There is no time quite like the summer in Seattle, and a big part of the Seattle summer experience is the great festivals and events the city puts together. While there are tons of events throughout the summer in Seattle, there are none that can compare to the size and scope of Seafair. Seafair is an iconic part of the season, a festival that lasts over ten weeks that draws in many visitors, and fills the city with consistent excitement and flavor. The Seafair Festival is a one-of-a-kind occasion, and this year’s iteration will surely be a blast.
Seafair has been an annual series of events in Seattle dating back to the 1950s. It is a core part of the summer experience in Seattle, something that brings family, friends, and strangers together. It is one of the most monumental occasions in the city, but unfortunately, the last few years have made a large-scale citywide gathering impossible. Seafair was called off for 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but this year will make an exciting return as restrictions have been lifted. While Seafair is always a blast, this year will be extra special as a return to normalcy.
There are a lot of different events that take place under the umbrella of Seafair. These include smaller community events with more regional attendance and the signature events. There are seven signature Seafair events, and these are all major spectacles. The events take place throughout the summer.
The first of the seven signature Seafair events is the Seafair Summer Fourth. This massive Independence Day celebration has been voted one of the nation’s best firework displays by several major publications. The event occurs at Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park; there are multiple venues but one spectacular fireworks show. There is everything from a beer garden and glow-in-the-dark dance party to a marketplace and Kids Zone. It is a massive summer celebration with live music, food, and a fireworks show that shouldn’t be missed.
Some other Seafair signature events revolve around physical activity. This includes the Seafair Triathlon and the Seafair Torchlight Run. The Seafair Triathlon is a huge triathlon with several different options for competitors, ranging from relay races to sprint triathlons. There are options for all skill levels. There is even a kids triathlon with courses designed for younger participants.
The Torchlight Run is a great tradition. It takes place during the evening on July 30th and will have runners and walkers dressed in their craziest costumes running either five kilometers or eight kilometers. Once the runners finish, a huge parade will cap off the night. It features people dressed in their wildest costumes, street performers, and exciting floats, with over 100 entries. It marches across downtown and is one of the most lively events of the summer.
The last two Seafair events are Fleet Week and the Weekend Festival. Fleet Week starts on August 1st and runs to the 5th. It begins with a maritime parade that is the best in the Pacific Northwest. It features all manner of incredible watercraft, and attendees will meet the sailors and step aboard some of these amazing ships. From the Navy to the Coast Guard, there are amazing boats that need to be seen to be believed.
The Seafair summer culminates with the Weekend Festival, from August 5th-7th. This is an essential tradition set along Lake Washington. This event has everything. There is a boating event, an awe-inspiring air show, concerts, great food, and a party atmosphere that is fun for the whole family. There are boat races, death-defying stunts, and parties on the water, such as the Seafair Log Boom. It is the perfect finish to a great summer of events.
Seafair is an important part of Seattle’s culture, and after two long years away, it is back. It is time to start looking ahead for what is sure to be one of the best Seafair festivals yet.
