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Here’s your roundup of all of the free and paid 4th of July options for the fam as well as some fun dining options! Expect heavy traffic by Gas Works and SLU 🚘

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Friday Ballinger Park kicks off the holiday weekend a day early, with the celebration starting around 6pm and a big fireworks display over Lake Ballinger as the finale (~10pm). Pie-eating contests, field games, a DJ, and food trucks fill the hours before dark. A relaxed, genuinely local way to do fireworks without the Seattle crowds — and beating the Fourth-of-July traffic by a day. https://www.cityofmlt.com/2012/3rd-of-July-Family-Celebration

Friday The Washington State Fairgrounds host a full evening festival from 2:30–10:30pm with live music, a car show, a kid zone with balloon artists and face painting, corn hole, a 5K, food trucks, a beer garden, and a fireworks display to close it out. It's a ticketed event, so it's a bigger commitment than the free shows — but it's all in one place and built for families. https://www.puyallupsumnerchamber.com/red-white-kaboom2026

Saturday, July 4, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. around the Edmonds Fountain. The day runs from a Beat Brackett 5K to a children's parade at 11:30 a.m. (free to join, register near Ace Hardware between 9:30–11:15) and the big main parade at noon, with food trucks, vendors, and a patriotic costume contest. Edmonds no longer does its own fireworks, but you're close to Everett's show over Port Gardner Bay. https://edmondschamber.com/parades

Saturday, July 4, 7:30–10:30 p.m. at Log Boom Park, with music, food trucks, games, and crafts leading up to a 20-minute fireworks show at 10 p.m. Free shuttle runs from the Kenmore Park & Ride starting at 6 p.m. Heads up — Bothell Way closes at 3 p.m., so shuttle or arrive early. https://www.kenmorewa.gov/our-city/special-events/4th-of-july

Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m. starting at Sunset Ave & 44th Ave NW. Decorate a bike, stroller, scooter, or wagon and march to the park, where games, food trucks, craft booths, and potato sack races await. A classic, low-key morning for little ones. connecttoadmiral.org/west-seattle-4th-of-july-kids-parade.html

Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Town Square Park. Two full hours of floats, marching groups, and red-white-and-blue community spirit right through downtown Burien. Easy to bring a stroller and post up on the curb. https://www.discoverburien.org/calendar/2026/4th-of-july-parade

Parade at 11 a.m. downtown, then the Colors of Freedom Festival runs 3–10:45 p.m. at Legion Memorial Park with live music, food trucks, and family activities — capped by the Boeing Thunder on the Bay fireworks over Port Gardner Bay. Free parking and shuttle from Everett Community College.
https://visiteverett.com/1440/Fourth-of-July

Saturday, July 4 at Des Moines Marina & Beach Park, with music starting at 5 p.m. and a drone show at 10 p.m. Food trucks, a makers market, and entertainers make it a relaxed waterfront alternative to crowded fireworks. Great for sensitive ears who prefer drones to booms. https://www.desmoineswa.gov/workspaces/one.aspx?objectId=20714265&contextId=17555022

Saturday, July 4, noon–10:30 p.m. at Ruston Way & Dune Peninsula. Over 150 vendors, two music stages, and a 20-minute fireworks finale, plus a Kids Zone at Cummings Park with a bounce house and inflatables. A whole day's worth of waterfront fun. https://www.parkstacoma.gov/event/summerblast/

Saturday, July 4, 3–11 p.m. Seattle's biggest show — All-American games like sack races, a pie-eating contest, and tug of war, with food, music, and fireworks around 10:15 p.m. Lake Union Park is free and open to the public, no ticket needed.
https://www.seafair.org/4th-of-july/lake-union-park/

🚨 Bonus: we post all of the free daily events this month, check them out!

Same day-to-night celebration as Lake Union, but this year Gas Works requires a free, first-come ticket booked ahead at seafair.org. Gates open at 3 p.m. and free-ticket holders must enter by 8 p.m.; reserved seating starts at $66. The premier spot to be right under the fireworks.
https://www.seafair.org/4th-of-july/gas-works-park/

Watch the Lake Union show from the water on a narrated cruise — a splurge-worthy option if you want guaranteed views without fighting for park space. Family cruises sell out fast, so book early. Check current pricing and family-friendly sailings online.
https://www.argosycruises.com/cruises/4th-of-july-cruises/

Celebrate the 4th of July high above Seattle! Take in the best views of the PNW and enjoy cocktails atop Seattle's highest observation deck. Food packages are available for pre-purchase in your online cart checkout and a la carte items will be available! https://skyviewobservatory.com/tickets/

A casual Hawaiian-Korean spot right on the water at Alki with picnic tables facing the downtown skyline — one of the best places to grab tacos and shave ice and stay for the fireworks. Kid-friendly, outdoor, and festive. Arrive early on the 4th for a table. https://marinationmobile.com/

Smoky brisket, ribs, and all the cookout classics with outdoor seating — a perfect patriotic-weekend meal if you'd rather someone else man the grill. Relaxed and family-welcoming. Great for a post-parade lunch. https://www.thewoodshopbbq.com/

Pulled pork, jalapeño-cheddar sausage, and a dining-room play stand to keep little ones busy. The kind of all-American BBQ that fits the holiday perfectly without a long wait or fuss. https://www.outsiderbbq.com/

A waterfront classic looking straight across Elliott Bay at the downtown skyline, making it one of the most dramatic spots to dine and watch the night light up. Pacific Northwest seafood and a famous brunch make it a special-occasion pick for the holiday.
https://saltys.com/seattle/

A cedar Northwest longhouse right on Lake Union with skyline views and a relaxed fish-and-chips menu kids love. The waterfront setting puts you close to the Seafair fireworks action, and the casual fish bar makes it easy with little ones. Patio seating and boat-watching keep everyone happy.
https://www.ivars.com/salmon-house

A cheerful Baja-style taqueria perched over Portage Bay with affordable tacos and a sunny patio. Great for a budget-friendly holiday lunch, and you can rent a kayak from the paddle club downstairs to make a day of it.
https://www.seattleschild.com/seattle-area-restaurants-with-great-patios/

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