Happy Friday, Spokane. In today’s edition: New fare relief, Gonzaga Candlelight Christmas, A Grinchmas Party, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

New fare relief arrives: Spokane Transit Authority has launched Opportunity, a pilot discount for low-income riders cutting fares by half. Riders pay $1 per ride, $2 day passes, or $30 monthly passes — get eligibility and pilot details.

Equity debate at local centers: Spokane Parks and Recreation’s community center funding has stayed flat as it proposes a new scoring application guaranteeing at least 80 percent of prior allocations and redistributing former Southwest funds — see the proposed scoring plan.

County trims roles, upgrades tech: Spokane County approved a 2026 budget without raising property taxes, while waste fees rise Jan. 1, 4% more for garbage, 10% for yard waste, and a $30 appliance handling fee — learn how the county did it.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Shop vendors, see Santa, play bingo
• 3rd annual Christmas toy giveaway for kids
• Sip cocoa and shop Spokane’s Holiday Village
• Enjoy free carriage rides through Riverfront Park
• Shop 70+ local vendors at BrrrZAAR
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Stories behind wish lists: Northwest Autism Center’s Giving Tree in Spokane is seeking community support to brighten the holidays for people with autism or developmental disabilities, many without close family. Recipient Andrea Swenson, who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, is hoping for a warm sweater and body lotion. If you can, pitch in and share some cheer. Read the full story.

Holiday tradition with impact: Buying your Christmas tree can do double duty this year. Adult & Teen Challenge’s Trees for Hope lots in Spokane and Airway Heights fund addiction recovery and outreach to people experiencing homelessness, and they’re partnering with Family Promise to provide live trees to families in need. The program reports a 78% success rate for graduates. Learn how you can help.

Crisp lager kind of night: When you want clean lagers, hoppy hits, and a chill room that feels like your buddy’s living room minus the laundry, Whistle Punk Brewing keeps taps rotating and the vibe easy. Perfect for a low-key catchup, a sneaky solo pint, or a laid-back night anytime.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🦕 Jurassic Quest @ Spokane Convention Center | Friday (12/5) at 12:00pm – Walk among life-size dinos, stare down an 80-foot Apatosaurus, and see if you can keep a straight face riding a gigantic T. rex. Little paleontologists can dig for fossils, conquer bounce houses, and tackle “The Quest” scavenger-style to earn a reward.

❄️ DJ Night on the Ice @ Numerica Skate Ribbon | Friday (12/5) at 6:30pm – Lace up and turn the skate ribbon into your personal dance floor with live DJs, neon lights, and plenty of chances to show off your best moves. From DJ A1 to DJ Unifest and DJ Moonwild, every Friday brings a fresh vibe and a new soundtrack. Bring the crew, grab your skates (rentals available), and glide, spin, and groove your way into the weekend.

This weekend

🎄 A Grinchmas Party @ Village Centre Cinemas Wandermere | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Roll up with the kiddos for a cozy Grinchmas hangout featuring a free showing of The Grinch at 11 am. Come early for games, concession specials, and a close-up look at the firetruck with Spokane County Local 2916.

🕯️ Gonzaga Candlelight Christmas @ Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center | Saturday (12/6) at 7:30pm – If your holiday spirit needs a classy tune-up, Gonzaga’s choirs and jazz folks are bringing carols by candlelight, and it’s gorgeous. Trade mall speaker jingles for beloved favorites, special guests, and that warm glow that makes Spokane look like a snow globe.

🧁 Great Startup Bakeoff 2025! @ River Park Square | Sunday (12/7) at 12:00pm – Cheer on flour-dusted CEOs in training as the Great Startup Bakeoff hits River Park Square’s third floor Dec 7. Holiday market and live music from Spokane Falls Music Department, and if you’ve got a baker ages 14 to 24, sign them up at GreatStartupBakeoff.com.

🕯️ Together We Shine: Candlelight Christmas Concert @ Holy Names Music Center | Sunday (12/7) at 1:00pm – Trade the mall madness for candlelight and choral chills (the good kind). This cozy Christmas concert wraps you in warm harmonies, classic carols, and that soft glow that makes everyone look a little more angelic.

🍸 Holiday Cocktail Class 12/7 @ Hogwash Whiskey Den | Sunday (12/7) at 3:00pm – Holiday chaos calls for cocktails, not carols. This hands-on class channels Bedford Falls with It’s a Wonderful Life-inspired sips, a little movie magic, and plenty of cheer. Skip the mall parking lot, shake a tin, and consider it festive therapy you can drink.

Next week

☀️ Kids’ Solstice Celebration @ South Hill Library | Monday (12/8) at 4:00pm – If the shortest days have everyone antsy, steer the crew to a kids’ solstice shindig with crafts, activities, and laughter that makes the dark feel friendly. They make stuff, you get a breather, and winter gets a wink instead of a groan.

🤠 Christmas Cowboy Style Tour @ Nashville North | Monday (12/8) at 6:00pm – Kick off the holidays prairie-style with Nashville artist Jeremy McComb hosting a boot-stompin’ night of western Christmas tunes and cowboy poetry inspired by Michael Martin Murphey, Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, Garth Brooks, and more.

🏡 First Time Home Buyer Class| Tuesday (12/9) at 6:00pm – Ready to stop doom-scrolling Zillow and actually buy a place? This fun, no-pressure class breaks down the whole process—financing, inspections, closing costs, and all the “wait, what does that mean?” jargon—into plain English.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/6 Music at the Library @ South Hill Library – 11:30 am
• 12/6 Juilliard Quartet with Zuill Bailey @ Barrister Winery – 7 pm
• 12/7 Memphis May Fire: The Shapeshifter Tour Leg 2 @ Knitting Factory – 7 pm
• 12/8 Concert Series: Big Band @ Spokane Falls Community College – 7 pm
• 12/10 Alex & Josh Jazz Duo @ Emma Rue’s – 7 pm
• 12/11 Charlie Berens @ The Fox Theater – 7 pm
• 12/12 Brian Hoffpauer @ Ladder Coffee Roasters – 6 pm
• 12/13 Spokane Jazz Orchestra: A Motown Christmas @ Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/14 Michael Longfellow @ Spokane Comedy Club – 4 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Spokane edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Ben Brast (RE/MAX Citibrokers)

A custom Rancher in Five Mile with over 4,200 square feet and a main floor built for mingling. The kitchen brings the glow up, the primary suite lands boutique vibes with a walk-in closet and mudset shower.

Outside goes full social club with an expansive backyard and a cushy gazebo for sunrise sips or nightcap chatter. Storage flex includes a three car garage plus two oversized shops for boats, cars, and the hobby fleet. Hosting inside and out comes easy, layout included.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →