Photo:
Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Union in Seattle.
Wow, it’s our country’s 247th birthday! We are celebrating in our usual fashion, by delighting in the sparkles and booms in the sky above. Read on for where to watch fireworks in Seattle and surrounding communities.
But fireworks shows are not the only way to celebrate — indeed, the late-night noises can be a nuisance for some families with young kids, and many dogs. Some cities will set off their fireworks on Saturday or on Monday night, which might be better for blowing past bedtime. And if any late night is too late, there are kids’ parades and other daytime festivities on offer as well. Here’s where to celebrate the Fourth of July around Seattle.
July 1 Independence Day fests and fireworks
- Get a jump on Fourth festivities with Newcastle’s fireworks show sparkling over Lake Boren on Saturday, July 1, at 10 p.m. Live music and food truck offerings start at 6 p.m.
- Issaquah also launches its fireworks show on July 1, with booms over Lake Sammamish. This display is a fundraiser for the local food and clothing bank and can be viewed from anywhere along the southern side of the lake. Lake Sammamish State Park and Vasa Park are popular viewing points.
July 3 Independence Day fests and fireworks
- For more than 50 years, Lacey has presented its Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular a day early, on July 3. Music and fun kick off at 4 p.m. in Rainier Vista Community Park, with fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Keeping with city tradition, Mountlake Terrace shoots off fireworks on Monday, July 3. The show starts at 10 p.m., preceded by music and food beginning at 6 p.m. in Ballinger Park.
- Maple Valley also favors the early game, with its Independence Day Celebration at Lake Wilderness Park on Monday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. The fireworks show starts around 10 p.m.
- Puyallup’s July 3 fireworks show, Red, White & Kaboom, lights up the sky at dusk over the Washington State Fairgrounds. Beforehand enjoy live music, kids’ corner activities and food trucks starting at 5:30 p.m.
July 4 fests and fireworks in Seattle
- Seafair Summer Fourth’s fireworks show over Gasworks Park is the region’s biggest display. Gates open at 3 p.m. with live music, food and a glow-in-the-dark dance party leading up to the main event fireworks show at 10:15 p.m.
- Get those strollers, wagons and bikes ready! West Seattle’s 4th of July Kids’ Parade rolls out at 10 a.m. Kids are invited to play and do arts and crafts afterwards at Hamilton View Park.
- For its 100th year, Burien’s Independence Day Parade keeps marching on. Gather along downtown streets at 3 p.m. for floats, marching bands and an appearance by the Seafair pirates.
- Angle Lake Park is the venue for Sea-Tac’s Family Fourth of July Celebration with inflatables for kids starting at noon, live music starting at 1 p.m. and fireworks lighting up at 10 p.m. The park will open at 7 a.m. so grab your spot early!
- Celebrate summer at Kent’s 4th of July Splash with outdoor fun, music and food starting at 5 p.m. at Lake Meridian Park. Fireworks blast off at 10 p.m.
- The Des Moines Marina makes an ideal backdrop for the city’s annual fireworks show starting at 10:30 p.m. Come early to spend the day in the sun, sample some food truck fare and enjoy a drone show at sundown.
- Bainbridge Island’s Grand Old 4th of July features events happening all day, including perennial favorites such as the pancake breakfast, car show, Kids’ Zone, street fair and more.
July 4 fireworks and fests in Bellevue and on the Eastside
- Bellevue booms with its huge Family 4th celebration. Fun and entertainment are on offer in Bellevue Downtown Park starting at 5 p.m., and fireworks bursting in air just after 10 p.m.
- Carnation has a whole day of fun scheduled, starting with the Run for the Pies 5K at 8:30 a.m., a kiddie parade at 11 a.m., and ending with fireworks at Remlinger Farms around 10:15 p.m.
- Kirkland hosts its annual Kids’ Parade, followed by the main parade, through the streets of downtown, starting at 11:30 a.m. Kids can meet at Lakeshore Plaza an hour early to decorate and prepare.
- Bothell once again hosts its annual July 4th festivities including a free pancake breakfast, followed by the over 100-year-old Grand Parade through the streets of downtown.
- Fireworks light up the sky in Kenmore at 10 p.m. over Log Boom Park. Music and family fun start at 7:30 p.m.
- Issaquah’s annual Down Home 4th of July fest kicks off at 11 a.m. with the grand parade — this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of Cougar Mountain Zoo! Fun family activities continue until 2 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Field.
- Fun games and activities for the whole family start at 6 p.m. at Sammamish Commons for Fourth on the Plateau; fireworks launch at 10 p.m.
- Family fun begins at 7 p.m. in Snoqualmie Community Park and culminates in a booming fireworks show at 9:45 p.m.
July 4 fests and fireworks north of Seattle
- In Edmonds, early birds with youngsters can race in the Baby Brackett 1K at 8 a.m. and then enjoy the kids’ parade at 11:30 a.m. The main parade starts at noon.
- Everett’s July 4th Celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. with plenty of fun happenings at Legion Memorial Park — the perfect place from which to catch the fireworks show at around 10 p.m.
- Marysville welcomes visitors to Ebey Waterfront Park beginning at 7 p.m. for fun, festivities and fireworks; the fireworks show lights up the sky beginning at 10 p.m.
South South-area July 4 fests and fireworks
- Head to Auburn’s Les Gove Park for tons of kiddie entertainment, happening 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Kids can enjoy inflatables, train rides, bungee trampolines and more.
- Fireworks will light up the night over Tacoma’s Ruston Way waterfront at 10 p.m. Turn up beforehand for food and entertainment at Dune Peninsula and along the waterfront, starting at noon.
- Entertainment starts at noon at Puyallup’s Pioneer Park with plenty of kids’ activities and a classic car show.
- Federal Way hosts its Red, White & Blues Festival playing at Celebration Park. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with fireworks launching at 10:15 p.m.
- In Tumwater, catch the community parade at 11 a.m., head over to Tumwater Valley Golf Course for the Artesian Family Festival starting at 6 p.m., and stay for the fireworks show at 10:15 p.m.
- In downtown Steilacoom the fun kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Fun Run and street fair. Watch the parade at 1 p.m., then dance in the street until fireworks start booming around 10:30 p.m.
- All are invited to watch or join Enumclaw’s patriotic parade which winds through town beginning at noon.
