12 things to do this Fourth of July weekend around the Seattle area
Welcome to the Fourth of July weekend! From festive firework shows around the Puget Sound to a road trip with delicious Indian food along the way, here are the latest local things to do around the Seattle area.
Food and drink
* Some of the best (and affordable) Indian food on the Olympic Peninsula is tucked away at roadside gas stations. Our food writer found five great stops on a recent road trip.
* Can't be bothered to fire up the barbecue this Fourth of July weekend? More than a dozen new Seattle restaurants are open now, from sushi and takoyaki in Fremont to rib-eye steak tacos in Hillman City.
* A medieval-themed bar and a tiny Middle Eastern spot in a Chinatown International District alleyway lead a roundup of new Seattle watering holes to check out.
* This simple yet delicious strawberries and molded Devonshire cream recipe makes the most out of strawberry season in the Pacific Northwest.
Outdoors and community events
* We're spoiled for choice when it comes to firework shows and parades that will celebrate America's 250th anniversary, whether at Gas Works Park, Lake Union Park or one of several other events around the Puget Sound area.
* Add a touch of winter whimsy to your summer plans with a trip to Timberline Lodge and ski area on Mount Hood.
* Any West Coast trip will offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean - but this California Central Coast itinerary also touts the best places to eat and things to do.
Visual arts and music
* A new augmented reality walking trail in downtown Seattle has opened just in time for World Cup visitors, and will stick around for locals to enjoy.
* This summer, classical music has found a fresh face in the Seattle music scene, from an all-women symphony orchestra's debut to a free, new Seattle Center festival highlighting choral groups and other performers.
Movies and TV
* Heading to the theater? See what our reviewer thought of Minions & Monsters," along with the latest movies to watch at Seattle's indie moviehouses.
* If you prefer a quiet escape from the fireworks, there's plenty of new media to stream at home, including Apple TV's "Silo" Season 3 and PBS' "America Made in Virginia" special.
Books
* Add another summer read to your library with Ann Patchett's latest novel about rekindling a familial relationship, as well as the newest paperback titles from authors like Alison Espach and Ed Park.
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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 4:50 PM.