Expect pretty nice weather in the Seattle area for Fourth of July

The weather gods will bless the Seattle area with "pretty nice weather" to mark the nation's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4.

As they head out to watch marching bands, parade floats and spectacular fireworks, Seattleites can take comfort that the weather will likely cooperate: no rain, some early morning clouds, a little afternoon breeze and a sunny afternoon with a high in the mid-70s.

Maybe take a light jacket to the evening festivities, though, when temperatures are expected to fall to the 60s.

It's a "fairly benign day," probably the best-case scenario, said Anna Lindeman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Seattle.

Those looking to join in the nation's big birthday bash have their pick of celebratory events, from daytime parades and contests to live music and fireworks.

Thousands are expected to flock to Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park for Seafair's annual 4th of July festivities and fireworks.

There's music, sack races and pie-eating contests starting at 3 p.m.

The fireworks show starts around 10:20 p.m., and Fox 13 Seattle will broadcast it live.

Those going to Gas Works Park will need tickets for this year's event. Although they are free, organizers recommend a $10 donation. Tickets are available online at seafair.org/tickets/4th-of-july.

No tickets are necessary for the Lake Union Park events. Attendees can park on the street or use free Amazon parking lots.

Everett also has a host of activities planned, including a Fourth of July parade featuring floats and marching bands. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at Colby Avenue and 25th Street.

Visitors can park for free at Everett Station and take a shuttle service to the parade.

Hang around and attend the Colors of Freedom Festival at Legion Memorial Park, from 3-10:45 p.m.

The event is free, and parking is available at Everett Community College, where a free shuttle bus service will be available.

At around 10:15 p.m., the skies will light up over the Snohomish River and Port Gardner Bay for an 18-minute fireworks display. You can also follow the synchronized fireworks soundtrack on KXA 96.9 FM or 1520 AM.

If you're in Tacoma, stop by the city's 4th of July Summer Blast on the Ruston Way Waterfront around noon. You'll find more than 150 vendors, live music and children's games and activities. There's also a 20-minute fireworks show, around 10 p.m., offshore of Cummings Park. The display will be visible from Dune Peninsula Park to Jack Hyde Park.

An ADA-accessible viewing area is available on the horseshoe pier at Cummings Park.

This article contains materials from The Seattle Times archives.

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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 11:45 PM.