Seafair weekend set for Lake Washington with Blue Angels flyovers, large crowds expected
Seattle's long-running Seafair Weekend returns to Lake Washington this summer, bringing boating competitions, an air show lineup and family-focused programming from July 31 through Aug. 2, with Blue Angels activity beginning the day before. The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels are scheduled to perform during the main shows on Friday, July 31, Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2, with practice flights planned for Thursday, July 30.
Organizers and city officials are encouraging residents to plan ahead: expect concentrated crowds near official viewing areas along the west and south shores of Lake Washington and increased air and marine activity during the afternoon show windows. The Seafair program mixes military demonstrations, vintage aircraft, aerobatic displays and water-based performances, drawing residents and visitors to neighborhood parks and waterfronts.
"The official viewing location is Genesee Park and Playfield, which is located at 4316 S Genesee St, Seattle, WA 98118."
Genesee Park and Playfield is named by organizers as the official viewing point, but other public parks and open spaces around Lake Washington will offer free viewpoints. The schedule released by Seafair lists multiple aerial and marine performances across the three-day festival; residents should note the timing if they have outdoor plans near the lake.
- Thursday, July 30: Blue Angels practice runs (11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.–4:40 p.m.; times subject to change)
- Friday, July 31: Air show sequence culminating with Blue Angels in the afternoon
- Saturday, Aug. 1: Repeat of Friday's main-air-show schedule
- Sunday, Aug. 2: Morning opening ceremonies and a final Blue Angels performance in the afternoon
What to expect and how to plan
Seafair events typically generate heavy local traffic, high park attendance and significant demand for public transit and parking near Lake Washington neighborhoods. Residents who plan to be on the lake—boaters, swimmers and waterfront businesses—should pay attention to posted marine advisories and temporary restricted zones during demonstrations. Those attending on land are advised to arrive early, bring water and sun protection, and follow instructions from event staff and public-safety personnel.
Public viewing options beyond Genesee Park include Mount Baker Park and Colman Park, among other shoreline locations. Because practice flights on Thursday are listed as not guaranteed and times can change, spectators should monitor the official Seafair website and local news for last-minute updates.
| Day | Notable activity | Approximate times |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, July 30 | Blue Angels practice flights | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.–4:40 p.m. (subject to change) |
| Friday, July 31 | Main air-show events; Blue Angels performance | Afternoon (schedule varies by act) |
| Saturday, Aug. 1 | Main air-show events; Blue Angels performance | Afternoon (schedule varies by act) |
| Sunday, Aug. 2 | Opening ceremonies; final air-show events; Blue Angels | Morning–afternoon |
For residents who rely on transit, ride-hailing or need to drive near Lake Washington, allow extra time for trips and expect detours or temporary road closures surrounding official viewing areas. Property owners and renters near the event footprint should prepare for noise and increased foot traffic, particularly in the afternoons when aerial demonstrations are concentrated.
Seafair has long been a feature of Seattle summers, blending maritime tradition with aviation demonstrations. This year's program again spotlights military and civilian aerial teams and returns community events to shorelines that host thousands of spectators each day.
