Photo:
Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Union in Seattle.
After a few tough years of canceled events and limited gatherings, lots of people will be ready to celebrate this coming Independence Day. While some of your favorite events still might look a little different from previous years, celebrating is back in a big way for 2022.
From the region’s most spectacular fireworks shows to smaller community parades and other family-friendly activities, there is no shortage of events to choose from this Fourth. There are even options for those who want their fireworks fix a day early. While fireworks are a nuisance for some families with very young kids — and many dogs — if you’re ready to celebrate, here’s where to go.
July 3rd fests and fireworks
- For over 50 years, Lacey has presented their Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular a day early. Music and fun kick off at 4 p.m. in Rainier Vista Community Park with fireworks at 10 p.m.
- Keeping with city tradition, Mountlake Terrace shoots off fireworks on July 3. The show starts at 10 p.m., preceded by music and food at 6 p.m. in Ballinger Park.
- After a two-year hiatus, Maple Valley brings back its Family 4th Event at Lake Wilderness Park, but this year it takes place on July 3 starting at 4 p.m. with fireworks at 10 p.m.
Seattle-area fests and fireworks
- Seafair Summer Fourth’s fireworks at Gasworks Park are the region’s biggest display. Gates open at 3 p.m. with field games and a glow-in-the-dark dance party leading up to the main event at 10:15 p.m.
- Get those strollers, wagons and bikes ready! West Seattle’s Kids’ Parade is back, starting at 10 a.m. Kids can play and do arts and crafts afterwards at Hamilton View Park.
- For the 99th year, the Burien Independence Day Parade keeps marching on. Gather along downtown streets at 3 p.m. for floats, marching bands and Seafair pirates.
- Angle Lake Park is the venue for Sea-Tac’s 4th of July Fireworks Show lighting up at 10 p.m. The park will open at 7 a.m. so grab your spot early!
- Celebrate summer at Kent’s 4th of July Splash with outdoor activities, music and food. The fun starts at noon at Meridian Park.
- The Des Moines Marina makes an ideal backdrop for the city’s annual fireworks show starting at 10:30 p.m.
- Bainbridge Island’s Grand Old 4th of July is back this year, with events happening all day, including perennial favorites such as the pancake breakfast, car show, Kids’ Zone, street fair and more.
Eastside-area fests and fireworks
- Bellevue brings back its huge celebration with games and fun in Bellevue Downtown Park starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks booming just after 10 p.m.
- The music kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park for Renton’s Family 4th of July with fireworks launching at 10 p.m.
- Carnation has a whole day of fun scheduled, starting with the Run for the Pies 5K at 8:30 a.m., a kiddy parade at 11 a.m., and ending with 10 p.m. fireworks at Remlinger Farms.
- Kirkland hosts its Kids’ Parade, followed by the main parade, through the streets of downtown starting at 11:30 a.m. Kids can meet at Marina Park Pavilion an hour early to decorate and prepare.
- A Kids ‘n Pets Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. in Issaquah and fun family activities continue until 2 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Field.
- Fun activities for the whole family start at 6 p.m. at Sammamish Commons for Fourth on the Plateau with fireworks launching at 10 p.m.
- Family fun begins at 7 p.m. in Snoqualmie Community Park, capping off at 9:45 p.m. with a booming fireworks show.
North end fests and fireworks
- In Edmonds, early birds with youngsters can race in the Baby Brackett 1K at 7:50 a.m. and then enjoy the kids’ parade at 11:30 a.m. and the main parade at noon.
- Marysville welcomes visitors to Ebey Waterfront Park beginning at 7 p.m. for fun and festivities with fireworks to light up the sky at 10 p.m.
- Everett’s July 4th Celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. with plenty of fun happenings at Legion Memorial Park — the perfect place to catch the fireworks show at around 10 p.m.
- Bothell once again hosts its annual free pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the over 100-year-old Grand Parade in the streets of downtown.
South South-area fests and fireworks
- Tons of kiddie entertainment await you at Auburn’s Les Gove Park from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. including inflatables, train rides, bungee trampolines and more.
- Fireworks are back on Tacoma’s Ruston Way Waterfront at 10 p.m. Turn up for food and entertainment starting at noon.
- Entertainment starts at noon at Puyallup’s Pioneer Park with plenty of kids’ activities and a classic car show.
- Federal Way has the Red, White & Blues Festival playing at Celebration Park from 4 p.m. with fireworks launching at 10:15 p.m.
- In Tumwater, you can watch the community parade at 11 a.m., head over to Tumwater Valley Golf Course for the Artesian Family Festival at 6 p.m., and stay for the fireworks show at 10:15 p.m.
- In downtown Steilacoom, the fun kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Fun Run and street fair. Watch the parade at 1 p.m., then dance in the street until fireworks light up around 10:30 p.m.
- All are invited to watch or join Enumclaw’s patriotic parade which winds through town beginning at noon.
