No-Li Brewhouse is hosting a series of fundraisers, including a two-day event at its Bier Hall this weekend. Attendees can purchase a special “Fight Fire with Beer” pack, which includes a 20-ounce event mug, special bucket hat and more, but there are only 500 sets available. Locals can also nominate (head to No-Li’s website) a local firefighter to receive a gift card, purchase a T-shirt or donate directly to the Red & Blue Foundation to aid the impacted families. No-Li furthermore aims to donate a total of $30,000 in support. Come together as a community for drinks, music and support for our first responders. (BEE REISWIG)