Fireworks, parades and festivities! Sounds like the Fourth of July is back on for Seattle families, even if summer has been slow to start. If you’re in the market for kid-friendly ways to celebrate Independence Day, we’ve got the scoop on hot local events, from the Emerald City to the Eastside and beyond. So grab your best red, white and blue gear, prep some celebratory snacks, and get to a nearby parade or wow-worthy fireworks display with your crew. Read on for our top star-spangled celebrations this year.
4th of July Fireworks
Seafair Summer Fourth
If your family’s endurance is high and you don’t mind crowds, Seafair Summer Fourth is the big show in town, and it's back in-person this year. The folks at Seafair promise to make this Independence Day celebration (a Seattle tradition at Gas Works Park for more than 25 years) one to remember. The gates open at 3 p.m., and starting at 5 p.m., families can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including field games and inflatables in the Kids Zone, live music and fantastic food. Plus, everyone will love the glow-in-the-dark dance party that leads up to a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Union.
Good to know: Seafair Summer Fourth offers several free and reserved seating options and multiple vantage points to enjoy the show, Lake Union for an overhead view, Gas Works Park for a hilltop view, and Lake Union Park for a darker sky view. Each location offers its own unique experience.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 3-11 p.m.
Event details
Bellevue Family 4th
For over 30 years Bellevue Family 4th has been a fave for Eastside kids and families, and this year is no exception. Make a beeline for the Kids Zone where you'll find entertainment, activities and a kids area when the party starts at 5 p.m. After the sun goes down, settle in for a spectacular fireworks show set to the sounds of the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra and plan to stay late for the post fireworks show concert.
Good to know: Parking is free after 5 p.m. at The Bellevue Collection properties.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 5-10:45 p.m.
Event details
Red, White & Boom Fireworks
For a night your family won't soon forget, head to Snoqualmie for the annual Red, White & Boom fireworks display. One of the newer displays (the tradition started in 2016) it grows more spectacular each year, as the event organizers add something new with each passing 4th. Expect vendors, food trucks, attractions and so much more, with an explosive fireworks show starting around 9:45 p.m.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 7 p.m.
Event details
Fourth on the Plateau
The City of Sammamish invites families to join in some red, white and blue fun on the fourth with this year's fireworks show and festivities. We're talking food trucks, kids activities, outdoor yard games and giveaways, plus live music by Sway. Finish off your evening with a special fireworks show happening at 10 p.m.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 6-10:30 p.m.
Event details
Tacoma Summer Blast
Tacoma's signature 4th of July celebration is back, with a blast. And families can choose from two locations to celebrate. Head to Cummings Park for music, food, booths and a Family Fun Zone, or set your sights on Dune Peninsula Park, just down the way. In addition to a killer playground and splash pad, the 4th of July will bring live music, food trucks and more to this grassy area where families have plenty of room to roam, shop and generally enjoy the day. Fireworks will be launched over Commencement Bay just after dark, and you can enjoy them from either park.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: Noon
Event details
Renton's 4th of July
Head to Gene Coulon for a fantastic fireworks show put on by the City of Renton. There will be a live DJ starting at 6:30 p.m., and of course you can explore the beach, play on the playground and enjoy the day before the fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 6:30-11 p.m.
Event details
Let Freedom Ring Celebration
The Puyallup Chamber of Commerce is bringing the 4th to families… on July 3rd, with a spectacular celebration. Bring the kids to the Washington State Fairgrounds between 3 and 9 p.m. to enjoy food trucks, vendor markets and a classic car show. Then it’s on to the Red, White & Kaboom fireworks display. Watch it from your car and make it extra special for the kids with funky add-ons like special effects glasses ($3) or a star-spangled swag bag ($10). You’ll need tickets for the fireworks show.
Date: Jul. 3, 2022
Time: 3-10:15 p.m.
Event details
4th of July Parades
4th of July Children's Parade
The 24th annual 4th of July Children’s Parade in West Seattle is back this year! It features local kiddos riding on decorated bikes, wagons and tricked-out strollers with their families. Trust us, it’s the cutest family-friendly event of the summer. After the parade, enjoy old fashioned gunny sack races, arts and crafts and various activities at Hamilton ViewPoint Park.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.
Event details
98th Annual Independence Day Parade
Celebrate the 4th of July with a parade in downtown Burien. Line the streets to watch floats, marching bands and more pass by as community members gather to celebrate America’s birthday.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Event details
Grand Old 4th of July
Want to get out of town this Independence Day? Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island and enjoy the annual Grand Old 4th of July parade and community celebration. The fun starts early (at 7 a.m.) with a traditional pancake breakfast and continues throughout the day with the BYS fun run, a car show, street fair, kid’s zone, live music and, of course, the mile-long Hometown Parade at 1 p.m.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Event details
Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July
“Celebrate Kirkland, Together Again” is the theme of this year’s 4th of July celebration in Kirkland. After a hiatus this popular Eastside event is back, so bring your favorite "ride" (think trikes, bikes and strollers) to the Marina Park Pavilion at 10:30 a.m. to get them decorated for the kid's parade that follows. The main parade starts at noon; you'll have just enough time to find seats to enjoy it.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Event details
Down Home 4th of July & Heritage Day
Issaquah's Down Home 4th of July & Heritage Day is a favorite summertime tradition for Eastside families. It's a chance to settle into summer with old-fashioned fun with a pie eating contest, sack races, pony rides and all kinds of hands-on activities kids adore. The Kids, Pets 'N' Pride Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Rainier Boulevard North and Northwest Dogwood Street.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Event details
Great Carnation 4th of July Celebration
After two years of the pandemic, the Carnation 4th of July Celebration is back! Head to this small town to enjoy the Kiddy and Grand Parades along Stossel Street, where you'll also find live music and food and booths to wander. Then it's off to nearby Remlinger Farms to watch the fireworks light up the night sky just after 10 p.m. It'll be a blast!
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Event details
4th of July Parade & Pancake Breakfast
Head north for Bothell’s biggest annual event that starts early in the morning with a piping hot, free pancake breakfast at Bothell Landing. Eat your fill (or sleep in) before heading to the Children’s Parade at 11 a.m. The Grand Parade that's been a tradition for over 100 years starts at noon.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Event details
An Edmonds Kind of 4th
Downtown Edmonds is hosting lots of family-friendly events downtown to make your Fourth of July a memorable one. If running is your thing, register for the Baby Brackett 1K or see if you can beat Ol' Man Brackett in the timed, 5K race that morning. Strollers are allowed for this race, but dogs are not. The hometown races are followed by a sweet Children's Parade at 11:30 a.m. and the main event at noon.
Good to know: Lots of advance registration is required, so make your plans early. Also, there won't be a fireworks show happening in 2022.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Event details
Other Independence Day Celebrations
4th of July Splash!
Kent Parks' Splash is back just in time for the sunshine. Find the festivities at Lake Meridian Park where you and the kids can listen to live music, sample food from local vendors and play games and activities that were made for families and kids.
Good to know: There will be a free shuttle running from Fire Station 75 (15635 S.E. 272nd St.) and Kentwood High School (25800 164th S.E.) from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Event details
Seattle Civic Band Concert
Bring your blankets and low backed chairs to this special 4th of July outdoor summer concert at the Locks. The Seattle Civic Band will play for all to enjoy.
Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Time: 2 p.m.
Event details
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