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Where to see 4th of July fireworks in the Puget Sound region

POSTED BY
Carole Cancler

Here’s our list of where to see free public fireworks in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Kirkland, plus other cities and communities north, south, east, and west of Seattle.

To help you and your family enjoy the day, be sure to read tips and tricks for photographing fireworks in Seattle.

If you think you might want to put together your own fireworks display, be sure to educate yourself on local fireworks laws. 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.

Things to know about July 4th fireworks in the Puget Sound region

The following list of public fireworks displays are arranged going north to south and west to east throughout the region. These are some of the biggest and longest running events around Puget Sound.

Most fireworks displays 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 general rule, fireworks, pets, and alcohol are not allowed at most–if not all–4th of July fireworks events.

These big, public events start early in the day (around 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

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.

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.

Seattle Seafair Summer Fourth, 10:20pm (?), Seattle Gas Works Park (on the north shore of Lake Union). Alternate transportation is encouraged. Both locations are FREE to the public and also feature reserved seating available for purchase. The fun begins at NOON. So come enjoy a full day of fun with food, entertainment, and a kid zone that culminates in a fantastic fireworks show. Admission is free. Reserved seats for fireworks are $40-$60. Meanwhile, dine at food vendors, peruse exhibit booths, and listen to live entertainment. For those 21+, you can quench your thirst in the beer and beverage gardens. Everyone can participate in All-American Games in Gas Works Park, featuring pie-eating contests, and sack races.

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.

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.

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.

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:

North and East of Seattle Fireworks

South of Seattle Fireworks

West of Seattle Fireworks

 

Wherever you are in the Puget Sound regions, have a safe and beautiful 4th of July. Let freedom ring.

Puget Sound region

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