Soap Lake Creative District
Photo credit: Garret Veley
Our mission is to support a thriving and diverse community that celebrates creativity and innovation. Contact us!
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The state of Washington, as well as other states across the country have implemented Creative District Initiatives as a way to help communities turn cultural activities into economic growth.

About Soap Lake
The Soap Lake Creative District (SLCD), located in the City of Soap Lake and along the shores of THE Soap Lake, is a small, rural community with a history as a healing destination. Indigenous people have known of Soap Lake’s soda waters for centuries; they dug roots and built steam huts along the lakeshore and called truces amid battles to bathe themselves and their horses. They named this natural spa, Smokiam (Paul Lindholdt October 2023, Soap Lake - Thumbnail History). The area now draws individuals seeking a distinctive environment - basalt coulees carved by Ice Age Floods, big skies, and the unique qualities of the lake. The Soap Lake Creative District is developing into a community hub of emerging creative energy. 

Soap Lake Creative District Highlights
  • Masquers Theater, one of the oldest community theaters in Washington State and our Creative District “arts anchor.” (Located on Main Ave. E.)
  • ​The Calling the Healing Waters sculpture and sundial designed and created by David Govedere (1950 - 2021) and Keith Powell. (Located north of Smokiam Park.) ​
  • Smokiam Park and East Beach where visitors can experience the lakes healing meromictic waters and mud. A gathering place for families, a game of basketball, a skate park, and much more. (See the map!)
  • ​​Locally owned cafes and restaurants - Cloudview Kitchen, La Cucina di Sophia, Lakeside Bistro at Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort, Del-Red Pub, and Mom's Eastern European Deli. 
  • Shops offering locally made products, curated vintage items, antiques, photography of the area. ​​
  • The Soap Lake Community Calendar includes the meeting and activity schedules for 15 different organizations. Want to know what's happening in Soap Lake? Start with this calendar. 

Soap Lake’s Creative District aims to bring together artists, businesses, local organizations, and city government to strengthen the city’s creative economy and honor the heritage and culture of the region.

​Contact Us - Business owners, creatives, youth, or anyone wanting to learn more about the creative district! Send us a message or sign up for the Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee Newsletter for updates on what's happening in and around our Creative District
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SL Creative District Area
​What is a Certified Creative District?
A Creative District is a fun place to live, work, and visit. It’s the heart of a community. A place for people to gather and enjoy their community’s arts and culture. Like a hub in a wheel, the district is the physical center that draws from and serves the area around it. 

Activities that take place in our district
  • Masquers Theater - Producing five shows a year, more than any other community theater in Grant County, ranging from classic to modern, comedies to dramas, and family-friendly to more mature. 
  • Soap Lake Library - Resources, reading programs, art on display, and craft activities throughout the year. 
  • Chamber of Commerce Events - Winterfest holiday activities, Suds 'N Sun 4th of July Celebration, Moonlight Paddle a late summer event, and more.
  • Soap Lake Food & Folk Festival - "...all the music that fills the cracks," Mike Seger. A live music event representing traditional folk music, as well as contemporary interpretations and genres that draw inspiration from folk, rock, and world music.
The Washington State Department of Commerce says this about the creative economy, "It includes creative technology, music and performing arts, and visual arts, as well as many other sectors and professional occupations. It also has a ripple effect throughout our communities, both as a result of increased access to arts and culture and in financial value for primary and secondary economic functions."

The state of Washington has further identified creative industries and jobs that fall within the definition of a creative economy. While Soap Lake is small, there are a number of creative economy businesses, industries, and jobs represented.

​*Additional Sources:​
Contact us at [email protected]
Or write to:
​SLCD
​c/o Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee
P.O. Box 483, Soap Lake, WA 98851​

Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 46-4201429
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