If you’re in Seattle during the summer, Seafair is one of those events you can’t really escape—and that’s part of the fun. Running for several weeks, it’s less of a single festival and more of a city-wide celebration packed with neighborhood parades, cultural events, live music, and waterfront activities. It all builds toward Seafair Weekend, happening July 31–August 2 on the shores of Lake Washington.
The biggest draw is the Blue Angels air show. Even if you don’t have festival tickets, you’ll probably hear the jets before you see them. Their precision flying is loud, dramatic, and a Seattle summer tradition. Down on the water, the legendary hydroplane races bring boats screaming across Lake Washington at incredible speeds, making for one of the most uniquely Seattle sporting events around.
Most of the Seafair events are free and family-friendly. Check out our guide below to see what’s happening for Seafair in Seattle this summer!
Seafair Triathlon
The Seafair Triathlon returns in 2026 to Seward Park, just minutes from downtown Seattle, offering a scenic and beginner-friendly race along the shores of Lake Washington. Participants can choose from sprint and super sprint distances, with a calm-water swim, a bike course on protected roads, and a run through the park’s tree-lined paths. There’s also a Kids Triathlon, making it a fun event for the whole family. Whether you’re racing for a personal best, trying your first triathlon, or just cheering everyone on from the sidelines, it’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier multisport events.
Torchlight Run and Parade
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, downtown Seattle comes alive with two of Seafair’s signature events. The Kaiser Permanente Seafair Torchlight Run kicks off at 6:00 p.m., inviting runners of all ages and abilities to race along the scenic Seattle Waterfront before the festivities continue with the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade at 7:30 p.m. Featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, cultural performances, drill teams, and other crowd favorites, the parade transforms the waterfront into a lively summer celebration.
Seattle Fleet Week
Seattle Fleet Week returns during Seafair with a lineup of free events honoring the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Highlights include the Parade of Ships through Elliott Bay, free public tours of Navy vessels at Pier 66, opportunities to meet service members, and live performances by the Navy Band Northwest. Visitors can also explore the Coast Guard Museum Northwest and watch search-and-rescue demonstrations, making Fleet Week a fun and family-friendly way to experience Seattle’s maritime heritage.
Seafair Weekend Festival
Seafair Weekend Festival is the centerpiece of Seattle’s annual Seafair celebration, taking place along the shores of Lake Washington. The festival’s main attractions include the Boeing Seafair Air Show, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other military and civilian flight demonstrations; the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races, where high-speed racing boats compete on Lake Washington; and a classic car show along Lake Washington Boulevard. In addition to these signature events, the festival includes live music, food vendors, and family activities throughout the weekend. General admission on Friday is free!
Seafair Summer Music Series
The Seafair Summer Music Series features weekly evening cruises aboard the Trek Ferry on Tuesday nights from July through September. Departing at 6 p.m., each cruise includes live performances by local musicians while traveling around Lake Union and Lake Washington. Most cruises coincide with the popular Duck Dodge sailing races, offering passengers views of hundreds of sailboats on the water. Food and beverages are available for purchase during the cruise.
