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, cities, towns, and 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 you local law or fire agency if in doubt.
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America’s favorite July 4th family pastime, watching fireworks – DepositPhotos.com
Public July 4th fireworks displays around Puget Sound
As a general rule, fireworks, pets, and alcohol are not allowed at most–if not all–4th of July fireworks events. Check the details for each event to find out what you are allowed to bring to each event, but 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.).
Seattle Seafair Summer Fourth, 10:20pm, Seattle Gas Works Park (on the north shore of Lake Union) AND South Lake Union Park. Alternate transportation is encouraged. Both locations are FREE to the public and also feature reserved seating available for purchase. Come enjoy a full day of fun with food, entertainment, and a kid zone that culminates in a fantastic fireworks show. 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, sack races and more.
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, 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.
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 until 10:00pm. The Family Fun Zone is open until 8:30 pm with a variety of rides and entertainment for the kids. 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. More info: Family 4th | Events | Downtown Bellevue, WA (bellevuedowntown.com)
Celebrate Kirkland, 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. Boaters can find viewing information here.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Freedom Fest at Cowan Stadium, south of Tacoma. They pull out all the stops at JBLM, use Exit 119 off I-5, south of Seattle. 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. More info: Homepage for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (army.mil)
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.
Celebrating Fourth of July with friends – DepositPhotos.com
But wait, there’s more? Listed below is a selected list of cities and towns that usually have free public fireworks displays in locations north, south, and west of Seattle.
Other fireworks shows North and East of Seattle
- Arlington
- Carnation
- Edmonds
- Kenmore
- Monroe (at Evergreen Speedway) (ticketed event $12-$22 per person)
- Newcastle
- Sammamish
Other fireworks shows South of Seattle
- Auburn at Emerald Downs ($7 admission to race track, casino opens 10:00AM, movies on the big screen throughout the day, first race 5:00PM, fireworks 10:00PM)
- Des Moines
- Federal Way
- Kent
- Renton
- SeaTac
- Tukwila
- Tumwater
Other fireworks shows on Kitsap Peninsula
- Bainbridge Island
- Bremerton/Port Orchard (over Sinclair Inlet: view from Port Orchard Marina & Bremerton Marina)
Ride the Washington State 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 4th of July. Let freedom ring.
