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:
- Boeing air show | Friday-Sunday, 11:10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Hydroplane races | Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Classic car show | Saturday + Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Fleet Week ship tours | Thursday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
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.
