The Seattle area’s Fourth of July festivities this year have extra significance. Not only is America celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026 (several historical documents from the country’s founding era will be on display at the Museum of History & Industry July 30-Aug. 16 to commemorate the occasion), but visitors from all around the globe will be in town as Seattle continues to host the World Cup through Monday.
From Seafair’s signature fireworks show over Lake Union to community parades and festivals around the Sound, check out where you can celebrate Independence Day near you. Note that this list is not comprehensive.
Seafair 4th of July
Seafair’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show above Lake Union on Saturday night is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of spectators to both Gas Works Park (2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle) and Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle).
“We’re seeing unprecedented energy and a lot of new visitors to our region,” said Emily Cantrell, president and CEO of Seafair. “July Fourth is right in between two World Cup matches, so we’re hoping to see an even bigger event this year.”
One major change this year: Gas Works Park will be gated off and require tickets to enter (the tickets are free, though a $10-per-person donation is suggested, available at seafair.org/tickets). The new system will hopefully help manage the expected increased capacity and maintain safety for guests, Cantrell explained. Guests will also have to walk through security scanners at the gates.
There will be three entrances along North Northlake Way to Gas Works Park for the event: a VIP/bicycle entrance, and east and west general admission entrances. Event maps for both parks are available on the Seafair website.
The event at Lake Union Park will remain ungated and will not require tickets for entry.
Premium reserved seating is also available at Gas Works Park ($66 and $119 options) and Lake Union ($66 and $160 options). The events at both parks begin at 3 p.m. and gates at Gas Works Park will close at 8 p.m.
During the day, preshow activities include live music performances and the All-American Games, where you can compete in a pie-eating contest, sack races and more. Food vendors will be on-site, plus two beer gardens at Gas Works Park and one at Lake Union Park for guests 21 and older.
There is free parking around Gas Works Park, but finding a spot can be difficult. At Lake Union Park, guests can use Amazon parking lots with free parking after 4 p.m. or nearby street parking.
People with mobility issues should consider going to Lake Union Park over Gas Works Park, Cantrell noted. Lake Union Park has paved and flat surfaces, reserved ADA seating options and a dedicated entrance for wheelchair accessibility. It’s also more easily accessible to World Cup visitors who may be staying in downtown Seattle.
Fireworks begin at approximately 10:20 p.m. and will be accompanied by a soundtrack of tunes. For those who prefer to watch the show from home, Fox 13 Seattle will broadcast the pyrotechnics live.
For more information and updates on Seafair’s Fourth of July event, visit seafair.org/4th-of-july.
More firework shows, parades and other events
All events take place Saturday unless otherwise noted.
Arlington
Arlington will host a full day of events including a grand parade on North Olympic Avenue at 5 p.m., the Duck Dash (where thousands of rubber ducks will be released in the Stillaguamish River at Lincoln Bridge) at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display at Quake Park at 10 p.m. st.news/arlington-fourth
Auburn
Find plenty of natural shade and a spray park at Les Gove Park, plus live entertainment, a car show, inflatable rides, Euro Bungee trampolines, train rides, food concessions and more. The event is free, but wristbands for unlimited activities are available for $10 (online presale) or $15 (at the event). 910 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn; st.news/auburn-fourth
Bainbridge Island
Located in the heart of downtown Winslow, enjoy a street fair 10 a.m.-5 p.m., a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10:30 a.m., a parade on Madison Avenue South and Winslow Way East 1-3 p.m., a pie-eating contest 3-4 p.m. and many more festivities. grandold4th.com
Bellevue
More than 50,000 visitors are expected to head to Bellevue Downtown Park for an evening of free live music, food vendors and the Eastside’s largest fireworks display at 10:05 p.m., synchronized to music performed by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; st.news/bellevue-fourth
Bothell
Bothell’s Hometown Celebration will kick off with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Bothell Fire Department, followed by the children’s parade and grand parade on 104th Avenue Northeast, and more activities. 9919 N.E. 180th St., Bothell; st.news/bothell-fourth
Burien
Burien’s 104th Fourth of July parade will begin at 11 a.m. and travel downtown along First Avenue South, featuring dozens of marching bands, drill teams, floats and more patriotic contingents. st.news/burien-fourth
Carnation
At the Great Carnation Fourth of July Celebration, join in on events like a grand parade at 11:30 a.m. from West Rutherford Street and a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. at Remlinger Farms (note the fireworks display may be canceled by the fire marshal if forest fire risk is too high). carnation4th.org
Everett
Everett’s Fourth of July Parade will wind through downtown at 11 a.m. Then head to the Colors of Freedom Festival at Legion Memorial Park 3-10:45 p.m. and an 18-minute fireworks show on the Snohomish River and Port Gardner Bay at approximately 10:15 p.m. Tune into KKXA 101.1 FM or 1520 AM for a synchronized fireworks soundtrack. st.news/everett-fourth
Federal Way
The Red, White & Blues Festival at 4 p.m. at Celebration Park will have live music, food and family activities. Then, fireworks will light up the sky at 10:15 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Admission and parking are free for all. 1095 S. 324th St., Federal Way; itallhappenshere.org/rwb
Kenmore
The city of Kenmore will host food trucks, live music, games and more at Log Boom Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks show will follow at 10 p.m. Free shuttle service runs from the Kenmore Park & Ride (7346 N.E. Bothell Way) to Log Boom Park starting at 6 p.m. 6100 N.E. 175th St., Kenmore; st.news/kenmore-fourth
Kent
Kent’s Fourth of July Splash will take over Lake Meridian Park 5-11 p.m. Explore the docks by the lake and enjoy live music, dance performances, food vendors and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Note: Unloading/drop-off is not permitted at Lake Meridian Park. A free shuttle to and from Kent Fire Station 75 and Kentwood High School will run 3 p.m.-midnight. 14800 S.E. 272nd St., Kent; st.news/kent-fourth
Kirkland
Sit or stand along Kirkland’s downtown business district and enjoy a parade at noon, featuring processions from local shops, dance groups, music and more. 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive, Kirkland; st.news/kirkland-fourth
Renton
At Renton’s Hometown 4th of July from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cedar River Park, enjoy hot dogs and refreshments, play games in the Stars and Stripes Game Zone and cool off at the Stars, Stripes and SPLASH Zone at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center ($2.50 for kids ages 1-4 and $7.04 for kids 5 and older). 1715 Maple Valley Highway, Renton; st.news/renton-fourth
Snoqualmie
The annual Red, White & Boom celebration at Snoqualmie Community Park will feature inflatable bounce houses, field games, food and more free festivities starting at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at approximately 9:45 p.m. 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie; redwhiteboomwa.org
Tacoma
Stop by Tacoma Mall (4502 S. Steele St., Tacoma) 3-4 p.m. Friday for a frozen custard party while supplies last, along with lawn games and a photo station. On Saturday, Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast at the Ruston Way Waterfront will include live music, beer gardens and more than 150 vendors, ending with a 20-minute fireworks show. The fireworks display can be seen from Dune Peninsula Park in the north, along Ruston Way Waterfront and stretching to Jack Hyde Park in the south. A designated ADA viewing area can be found on the horseshoe pier of Cummings Park. 5361 Yacht Club Road, Tacoma; st.news/tacoma-fourth
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