Seattle, Washington, is a wonderful vacation city any time of the year. But if you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Seattle for the 4th of July, get ready to watch the city come alive!
Summer is peak Pacific Northwest, and you won’t want to miss it! This patriotic weekend is sure to be a summer blast—if you know where to go when you stay at a Seattle Vacation Home. Continue reading to find out how the Emerald City celebrates a family friendly Independence Day.
Summer Weather in Seattle
July weather in Washington State is at its finest. Seattle is typically mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (10-20°C). Summertime in Seattle is wonderful, where the greens become even more verdant, and the waters of Puget Sound seem to get even bluer, if possible.
However, as always, prepare for Seattle’s moody weather. It’s a good idea to pack layers for a day out. By the time night falls you’ll likely need a sweatshirt or a light jacket when you’re out to watch the fireworks light up the sky.
Remember to stay hydrated! Bring a water bottle with you (refillable is even better—Seattlites really make an effort to be eco-conscious and reduce single-use plastics).
2024 Seattle 4th of July Events and Activities
Catch a Baseball Game
- July 2 – 4, 2024: Seattle Mariners vs. Baltimore Orioles (July 3rd is Patriotic Fireworks Night)
- July 5 – 7, 2024: Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays
- Full Mariners Schedule: mlb.com/mariners/schedule/2024-07
What better time to enjoy the Great American Pastime than the 4th of July weekend? You can easily take the Lightrail to T-Mobile Park to cheer on the Seattle Mariners! Grab a hotdog or some Crackerjack, and let’s play ball!
Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth
- When: July 4th, 2024 | 3 PM to 11 PM
- Where: Gas Works Park, Lake Union Park
- Website: seafair.org/summerfourth
Is there nothing more American than a hotdog fresh off the grill and fireworks? The Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth is undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to celebrate July 4th in Seattle. In fact, both USA Today and Business Insider have named it one of the country’s best fireworks shows!
Spanning both Gas Works Park and South Lake Union, the event features activities all day (including live entertainment, food vendors, beer gardens, and more) and culminates in a riveting fireworks display. The event is free, but you can save your spot with a paid seating reservation.
Bellevue Family Fourth
- When: July 4th, 2024 | 5:30 PM-10:30 PM
- Where: Downtown Park, 10200 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA
- Website: bellevuedowntown.com/events/family-4th
If you opt to celebrate with Seattlites on the Eastside, you’ll likely join the more than 50,000 visitors who flock to Bellevue Downtown Park to enjoy a fun-filled holiday. The celebrations include family activities, varied food trucks, live music, and a fireworks display accompanied by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Grand Old Fourth of July (Bainbridge Island)
- When: July 4th, 2024 | 7 AM-5 PM
- Where: Downtown Winslow, Bainbridge Island
- Website: bainbridgechamber.com/bainbridge-island-grand-old-4th
If you’d like to experience a small-town celebration with a big heart, Bainbridge Island is only a quick 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle.
The daytime activities start off bright and early with a Pancake Breakfast and are followed by other events such as a fun run, car show, live music, and the mile-long Hometown Parade. Festivities wrap up at 5, meaning you have plenty of time to hop the ferry back to Seattle for fireworks.
West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade
- Hours: July 4th, 2024 | Starts at 10 AM
- Address: Sunset Ave. SW and 44th Ave. SW, West Seattle
- Website: westseattle4thofjulykidsparade.wordpress.com
This colorful and fun-filled display is all about the kids! Instead of your typical floats, come to watch creatively decorated scooters, strollers, bikes, and more in the North Admiral neighborhood.
Ultimately, the Fourth of July parade ends up in Hamilton Viewpoint Park, where families can enjoy games, crafts, food trucks, and other activities. This family-friendly parade is a great option for your itinerary if you’re traveling with kids.
Pro Tip: If you get hungry before or after the festivities, rustle up some classic 4th of July BBQ at Hole in the Wall Barbecue.
Best Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Seattle
From Land
As previously mentioned in the Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth, Lake Union Park will be a prime place to watch the fireworks reflect off of Puget Sound. This lakeshore park is open to the public and is the perfect spot to enjoy the show in comfort on a picnic blanket.
Alternatively, you can opt for Gas Works Park. Both waterfront park areas will have daytime festivities. Settle in early so that you can soak up the food, fun, and entertainment! If you decide not to reserve special seating, remember to pack a blanket and a light jacket so you can get cozy on the lawn as you watch the fireworks blaze across the sky!
From the Water
Argosy Cruises has sorted a unique way for you to celebrate Fourth of July celebrations! The Lake Union Fireworks Cruise allows you to be right in the middle of the action. You can choose a longer cruise with a DJ or a shorter one that starts just in time to watch the fireworks, although both cruises include a full-service bar with snacks available for purchase. Relax onboard and soak up the panoramic views of Seattle!
Pro Tip: Still want to experience Seattle from Puget Sound? Look into renting a hot tub boat during your stay!
From the Sky
Another way to be in the middle of the action is to take things to another level–to the penthouse level, to be exact! These Seattle rooftop views already let you enjoy drinks and food with a stunning view, even more so when you can watch the fireworks paint the sky. Be sure to book in advance!
The Nest Rooftop Bar
- Address: 110 Stewart St, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $$$
Perched atop a hotel downtown, The Nest is one of Seattle’s most famous cocktail bars. It offers sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Cozy up in its stylish ambiance with a handcrafted cocktail.
Mbar
- Address: 400 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $$
Wonderful if you also have an appetite, Mbar combines city skyline views with regional Lebanese, Syrian, and Persian dishes.
The Mountaineering Club
- Address: 10th floor of The Graduate Hotel – 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA
- Price Point: $$
Nestled in the heart of the University District, The Mountaineering Club boasts unobstructed views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy these iconic views of the Pacific Northwest along with the fireworks show!
What time is the fireworks start on the 4th of July in Seattle?
Thanks to the gloriously long summer days in Seattle, fireworks don’t start until later in the evening. Many displays are slotted to start between 9:45 and 10:30 p.m. Of course, make sure you arrive at least an hour earlier wherever you choose to go so that you can find parking and a good spot to spread your blanket!
Stay in Seattle this Summer
Fourth of July events in Seattle are not to be missed! Whether you opt for the family fun of a baseball game or want to be right in the middle of the action with a dance party, there are plenty of options to celebrate red, white, and blue.