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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Dodge ball, seven ways: Tips for the Hoopfest averse

Molly, left, played by Sophia Franzella and the Boy, played by Nik Hagen, right, have a conversation in a scene from "Peter and the Starcatcher" now being staged by the Coeur d
Molly, left, played by Sophia Franzella and the Boy, played by Nik Hagen, right, have a conversation in a scene from "Peter and the Starcatcher" now being staged by the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Nathan Weinbender nathanw@spokesman.com(509) 459-5024

It’s estimated that more than 200,000 spectators and participants flood downtown Spokane during Hoopfest weekend. It’s an event that benefits the city both culturally and economically, but if you’re not in the mood to attend, it can be difficult to avoid the madness.

So we’ve compiled a list of things to do if you want to get out of the house and 3-on-3 basketball isn’t your thing. It’s by no means comprehensive, but hopefully it sparks some inspiration. (Be wary, however, that thunderstorms are expected on Friday.)

For more ideas, consult our event calendar at spokane7.com.

The play’s the thing. “Anything Goes,” the legendary musical comedy featuring the songs of Cole Porter, closes at the Modern Theater Coeur d’Alene. Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s season opener, the Peter Pan origin story “Peter and the Starcatcher,” continues this weekend. Brendan Behan’s prison drama “The Hostage” runs through the weekend at Ignite Community Theatre. Showtimes for all three productions are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Take in a movie. Although downtown’s AMC Theater offers the most comprehensive film selection in town, it’s off-limits for any Hoopfest dodger. You’ve still got plenty of options, including the Regal Cinemas at either NorthTown or Valley malls, or in Coeur d’Alene, and the Village Center Cinemas in Airway Heights and Wandermere. There’s also the Garland Theater, which is the only theater in town that also serves food and drink (beyond the typical concession offerings). First-run theaters are now playing such (mostly) family-friendly offerings as “Finding Dory,” “Captain America: Civil War” and “Independence Day: Resurgence.”

Be a day tripper. A quick trip over to Sandpoint, Moscow, Pullman or Wallace will offer plenty to see and do. You could also head over to Silverwood Theme Park and the adjoining Boulder Beach Water Park; both parks open at 11 a.m. during the weekend.

Cheer on an Ironman. The notoriously difficult Ironman triathlon doesn’t take place in Coeur d’Alene until August, but you can check out a half-distance version of the race Sunday morning. Athletes will take off at 6 a.m. in Coeur d’Alene City Park, and the race continues throughout the day. You can also attend a meet-and-greet with professional Ironman athletes at the Kroc Center on Friday at 6 p.m.

Happy (or hoppy) trails to you. If you’re not playing hoops but want to stay active this weekend, hiking and biking trails abound: Riverside State Park, Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, Iller Creek, Coeur d’Alene’s Tubbs Hill (although access on Sunday will be impeded by Ironman 70.3) and the Liberty Lake Loop are just a few of the places where you can get close to nature. And if you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, hit up one or more of the breweries on the Inland Northwest Ale Trail. Many of the 41 participating locations are far from the madding crowd; check out a map at inlandnwaletrail.com.

Head to Browne’s Addition. Two weeks ago, Browne’s Addition was similarly flooded with people attending the three-day music event Elkfest. But this week, it should serve as a place of reprieve from Hoopfest crowds. Relax in Coeur d’Alene Park, dine and drink at one of the five neighborhood restaurants, or take in the current exhibits on display at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Watch your diet. The warmer months bring out a bevy of farmers markets, and there are plenty of options outside of Spokane. Check out the selections in Moscow, Bonners Ferry, Hayden, Rathdrum and Sandpoint on Saturday morning; Post Falls’ farmers market runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday. You can also venture out to Green Bluff Growers for its annual Strawberry Celebration on Saturday and Sunday.