Bing Crosby Film Festival – December 6

Spokane’s favorite holiday tradition returns with an extra-special event that celebrates the life, legacy, and musical genius of one of the city’s most iconic sons. On Saturday, December 6, the Bing Crosby Film Festival fills the historic Bing Crosby Theater with classic film, rare television footage, live music, and stories that remind us why Bing remains one of the most influential entertainers of all time. From noon to 8:00 PM, visitors can enjoy a full day of nostalgia, history, and holiday cheer in the very theater where Bing himself once performed.

Event Details

What: Bing Crosby Film Festival
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: The Bing, 901 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Admission: $20
Phone: (509) 227-7638

A Tribute Rooted in Spokane History

Before the Grammys, before Hollywood, before “White Christmas” became the best-selling single of all time, Bing Crosby was Harry “Lillis” Crosby — a kid growing up in Spokane’s Logan Neighborhood. From his days singing at Gonzaga High School to his early gigs in local clubs and theaters, it was here in Spokane where Bing’s unmistakable voice began taking shape.

This festival honors that journey and invites audiences to step back in time, celebrating not only his films but also his deep roots in the community. Few cities can claim such a legendary performer as their own, and Spokane takes pride in sharing his story year after year.

A Historic Screening You Won’t See Anywhere Else

One of the most exciting parts of this year’s festival is the first public screening since 1957 of The Ford Edsel Show — a groundbreaking television special that changed broadcasting forever.

Airing on October 13, 1957, the show was a star-studded spectacle featuring Bing alongside Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, and Bing’s son Lindsay. It raised the equivalent of more than two million dollars for the creation of Gonzaga’s Bing Crosby Library and became the first variety show ever recorded on videotape for future replay.

The car it was meant to promote may have flopped, but the program marked a turning point in TV history and launched Bing into a new era of fame through annual holiday specials and memorable appearances. Seeing it on the big screen, in the theater that now bears his name, is a rare gift for fans and historians alike.

Live Music and Local Legacy

The celebration continues with performances from North Central High School’s Jazz Band, led by Tim Blaydon. This performance is especially meaningful because of Bing’s lifelong connection to the Musicaladers, a teenage jazz group that included his friend and NC alum Al Rinker. Before heading to Hollywood, Bing drummed for the Musicaladers and even performed at the Clemmer Theater — the very same venue that later became the Bing Crosby Theater.

The festival beautifully blends past and present, showing how Spokane’s musical heritage continues to thrive.

A Touch of Holiday Magic

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Gonzaga alum Don Maloney has created six new renditions of Bing’s classic Christmas songs, two of which will play during each intermission. These heartfelt tributes capture the warmth and nostalgia of Bing’s signature holiday sound, offering a perfect seasonal backdrop to the day’s programming.

Why You’ll Love It

The Bing Crosby Film Festival is far more than a movie screening. It’s a celebration of Spokane’s history, a showcase of rare footage, a gathering of music lovers, and a chance to honor a performer whose influence shaped the sound of American music for generations. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious about the city’s most famous entertainer, this festival is one of December’s most meaningful cultural events.

Settle into the beautifully restored theater, enjoy a full day of entertainment, and experience a little holiday magic the way Bing would have wanted it — shared with community, music, and joy.