Now’s the time to plan where you’re going to see Fourth of July fireworks this year. But for the people behind Seattle’s Seafair Summer Fourth, estimated to draw more than 40,000 onlookers each year, the planning started back in December.
Around Christmastime, Seafair staff and iHeartRadio producers were already listening to summery and patriotic music to create the customized soundtrack that will accompany the July Fourth fireworks show over Lake Union.
That’s how much time is needed to then choreograph and create a computer-controlled show where the music, fireworks, explosions and “the anticipation of what’s happening next” all work together, said Eric Corning, Seafair president and CEO.
“All those factors together is really what makes the fireworks show” a cohesive and impactful experience, he said.
Beyond the show’s wow factor, Summer Fourth is created to build community, Corning said. It always starts out with a day of activities and entertainment around the lake.
This year, starting at 3 p.m. at Gas Works Park, you can take in a festival-style atmosphere with beer gardens, family friendly activities and live music acts, including the Navy Band Northwest. If you get hungry, food options range from festival classics like pulled pork and roasted corn to lobster nachos and fish tacos.
Unique to the 2023 celebration, the Budweiser Clydesdales (a group of horses featured in the company’s commercials, who are in town for the MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park) will make their way through the park 5-7 p.m. for those who want a photo or a closer look.
Across the lake, Lake Union Park will also open at 3 p.m., featuring a slightly more laid-back environment with food trucks, a bar and a disc jockey.
The fireworks show will start at 10:20 p.m., after the national anthem is sung by a member of the U.S. Navy Band.
Before that happens, you’ll want to have answered the critical question: Where are you watching from this year? You have several options.
Gas Works Park
At Gas Works Park, you’ll get the closest view of the fireworks and will see the show against the backdrop of city lights as you look south. The concert sound system creates an ideal environment to hear the soundtrack, too.
Expect to be packed in with lots of people if you choose this popular location. To guarantee a good view, you can either pay $50-$75 to reserve a chair in advance or get there well before the show (say, 5 or 6 p.m.) to find a good spot to lay down a blanket, Corning said. The streets surrounding Gas Works will be closed for the day and parking options are limited, so walking, carpooling and transit are recommended. Regardless, you’ll likely have to trek a bit to get to the park.
South Lake Union
The south side of the lake (which also has options for reserved and nonreserved seating, as well as a sound system for the show’s soundtrack) provides a different perspective, with the fireworks erupting against a darker sky as the audience looks north, away from the city.
“There’s some folks that are purists that are, like, ‘I like the view from SLU looking north because the colors are more vibrant,’ ” Corning said.
If you want to drive, this may be a better bet: There are more parking options in South Lake Union, including some Amazon spots the sponsor company will make available for free.
From a boat or building nearby
While boaters generally aren’t allowed to anchor in Lake Union, July Fourth is an exception, leading some folks to anchor earlier on and just enjoy a day on the lake before watching the show, Corning said. Others enjoy parties or get-togethers in the apartments and condos surrounding the lake.
If you’re too far away to see the show, tune into KONG TV, which will start live coverage at 9 p.m.
While each of the experiences is different, there’s no bad option, since the show is designed to be viewed from all around the lake, Corning said.
“We’ve been recognized a number of times for being one of the Top 10 most beautiful places to see a firework show and spectacular, and part of that is just the setting,” he said.
Learn more about Seafair Summer Fourth at seafair.org/summerfourth.
More Fourth of July events
Here are some other fireworks shows and events happening around the Puget Sound area.
Arlington | Auburn | Bainbridge Island | Bellevue | Burien | Carnation | Des Moines | Issaquah | Kent | Kirkland | Mountlake Terrace | Snoqualmie | Tacoma
Arlington
Arlington’s July Fourth festivities include a pancake breakfast, auction, triathlon, 5K run, carnival, parade and more. The fireworks display starts at 10 p.m. at Bill Quake Memorial Park (18501 59th Ave. N.E., Arlington). Event locations vary. arlingtonwa.gov/801/Fourth-of-July-Celebration
Auburn
Auburn’s Fourth of July Festival includes two stages with live entertainment, craft artists, a car show, inflatable rides, mini golf, food concessions and lots of activities for kids 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 910 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn; st.news/auburn-fourth
Bainbridge Island
Multiple events will take over downtown Winslow and Waterfront Park between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the Fourth of July, including a pancake breakfast, family run, street fair, kids zone with activities like pony rides and face painting, car show, beer, wine and cider garden; live music and the Grand Old 4th Hometown Parade 1-3p.m. bainbridgechamber.com
Bellevue
Bellevue Family 4th brings free live music, children’s activities, food trucks and other dining options and more to Bellevue Downtown Park. The evening starts at 5 p.m. and leads up to a fireworks show at 10:05 p.m., synchronized with live music by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; bellevuedowntown.com/events
Burien
The 100th annual Burien Independence Day Parade will start at 3 p.m. and run for approximately two hours in downtown Burien. st.news/burien-parade
Carnation
After kicking off with a dinner and live music on July 3, Carnation’s July Fourth celebrations will include a pancake breakfast, 5K run, parade, vendor village, car show, live music and food vendors. Events take place 8 a.m.-10 p.m. at various locations. The fireworks show will start at approximately 10:15 p.m. at Remlinger Farms (32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation). carnation4th.org
Des Moines
Des Moines’ Fourth of July celebration starts with a day of food trucks and a beer garden at Beach Park and Marina. There’ll also be a drone show at sundown, as well as fireworks. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 22307 Dock Ave. S.; seattlesouthside.com/events
Everett
Head to Legion Memorial Park for live music, food trucks, a beer garden and activities like ax-throwing at Everett’s July Fourth festival. There’s no parking at the park on the holiday, but Everett Transit provides a free shuttle service between Everett Community College and Legion Memorial Park. The festival starts at 3 p.m. and ends after the fireworks, around 10:30 p.m. 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett; visiteverett.com
Federal Way
The Red, White & Blues Festival features musical entertainment, food vendors, sports games, face painting, interactive art activities and more. The event runs 4-10:30 p.m., with a fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. 1095 S. 324th St., Federal Way; itallhappenshere.org
Issaquah
The Down Home 4th of July celebration includes a parade 11-11:45 a.m. followed by festival activities like bouncy houses, a music stage and booths from local nonprofits at Veterans’ Memorial Field (140 E. Sunset Way,
Issaquah). 11 a.m.-2 p.m. issaquahwa.gov
Kent
Kent’s Fourth of July Splash runs from 5 p.m. through the fireworks show, which starts around 10 p.m. Leading up to the fireworks, there’ll be live music and food trucks at Lake Meridian Park. 14800 S.E. 272nd St., Kent; kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks
Kirkland
Celebrate Kirkland features a parade of local shops, dance groups, musicians, government representatives and other community members starting at noon. There’s also a kids parade at 11:30 a.m. and other activities geared toward children and families. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive, Kirkland; st.news/kirkland
Mountlake Terrace
Mountlake Terrace is holding its third annual Third of July Celebration (yes, the “Third of July”!) this year. The 6-10:30 p.m. event includes food trucks, a DJ, pie-eating contests, outdoor games, fireworks and more. 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace; st.news/mountlake-terrace
Snoqualmie
Red, White & Boom starts at 7 p.m. with attractions including food trucks, vendors, music and field games. The fireworks will start at approximately 9:45 p.m. 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie; redwhiteboomwa.org
Tacoma
Tacoma’s Summer Blast will feature more than 150 vendors, two stages and a 20-minute fireworks display. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 5361 Yacht Club Road, Tacoma; traveltacoma.com/events
Correction: This story was updated on June 30 to reflect that this year’s Seafair Summer Fourth does not include a glow-in-the-dark dance party.
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