July 4th, 2024, kicks off the summer for many of us, and there are several ways to celebrate around the greater Seattle region. In addition to the big evening fireworks shows, you’ll find parades, fun runs, all-day fairs, free museum days, and free outdoor concerts. Have a happy (and safe!) 4th!
The following events are on July 4th and FREE unless otherwise noted.
Fourth of July events in Seattle
Ballard Locks 4th of July concert
Seattle Civic Band will perform a free outdoor summer concert at the Ballard Locks at 2 p.m. on the lawn of the beautiful Botanical Gardens as part of the Ballard Locks Summer Concert Series. Chairs are not provided, so bring your own or a blanket. Bring a picnic, too (or grab pizza across the street at Pagliacci Pizza). Be sure to check the Facebook page for any last-minute updates.
When: Thursday, July 4. 2 p.m.
Location: Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107
Naturalization ceremony at Seattle Center
Seattle Center will host the 39th Annual Naturalization Ceremony on July 4th at the Fisher Pavilion and invite the public to observe as The Honorable David G. Estudillo, Chief United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, swears in over 500 candidates as new citizens of the United States of America.
The program includes music and cultural performances, remarks from local and national dignitaries, and recognition of all countries represented, the military personnel, and the eldest applicant receiving citizen status. Check the website for further details on the schedule and programs closer to the date.
When: Thursday, July 4. Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Watching baseball has a great Americana vibe, so why not catch a game on the 4th? The Mariners are not in town, but you’ll find the DubSea Fish Sticks—a summer collegiate team based out of West Seattle—at home playing the Washington A’s in Mel Olson Stadium in White Center (inside King County Steve Cox Memorial Park). This is fun for all ages: ice cream-eating contests, face painting, running the bases, and more!
When: Thursday, July 4. 11:05 a.m. (gates open at 10:05 a.m. )
Location: Mel Olson Stadium, 1321 SW 102nd St, Seattle, WA 98146
Cost: $13.50 per person (GA) and FREE for three and under. Buy tickets here.
West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade
The much-loved West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade is all about the kids—in decorated bikes, strollers, scooters, wagons, or on foot, the kids will parade starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, at Sunset Ave. SW and 44th Ave. SW. in the North Admiral neighborhood, winding through the neighborhood to Hamilton Viewpoint Park. The park will have games, food trucks, craft booths, and activities for kids of all ages, including potato sack races!
When: Thursday, July 4. The parade starts at 10 a.m.
Location: Sunset Ave. SW and 44th Ave. SW., Seattle, WA 98116
Seafair Fireworks
One of the Northwest’s biggest and most beloved summer traditions continues on Lake Union in Seattle. The party lasts all day at Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park. Both locations have free and reserved seating options, food trucks, adult beverages, and a view of the fireworks. Gas Works also has a Kids Zone, interactive displays, hydration stations, a vendor marketplace, a “howitzer blast-off ceremony,” and a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Both places open at 3 p.m. and are sure to be crowded. Fireworks start at 10:20 p.m.
When: Thursday, July 4. 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: Gas Works Park (2101 N Northlake Way) & Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N)
Fourth of July events Eastside
The Eastside’s family-friendly July 4th event is back at Bellevue Downtown Park. Highlights include a family fun zone, entertainment, food trucks, and a fireworks show planned for 10:05 p.m., followed by a performance by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. Be sure to bring your chair and blanket. Please leave pets and personal fireworks at home.
When: Thursday, July 4. 5 p.m. – 10:25 p.m.
Location: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Bothell 4th of July Parade and Pancake Breakfast
Bothell’s biggest annual event starts with a free pancake breakfast and tour of the Bothell Fire Department’s fire engine from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Park at Bothell Landing. There’s also a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pop Keeney Stadium. The Children’s Parade is held at 11:15 a.m., while the 100+ year-old traditional Grand Parade starts at noon. The parade route for both starts at Main St. and 104th Ave NE and continues through Bothell Way NE.
When: Thursday, July 4. 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: The Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th St, Bothell, WA 98011
Carnation Fourth of July festivities include the 5K “Run for the Pies and Pints” at 8:30 a.m. at Remlinger Farms, followed by both the “Kiddie Parade” (11 a.m.) and Grand Parade (11:30 a.m.). Other events are Vendor Village on East Bird Street and the Car Show will be in the parking lot of Carnation Café before 12:30 p.m. Afternoon and evening festivities include food, music, beer garden at Remlinger Farm starting at 4 p.m., and fireworks beginning at 10 p.m. at Remlinger. Check the full schedule here.
When: Thursday, July 4. 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: Remlinger Farms, 32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation, WA 98014
Cost: Free, some activities cost. Learn more here.
Photo credit: Colin Walker/Bellevue Parks & Community Services
Celebrate Kirkland – 4th of July Parade
Head to the downtown business district of Kirkland and find your favorite spectator spot along the parade route. The main parade will feature approximately 100 entries, including floats, music and dance performers, civic organizations, car and animal groups, and more! The Kid’s Decorating Pavilion/Lakeshore Plaza opens at 10:30 a.m. – kids decorate their bikes, trikes, strollers, and wagons for the Kid’s Parade! The Kid’s Parade begins at 11:30 a.m., while the main parade is at noon.
When: Thursday, July 4, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033
Fourth of July Cruise – Argosy Cruises
Celebrate Fourth of July with the best views of Seattle’s fireworks aboard Argosy Cruises. The Salish Explorer departs from Kirkland and takes you to a spectacular view of the Seafair Fireworks show on Lake Union. Enjoy four fun hours of festivities and cruising. Perfect for anyone looking to be out on the water with friends, family, little ones, etc. Check out their website to learn more!
When: Thursday, July 4. 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Location: Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033
Fourth of July events north of Seattle
Fireworks in Mountlake Terrace (July 3rd)
This event happens on July 3rd. The family-friendly celebration in Mountlake Terrace begins at 6 p.m. The fun will include pie-eating contests, field games, a DJ, and food trucks. A big fireworks display over beautiful Lake Ballinger will highlight the event beginning at 10:00 p.m. The viewing area is on the hillside within Ballinger Park, directly to the south/southeast of the Mickey Corso Community Clubhouse (also known as the Mountlake Terrace Senior/Community Center)
When: Wednesday, July 3. 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: Ballinger Park, 23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
The Beat Bracket 5K and 1K fun runs will be in the morning to kick off the 4th of July celebration in Edmonds at 8 a.m. The Children’s Parade will start at 11:30 a.m., and the main Parade will start at noon. Note: Edmonds will not have fireworks this year.
When: Thursday, July 4. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Edmonds Fountain, 103 5th Ave S., Edmonds, WA 98020
Edmonds 4th of July parade
Everett’s 4th of July starts with the one-mile Independence Day Run at 9 a.m., where participants can run the parade route as many times for 30-minutes. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and begins on Colby Ave and 25th St. The 4th of July festival starts at 3 p.m. at Legion Memorial Park with live music, food trucks, and a beet garden. Thunder on the Bay Fireworks over Gardner Bay starts around 10 p.m.
Legion Memorial Park has a great playground and ballfields, so families can bring their lawn games.
When: Thursday, July 4. 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Location: Legion Memorial Park, 145 Alverson Blvd, Everett, WA 98201
Photo credit: EverettWA.gov
Fourth of July events south of Seattle
Auburn Independence Day Festival
This hometown event features live entertainment on two stages, numerous inflatable rides, and other children’s attractions, including a climbing wall, euro-bungy trampolines, trackless train rides, pony rides, a car show, mini golf, a spray park, and more. The naturally shaded park will keep you cool during the afternoon. Note: 4th of July Festival Wristband sales begin at 10 a.m. Purchase a wristband for $10 for unlimited activities, including inflatable rides, cyclone swing, bungee trampolines, rock wall, train rides, mini golf, laser tag, and balloon art. Pets are welcome if they are leashed, licensed, and well-behaved.
When: Thursday, July 4. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free entertainment & admission. $10 for unlimited rides and activities.
Location: Les Gove Park, 910 9th St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
The Burien 4th of July Parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. and runs for approximately two hours. This is Burien’s largest parade, and thousands attend this great community event.
When: Thursday, July 4. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Town Square Park, 480 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166
4th of July Celebration, Concert, and Classic Car Show – Puyallup
Celebrate Puyallup’s FREE Red, White & Varoom Fourth of July celebration with this fun family event. The festival will feature live music, a car show, a kid zone with balloon artists, face painting, crafts, corn hole, and more. It will also feature food trucks, a beer garden, and fireworks. Check the website for the band lineup.
Also, don’t forget about the July 3rd Red, White & Kaboom family run/walk 5K located at the Washington State Fair Teal Parking Lot. Register here.
When: Thursday, July 4. 12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Pioneer Park, 300 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
The city of SeaTac celebrates the 4th of July with a drone show, using 200 drones to light up the night sky in a captivating display. The synchronized performance will be at 9:45 p.m. over Angle Lake. At noon, there will be a free Children’s Zone with inflatables, including a slide, bouncy house, and obstacle course. Live entertainment starts at noon, too. DJ’d music will continue from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by the National Anthem. Check their website to see the entire music lineup. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks to this event.
When: Thursday, July 4. 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Angle Lake Park, 19408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188
Photo credit: Russ Carmack
Tacoma 4th of July Summer Blast
Tacoma’s FREE, family-friendly day of live music, food, entertainment, and crafts vendors starts at noon and culminates in a fireworks display over Commencement Bay at 10 p.m. The celebration takes place at Dune Peninsula and Cummings Park on Ruston Way Waterfront, with over 150 vendors, two stages,and a 20-minute fireworks display.
Entertainment created especially for kids will be at Cummings Park’s Family Zone all day! Bring the youngsters to burn off energy in the bounce houses, get creative with sand art and canvas painting, dance the afternoon away, sing your favorite songs at the karaoke booth, and more! Activities are designed with a younger crowd in mind. Go here for the entire schedule.
When: Thursday, July 4. 12 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Location: Cummings Park, 3939 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402
Federal Way: Red, White & Blue Festival
The Red, White & Blues Festival begins at 4 p.m. on July 4 at Celebration Park. This free event will have music, food vendors, sports, family games, face painting, inflatables, and more. They will have their kid’s parade from 7:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be free parking at this event.
Fireworks are set for 10:15 p.m. Go to the website to learn more about the event schedule. Families should bring blankets or lawn chairs.
When: Thursday, July 4. 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Fireworks start at 10:15 p.m.
Location: Celebration Park, 1095 South 324th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
Celebrate the 4th at Kent’s Fourth of July SPLASH. This free event will feature live music, food trucks, kid activities, and fireworks set right on Lake Meridian Park. From 5 p.m. to after the fireworks, free shuttle buses will run from Fire Station 75 (15635 SE 272nd) and Kentwood High School (25800 164th SE). Check the website for further details on the music lineup.
When: Thursday, July 4. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St, Kent, WA 98030
4th of July events Bainbridge and Whidbey Island
Bainbridge Island’s Grand Old 4th
Bainbridge Island has celebrated the 4th of July in a big way since 1967. Multiple events will take over downtown Winslow and Waterfront Park (625 Winslow Way E). Kicking off with the traditional Pancake Breakfast, the day will include the BYS Fun Run, Car Show, Street Fair, Kid’s Zone, Beer & Wine Garden, Live Music Stage, and of course, the mile-long Hometown Parade. Stay updated here on the schedule closer to the date.
When: Thursday, July 4. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Winslow, 395 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Whidbey Island Oak Harbor Independence Day Celebration & Maxwelton Parade
On the Fourth of July, the Oak Harbor traditional annual parade will begin at 11 a.m., and a fireworks show will light up the sky at 10 p.m. There’s also a carnival with rides and games on the 4th in Oak Harbor and a pancake breakfast being put on by the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue.
The tiny Whidbey town of Maxwelton will hold its annual Fourth of July parade on the 4th at noon. Participation registration and shuttle service begin at 10:30 a.m., both free. The Maxwelton Fourth of July parade has been a Whidbey tradition for over 100 years.
When: Thursday, July, July 4, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Oak Harbor and Maxwelton, Whidbey Island
Museums that will be open and FREE for the 4th of July
Check out these museums that will be free and open as part of the Museum Free First Thursday.
Note: Burke Museum is closed on the 4th of July
- Museum of History and Industry (SLU) – Open and FREE Admission (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Museum of Flight (Tukwila) – Open and FREE Admission (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- National Nordic Museum (Ballard) – Open and FREE Admission. Tickets required. (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Seattle Art Museum (Seattle) – Open and FREE Admission. Tickets here. (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Seattle Asian Art Museum (Seattle) – Open and FREE Admission (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Read more: Museums to explore for free first Thursday
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