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67º | 90% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 5:43 a.m. | Sunset 8:47 p.m. | High tide 2:11 p.m. | Low tides 6:33 a.m. and 6:27 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

 

🛩 Let’s get loud

A guide to Seafair Weekend Festival in Seattle

Four Blue Angels aircraft fly by the Space Needle on a clear, summer day.
The Blue Angels became a part of Seafair for the first time in 1972. | Photo by @rachelalexisperry
They’re baaaack — well, almost.

The US Navy’s Blue Angels and all of their thunderous glory return to Seattle this week ahead of the 75th annual Seafair.

Seafair activities happen all summer (you may remember those big ole Fourth of July fireworks), but the main events — like the log boom, hydroplane races, and car show — are happening Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 4 on Lake Washington and at Genessee Park. Here’s what you need to know.

The schedule

No, it’s not the end of times — that’s just the arrival of the Blue Angels. You can start expecting the sky screamers mid-week. The team typically practices on Thursday, with their official air shows beginning at 3:35 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

The rest follows Seafair’s typical order of events:
RELEASED—MCC Eric Harrison Fleet PACEN Det. NW LCPO credit as a U.S. Navy Photo by Eric Rowley

Each hydroplane can hit about 220 mph during their races.

|

Photo by MC2 Eric J. Rowley/U.S. Navy

Where to go

In addition to Seafair’s festival grounds (tickets run $15-$100) and log boom, there are plenty of places around the area where you can set yourself up for a good show:
  • Most parks along Lake Washington — we recommend Seward Park, Colman Park, and Madrona Beach.
  • Waterways Cruises and Events Blue Angels BBQ Lunch cruise — tickets start at $159.

Road closures

Don’t worry about ‘em — the I-90 bridge no longer gets shut down during the aerial demonstrations thanks to a new flight path established in 2019. However, do expect heavy traffic around Columbia City and parks near the south end of Lake Washington

Leaving town

Want to escape the craze? Check out our travel guides to Bellingham, Olympic National Park, or Portland.
 
Events
Monday, July 29
  • Salsa Practica | Monday, July 29-Monday, Dec. 30 | 8:15-10:30 p.m. | Century Ballroom, 915 E. Pine St., Seattle | $10 | Practice your moves in a free-flowing, non-judgmental environment — all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Tuesday, July 30
  • Seafair Fleet Week Parade of Ships | Tuesday, July 30 | 1 p.m. | Seattle Waterfront, 1951 Alaskan Way, Seattle | Free | Watch as the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard bring in their big ships ahead of Seafair Weekend.
  • Ruby’s Tassel Twirling Workshop | Tuesday, July 30 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Pitch Studios, 5300 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle | $35 | Learn how to wow a lover (or your friends) with some creative chest and booty moves from a Seattle burlesque star — bring your own pasties.
Wednesday, July 31
  • Barks ‘N Crafts: Dog Bowl Painting | Wednesday, July 31 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Dog Yard Bar, 1546 NW Leary Way, Seattle | $35 | Treat your furry friend with a play date + customized food bowl.
  • Author Talk: Chuck Tingle | Wednesday, July 31 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Seattle | $6-$30 | The internet icon, author of satirical erotica, and best-selling novelist is touring with his latest book “Bury Your Gays.”
Thursday, Aug. 1
  • Summer Series at the Amphitheater: Kalimba Dance Church | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Volunteer Park Amphitheater, 1139-1157 Volunteer Park Road, Seattle | Free | This all-levels movement class asks attendees to get in touch with their bodies and move in whatever way feels best to them.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Legacy
  • Seattle’s longest-serving mayor Charles Royer has died at the age of 82. Royer began his career as a political journalist, before serving as the city’s mayor for 12 years from 1978 to 1990. He later became the director of Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. (Seattle Times)
Closed
  • Wood-fired Sunset Hill restaurant Samara is now closed. Owner Eric Anderson cited issues rebuilding his business after the COVID pandemic as the main reason for his decision. (Eater Seattle)
Sports
  • The Mariners made some pretty big acquisitions recently, including Blue Jays pitcher Yimi Garcia and All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena. Hear from the local experts about what this means for the Mariners with Locked On’s daily, Mariners-focused podcast.
Biz
  • This year, Seattle hotels saw their best results for the first half of a year since 2019. A large portion of revenue came from corporate travelers, with average occupancy rates at 66% in the first six months of 2024 — a 10% increase from last year. (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Civic
  • Washington Governor Jay Inslee is reminding residents about a statewide program that provides low-income residents with a $200 credit to help pay off electricity bills. Some residents may have this credit automatically applied — check WACleanEnergyCredits.com to see if you qualify. (GeekWire)
Olympics
  • The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France. Keep up with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes, like Nina Castagna, via KING 5. Today’s events include rowing, table tennis, and volleyball — starting at 1 a.m. PT.
Outdoors
  • Renovations on the Ballard Playfield begin today. Construction will address drainage, irrigation, and natural turf restoration. Seattle Parks and Rec has a projected reopening date set for 2025. (My Ballard)
Kids
  • Gearing up for the school year? Shop Nike’s Back to School Sale for sneakers, athletic wear, and backpacks. Save an extra 25% with promo code SPORT25.*
 
Olympics

Paris preview: Monday, July 29

Minnesota Lynx player Cecilia Zandalasini attempts a 3 point shot and Seattle Storm player Breanna Stewart goes into block her.
Breanna Stewart, now a member of the New York Liberty, played six seasons with the Seattle Storm (2016-2018 + 2020-2022). | Photo by Lorie Shaull
Swimmers will bring the heat in the pool and the U.S. women’s basketball team opens its pursuit of a record eighth straight gold medal.

Here’s a guide of what to look out for, via KING5.

Women’s Basketball

The US women’s basketball team opens its pursuit of a record eighth straight gold medal. Team USA will face Japan at 12 p.m. PT at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Keep an eye out for former Seattle Storm player Breanna Stewart.

Swimming

Qualifying heats started at 2 a.m. Pacific Time — tune into KING 5 for replays or follow their ongoing Olympics coverage online.

Plan ahead: Local athletes and artistic swimmers Keana Hunter and Audrey Kwon will compete Aug. 5.
See more coverage from KING 5
The Buy

The Buy 7.29.24 (Affiliate)

A portable projector — a must-have for streaming your next movie night by the pool in high definition 4K quality.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Alina Hunter-Grah headshot

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor
Fun fact about me: my grandpa tried very hard to encourage me to join the U.S. Air Force when I was a teenager and even went as far to pay for some piloting lessons for me.

I never finished, but I imagine there’s a timeline somewhere where I’m a really cool aerobatic pilot. I’d just also need to get over my predisposition for motion sickness.
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