By Jon Jonckers
The 50th running of Bloomsday is happening on Sunday, May 3. The race began in 1977, during one of many jogging and fitness crazes that swept across America, and now it’s woven into the springtime community fabric that draws runners and walkers of every ability to downtown Spokane for a 12k jaunt. Organizers are aiming for around 50,000 participants to honor the 50th running milestone. Beyond the Bloomsday event that takes place in May, there are several events happening around town to celebrate this Bloomsday achievement. For starters, there’s going to be a massive Bloomsday Exhibit at the MAC museum March 28 through May 3. The exhibit is free, and it features past photos, posters, t-shirts and other historical artifacts all in one place.
Beginning April 3, Terrain is hosting an event titled 50 Years of Movement. They will also feature lots of historical photos, but their main focus is on the Bloomsday posters. Ken Spiering, who commissioned nearly 10 Bloomsday posters, has also been invited to design the 2026 poster, and he will be on hand to sign posters on opening night. There will be lots of digital displays and archival footage from several sources. The exhibit ends on April 24.
The No-Li Brewhouse is inviting all local run clubs to join them on March 31 to Run/Walk/Have a beer with the Perennials. The Perennials are participants who have completed every Bloomsday since 1977. Some plan to continue past this milestone, while others see 2026 as a meaningful spot to end their streak. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., and people can spend some time walking or running to the Bloomsday start and back again, followed with some celebratory beers.
Finally, Junior Bloomsday takes place Sunday, April 12. This remains a kid-focused event, designed for students in 3rd through 7th grade to have their own fun, fitness-focused race. Kids run approximately 1 mile on a course around the Spokane Falls Community College campus, with the finish on the track. Proceeds support Active4Youth, a nonprofit promoting youth fitness in the Spokane region. The race uses a “show and go” wave start between about 9 and 10:30 a.m. Participants are timed and all finishers earn a shirt and prize pack.
Each year, Bloomsday selects a noteworthy charity to be the focal point of its philanthropic endeavors, channeling the collective generosity of participants and supporters toward a meaningful cause. The charity of choice not only reflects Bloomsday’s commitment to fostering positive change but serves as a rallying point for the running community to make a lasting impact beyond the racecourse. The 2026 charity is the Riverside State Park Foundation. The RSPF educates and engages people and groups to enjoy, advocate for, and sustain the irreplaceable benefits of recreation, history, beauty, natural resources and cultures of Riverside State Park. Please consider giving to this cause.
