Seafair 4th – Seafair’s 4th of July fireworks return to Seattle this Saturday, drawing an estimated 45,000 people between Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park. Tickets are required for Gas Works Park entry, gates open at 3 p.m., and free tickets are valid until 8 p.m. Premium
On a day when Seattle’s skies usually stay busy, organizers are already steering the crowd toward a specific path: this Saturday, the Seafair 4th of July fireworks show returns, and the festival expects about 45,000 people to gather between Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park.
The event is set to air live on FOX 13 Seattle and will also be available for viewers online. Seafair says FOX 13 Seattle is the festival’s new official broadcast partner. a shift that comes as the station plans to televise and stream three signature Seafair events this summer: the Seafair Fourth of July. the 2026 Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade. and the Boeing Seafair Air Show and Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races.
For the people who want the best view from Gas Works Park, there’s a clear requirement—free tickets. Attendees planning to watch from Gas Works Park must secure a free ticket online at seafair.org to enter. Gates open at 3 p.m., and free tickets are valid for entry until 8 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. If someone wants more time for arrival. premium reserved seating is available at both parks. and it extends the Gas Works Park entry window until 10 p.m.
The fireworks are just the first spark in Seafair’s summer run. On July 25, the Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade will move along the Seattle waterfront for the second consecutive year. The evening begins with the Torchlight Run at 6 p.m. and registration for the run has increased significantly compared to last year.
After the run, spectators can head to Pier 62 for pre-parade entertainment, including a live DJ and a beer garden. The main parade will feature more than 100 units, including marching bands, local sports teams, and traditional festival displays.
Then, as summer shifts toward August, Seafair brings back the Boeing Seafair Air Show and the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races during the first weekend of August at Lake Washington.
The schedule is packed. and the logistics reflect it: Seafair’s fireworks draw a large early-season crowd. Torchlight keeps the momentum building along the waterfront on July 25. and the air and water competitions return in August. With tickets required at Gas Works Park and different entry timelines depending on seating. organizers are pushing visitors to make decisions early—before the shoreline gets crowded.
Seafair 4th of July fireworks Seattle Gas Works Park Lake Union Park Torchlight Parade Alaska Airlines Boeing Seafair Air Show Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races
So we just show up and the fireworks happen? Why do they need tickets for Gas Works like it’s a concert.
Gates open at 3?? That’s wild, feels like way too early for July 4th stuff. Also 45,000 people is like… Seattle can’t handle that parking-wise.
Wait, the free tickets are valid until 8 pm but only first-come? So if you’re late you’re just screwed even if you already “reserved” it? Also FOX 13 is new partner… so does that mean the fireworks are sponsored by TV now lol.
I saw something about Seafair Torchlight and thought it was the actual 4th of July fireworks date moved or whatever. Like are they doing fireworks twice? Either way, please tell me how anyone is supposed to get from Lake Union to Pier 62 by 6 pm without getting stuck in traffic forever.