Fourth of July is celebrated in Seattle as the day that heralds the return of summer weather to the Pacific Northwest. The temperature rises, flags wave and Miss Mary Mack’s elephants finally return from their jump over the fence.
If your family’s endurance is high and you don’t mind crowds, the all-day Family Fourth festival at Gas Works Park is the big show in town, and was saved this year at the last minute by donations from local businesses and citizens. If you go, make sure to check in at the Information Booth to get an ID wristband for your child in the event that you get separated.
Prefer a more intimate celebration? Here are a few of our favorite options:
The Cal Anderson Park Alliance is organizing the 9th Annual Capitol Hill Independence Day Community Picnic. Listen to live music, sample a free float in the root-beer garden, experiment with a giant pile of hula hoops, and take part in some of the best people-watching in the city. Last year it was warm enough for the wading pool to be filled. What will this year bring? Please note: The picnic is planned for Saturday, July 2 starting at noon.
The Seattle Civic Band will hold its annual 4th of July concert at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard on Monday, July 4 at 2:00 pm. Be prepared to stomp your feet to the patriotic classics. Come early or stay late to watch the boat traffic navigate the locks.
Want to get out of town? Take a ferry to Banbridge Island for their Grand Old Fourth of July Parade and Community Celebration. The fun starts early with a pancake breakfast and continues throughout the day with a classic car show, all-day street fair, a historic baseball game and more. The parade – self-titled the “Best Small Town Parade in America” – begins at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 4.
And if that wasn't enough, here's a few more ways to celebrate the 4th with your kids!
Red White and Zoo Animal Enrichment at Woodland Park Zoo: Special treats for the animals and naturalist presentations. Friday and Saturday, July 1 and July 2 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm.
27th Annual Naturalization Ceremony: The public is welcome at the Center House in Seattle Center to watch hundreds of new citizens take their vows. Monday, July 4 at noon.
Bellevue Family 4th: Jugglers, storytellers, rides and field games at the Bellevue Parks Family Fun Zone. Monday, July 4 from 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Celebrate Kirkland: A kids’ parade, food vendors and live music. Monday, July 4 from 10:00 am – 10:30 pm. Tip: A great place to watch the Kirkland fireworks is from Magnuson Park in Seattle.
90th Annual Independence Day Parade: Watch the parade in downtown Burien. Monday, July 4 at 3:00 pm.
Freedom Fair in Tacoma: Gather on the Ruston Way waterfront for a four day festival including an airshow, live music, fireworks and even a pole vault competition. Friday-Monday, July 1-4 from 10:00 am – 10:30 pm.
Tukwila’s Family Fourth at Fort Dent Park: Inflatable bouncers, a climbing wall and preschool-activity tent. Monday, July 4 from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Northshore Freedom Fest: Pancake breakfast, parades and concerts in Bothell from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. "Red, White, and Bluesfest" in Woodinville starting at 1:00 pm, and fireworks in Kenmore at 10:00 pm. All on Monday, July 4.
4th of July on Three Tree Point: Burien's down-home, neighborhood party kicks off with a pancake breakfast and continues with a parade, games, book swap, and much more. Activities start at 9:oo am on Monday, July 4, and continue all day.
Admiral Junction Neighborhood Parade: Also known as the Admiral Kids' Parade, this event kicks off at 10:00 am on Monday, July 4, and provides another fun option for West Seattleites.
—Karen McHegg
