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In some cities, people ask what is there to do on the 4th of July and they really mean is there anything to do over that weekend other than fireworks. But, in Seattle, when people ask what to do on the Independence Day weekend, they are really asking what of the many things should they decide to do. And many of these events are free!
On July 1 and 2, 2023, The Taste Northwest will be happening at Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. This festival features food vendors and restaurant food, craft vendors, kids activities and cooking competitions. There will also be beer, wine and tequila tastings. Admission to the festival is free but you’ll have to pay for parking and the food and drinks.
Seattle International Festival of Improv will be in downtown Seattle on July 1 and 2, 2023. Masters of Improv from around the globe will be creating funny scenes and sketches. Prepare to be amused. Book your ticket here and you can save 50% off the regular rate.
Would you like to take a free train ride? Ride atop a mini steam train over a bridge and through a tunnel. The Great Northern & Cascade Railway in Skykomish is offering this.
Sports & Concerts
The Seattle Mariners will be playing the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park on July 1 and 2, 2023.
Enjoy a free summer concert at the lovely Hiram M. Chittenham Locks in Seattle. Bring lawn chairs and settle in to enjoy.
- July 1 at 2 pm – Kirkland Civic Orchestra
- July 2 at 2 pm – Cascadia Big Band
- July 4 at 2 pm – Seattle Civic Band
Summer concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle feature some of the best artists in rock, jazz, blues and contemporary music. Charlie Puth will be there on July 1, 2 and 3, 2023.
Seattle Sounders will be playing the Houston Dynamos at Lumer Field on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Parades
There will be multiple parades in the greater Seattle area on the 4th of July with drill teams, marching bands, classic cars, colorful floats and more, including
- Redmond at 10 am
- Carnation at 11 am
- Everett at 11 am
- Bethell at 11:15 am
- Kirkland at 11:30 am
- Edwards at 11:30 am
- Burien at 3 pm
- Arlington at 4:30 pm
Other Events
Enjoy patriotic music, speeches and a naturalization ceremony at Seattle Center at 11:30 am on the 4th of July. 500 people from 80 countries will become citizens.
Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast is the largest free community event in the South Sound. Enjoy food trucks, tribute bands, a beer garden, a craft market and fireworks at 10 pm.
On July 4th, at the north end of Lake Union, Gas Works Park offers family games, food and drink vendors, live music and a beer garden.
At the south end of Lake Union, Lake Union Park offers food trucks, beer garden and a DJ spinning music.
Seafair Summer Fourth was voted one of the country’s best fireworks show by USA Today and Business Insider. Fireworks will explode over Lake Union at 10:15 p,m.
Other fireworks shows on the 4th in the greater Seattle area include
- Bellevue – Downtown Park at 10:05 pm
- SeaTac – Angle Lake Park at 10 pm
- Tacoma – Ruston Way at 10 pm
- Everett – Port Gardner Bay at 7 pm
- Arlington – Quake Park at 10 pm
- Snoqualmie – Snoqualmie Community Park at 9:45 pm
- Carnation – Remlinger Farms at 10 pm
- Federal Way – Celebration Park at 10:15 pm
- Turnwater – Turnwater Valley Golf Course at 10:10 pm
- Sammamish – Sammamish Commons at 10 pm