Here’s our annual July 4th fireworks list of places to see free public shows in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, including Everett, Bellevue, Kirkland, and JBLM, plus 22 other cities and communities north, south, east, and west of Seattle.
Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s stay at home order, all major July 4th fireworks shows are cancelled for 2020. However, we’ve found several Fourth of July celebratory events, some virtual and some drive-thru.
If you think you might want to put together your own fireworks display, be sure to educate yourself on local fireworks laws.
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In general, most if not all cities, towns, and public parks forbid the possession or use of fireworks. Unincorporated areas in counties around Puget Sound strictly regulate their use, particularly if the weather is dry and burn bans are in effect. Contact local law enforcement or fire agency if in doubt.
Everyone is encouraged to visit any of the many professional fireworks displays prevalent throughout the region, which we list below.
2020 July 4th virtual celebrations here and elsewhere
Auburn Virtual 4 on the 4th. Participation is FREE! Register to walk/run/swim/bike/hike for 4 miles and receive a “finisher certificate”.
Kirkland 4th of July goes virtual. Kirkland Leadership and the Downtown Association invite you to the first ever virtual Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July event! This custom, star-spangled Independence Day extravaganza kicks off at noon on Saturday, July 4 on the City Facebook page, the Kirkland Television YouTube channel, the Kirkland Granicus Stream, Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31. Enjoy a three-year parade compilation with local commentary, followed by a virtual fireworks show, featuring dazzling pyrotechnics from years past to help brighten your screens and bring the 4th of July holiday to life.
The National Archives July 4th celebrates the 244th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program in a far less traditional manner—online! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and current educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalist Soledad O’Brien. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Sno-Valley Senior Center July 3rd Spaghetti Dinner takeout. Enjoy takeout spaghetti dinner and strawberry shortcake! Order in advance and pickup at the senior center. While you’re there, plan to buy raffle prize tickets. The spaghetti dinner includes a choice of meat or vegetarian sauce, garlic bread, salad, and a cookie for just $12 per person. Or get the family dinner serving for 4 for $40. Pick up dinners at the Sno-Valley Senior Center on Friday July 3 from 5:30-6:30pm. Location: 4610 Stephens Ave, Carnation, WA 98014.
Sno-Valley Senior Center 4th of July Strawberry Shortcake. Order delicious Strawberry Shortcake for just $6 each and pick up at the Sno-Valley Senior Center on Saturday, July 4 from 10:30am-Noon. Location: 4610 Stephens Ave, Carnation, WA 98014.
Washington State Parks. Many WA State Parks are open for camping and more than 100 Washington state parks are open for day use only. So celebrate and recreate! Before you go, please be sure to check park lists and guidelines for recreating responsibly. Check the list of opened Washington State Parks.
For more events and things to do, check our calendar for the July 4th weekend.
Things to know about July 4th fireworks
Most fireworks displays in the Seattle-Tacoma area occur around 10:00 PM. Sunset at this time of year in the Pacific Northwest is around 9:10 PM (with darkness about 30 minutes later).
As a rule, fireworks, pets, and alcohol are not allowed at most–if not all–July 4th fireworks events.
These big, public events start early in the day (as early as NOON, but it varies–some are a little earlier, some a little later) and go all day with music, free and paid entertainment, and options for food.
Check each event’s website for details on what you are allowed to bring to each event and other helpful information such as parking & transportation. General recommendations include picnic food, blankets, chairs, a flashlight, and patience are the usual recommendations. Also check if you need cash for any extras, such as food, beer/wine gardens, parking, or any special activities (face painting, etc.).
All of this fun can make for a very long day, especially if you go early to enjoy the pre-show festivities. So keep this in mind, especially depending on the ages of any kiddos you might have in tow.
If you go later, getting there, parking, and walking to the site can take some time. So include these details in your travel estimates.
List of public July 4th fireworks displays around Puget Sound
The following list of public fireworks displays are arranged going north to south and west to east throughout the region. These are the biggest and longest running events around Puget Sound.
To help you and your family enjoy the day, be sure to read tips and tricks for photographing fireworks in Seattle. It includes a list of vantage points for viewing and photographing Seattle and Puget Sound fireworks–so if you’re looking for an alternative spot away from the large events, check out these suggested parks and vantage points.
Seattle Seafair Summer Fourth on Lake Union
Cancelled 2020. Seattle Seafair Summer Fourth 10:20pm (?) at Gas Works Park on the north shore of Lake Union. Alternate transportation is encouraged. FREE to the public; reserved seating available for purchase (sells out, so purchase well in advance). Throughout the day, guests can enjoy food vendors, live entertainment and exhibit booths. For those 21+, quench your thirst in the beer garden. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in the all-American Games featuring pie-eating contests, sack races and more.
Tacoma Freedom Fair
- Tacoma Freedom Fair/Wings & Wheels postponed to Sept 12-13, 2020 contingent on Pierce County being in Phase 4 at time of the event.
Tacoma Freedom Fair has been providing 4th of July fireworks and family entertainment for over 30 years. The July 4th celebration takes place along the Ruston Way waterfront from 10:00am to 10:30pm. It’s a show of shows with an air show, car show, and bike show, plus kids activities, live music, and food vendors. Admission to Freedom Fair is free, but donations ($2-$15 per person) are suggested to help continue the tradition of family-oriented activities. For hassle-free access, park free at the Tacoma Dome Station or at Tacoma Community College and take the Freedom Fair Express Bus all day and after the fireworks.
Bellevue Family 4th
Cancelled 2020. Bellevue Family 4th, 10:05pm, the Eastside’s Premier 4th of July Event at Bellevue Downtown Park (one block south of Bellevue Square on the corner of NE 4th Street and Bellevue Way). Live music and food trucks will entertain from 2:00 pm to 8:50 pm. Kid’s entertainment includes mascots and ticketed inflatables. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy Bellevue’s iconic venue. Leave pets, personal barbeques, and alcohol at home. No personal fireworks allowed! Bring a picnic or enjoy a variety of food from vendors located throughout the park. A flashlight is recommended for safety.
Everett Colors of Freedom Festival
Cancelled 2020. Everett Colors of Freedom Festival, 10:20pm at Legion Park Bluff (145 Alverson Blvd) overlooking Puget Sound. Alternate locations include Grand Avenue Park (1800 Grand Ave) and Everett Marina District. At Legion Park, begining at 11:00 AM, there will be free kids’ activities, food fair, beer garden, & live music. Bring a blanket and a picnic. No parking at Legion Park, so be sure to catch the free shuttle, either at the Everett Community College Broadway lot or at Everett Station. Small coolers only are permitted on shuttle buses. Return trips to parking offered throughout the day, and after the Fireworks show. Wheelchair service from bus drop-off into the park is provided by NJROTC students. Small propane & charcoal barbecues are allowed. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July
Cancelled 2020. 4th of July Kirkland, WA, 10:15pm, Marina Park with views from most downtown waterfront parks. The Marina Parking Lot including, Lakeshore Plaza Drive from Central Way to Kirkland Avenue and Kirkland Avenue from Lake Shore Plaza Drive to Lake Street will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 11:00 p.m. The fireworks barge will be placed off Marina Park in it’s usual location. You will be able to see the display from all of the downtown waterfront parks as well as Heritage Park. More info: https://celebratekirkland.org/
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Freedom Fest
Postponed 2020. Joint Base Lewis-McChord Freedom Fest at Cowan Stadium, south of Tacoma. They pull out all the stops at JBLM. The day goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features live music, roving entertainers, a car show, plenty of food, kids activities, and of course the grand finale fireworks show. Free admission and free parking. Use Exit 119 off I-5. Guests without an installation access pass should enter JBLM Lewis-Main via the DuPont Gate. Vehicles will be directed to a parking area and occupants will be bussed to and from the event site. Due to security checks, expect some delays when entering the base. Visit their website for additional instructions and restrictions. More info: https://jblm.armymwr.com/programs/specialevents
But wait, there’s more! Listed below are more free public fireworks displays (and a couple ticketed ones) in other cities north, south, west and east of Seattle:
Seattle Fireworks north and east of the city
- Carnation
- Edmonds
- Kenmore
- Maple Valley
- Monroe (at Evergreen Speedway) (ticketed event $12-$22 per person)
- Newcastle
- Sammamish
Tacoma Fireworks and surrounding cities
- July 3rd: Auburn at Emerald Downs ($9 admission to race track. Ages 17 and under are free. Military free with ID.)
- Des Moines
- Federal Way
- Kent
- Renton
- SeaTac
- Steilacoom
- Tukwila
- Tumwater (Event is free. Parking: $10/car.)
Kitsap and Island Fireworks
- Port Townsend
- Whidbey Island/Oak Habor
- Whidbey Island/Freeland Park
- Bainbridge Island
- Bremerton/Port Orchard (over Sinclair Inlet: view from Port Orchard Marina & Bremerton Marina)
- Washington State Ferry. Ride the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, leaving either terminal at 9:45pm for the 70 minute round-trip. Walk-on round-trip fare is $8.20 (adults 19+); $4.20 (age 6-18). If you take your car, the first adult+car is $28.60. You should have views of Bremerton and Seattle fireworks, as well as other displays up and down Puget Sound.
Wherever you are in the Puget Sound regions, have a safe and beautiful July 4th celebration. Let freedom ring!
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