Every summer, Seattle transforms into a massive stage for spectacular shows, vibrant parades, and thrilling sports competitions. Pilots, naval officers, musicians, and thousands of visitors gather here to be part of an unforgettable celebration. This event brings together locals and tourists, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy.
What Makes the Festival Special
Seafair is a popular water festival that began in August 1950 and continues to this day. The festival takes place throughout King County and includes seaplane competitions, lifeboat and steamboat races, tug of war, water skiing and swimming competitions, musical performances, diving, dancing, parades and parties.
Surrounded by water, Seattle is the perfect place for a summer getaway. Since 1950, the Seafair Festival has provided visitors with the opportunity to enjoy maritime entertainment. Among the 75 events you will see: Torch parade, jet ski racing, seaplane stunts. At the end, you will meet the sunset against the backdrop of the mountains.
The non-profit festival began with the celebration of the city's centenary. There were boat races and competitions. Today, the event's attendance reaches over two million people every summer, growing from ten days to ten weeks.
Seafair is a less frenzied and publicized mix of roadside musicians, food stalls, multicultural parades and pie-eating contests. The festival reflects the soul of Seattle and each of its inhabitants.
The celebration begins in early June and lasts until July.
In addition, there are: Mardi Gras, an elaborate dragon parade, Scottish highland games, a ritual burning of a boat and a symbolic coronation.
History and Traditions
The festival's roots can be traced back to the 1911 Potlatch celebration. This is how the people of Seattle originally named their first annual summer festival. This was facilitated by the erroneous belief that the Northwest Indians held potlatches in this city. For those not in the know, the potlatch is an Native American ceremony for the exchange of gifts and the destruction of excess wealth.
The festival ran from 1911 to 1914 and then revived from 1934 to 1941. World War II put an end to the holiday. After the war, there was talk of its restoration, but this did not happen for several more years.
From May 1 to May 7, 1949, flower week was declared. There was an exhibition and a themed parade. On a rainy Sunday morning, over 80,000 people took part in the procession. After some time, the restaurant owner Ralph Grossman and his employee Howard McGowan came up with the idea of holding a summer festival with a maritime theme. They shared the idea with other businessmen in Seattle and received support.
The first Seafair took place in August 1950. Hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed activities across King County, from a 25-mile bike ride on the Sammamish Coast to a parade boat ride on Lake Washington.
Spectators witnessed a police pistol shooting contest, an Elliott Bay steamboat race, Coast Guard lifeboat rides, and an operetta called The Desert.
Over time, the festival’s program became increasingly rich and diverse. In 1957, the Blue Angels performed their first air show at the event, and their breathtaking displays have remained one of its main traditions ever since. In 1972, hydroplane races on Lake Washington were introduced—an event that now draws thousands of spectators.
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The ship parade is another highlight of the festival. Naval vessels arrive at the port, allowing visitors to board and meet the crew. In addition, columns of vintage cars roll through the streets, marching bands perform, and local businesses showcase themed floats.
Another long-standing tradition is the selection of the festival’s "king" and "queen." Over the years, this honorary title has been awarded to actors, athletes, politicians, and even representatives of Indigenous communities. While symbolic, the ceremony always draws significant public interest.
Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. For Seattle, it has long been more than just a summer event. It celebrates the city’s deep connection to the sea, showcases the achievements of its people, and offers a chance to witness spectacular performances rarely seen elsewhere.
Highlights
Seafair events epitomize the Seattle spirit and folk fun that make this unique summer festival what it is.
- Landing of the Pirates
The festival kicks off with pirates storming Alki Beach in West Seattle. Volunteer pirates fire cannons, brandish swords, and sometimes bring kids to tears. Therefore, if your child is still too small, it is better not to take him here.
- Boat derby made from cardboard boxes
Derby includes about 100 boats designed for just one person. They are built from milk cartons, wire mesh and plastic. Families register to build "milk carton boats" to compete in the derby. Awards are given for originality, quality of execution, methods of movement and speed. The event is environmentally friendly — after it the boats are dismantled and sent for recycling.
- Torch Parade
A torch parade is held on the Saturday night before Seafair's last day. It starts at 19:30 and lasts two hours. Thousands of spectators gather along 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle to watch the parade with marching bands, floats and the appearance of the water king and queen — the symbols of the festival.
- Seafair Weekend
Seafair Weekend is the culmination of the event. Seaplane races are always held on the first Sunday in August. Spectators stand along the shores of Lake Washington and watch the madness unfold.
Highlights at Seafair Weekend include jet ski racing, the Blue Angels show, the Boeing Airshow with military and vintage aircraft, and wakeboarding competitions. Live music is playing, food stalls are everywhere.
Useful Tips for Tourists
The festival lasts several weeks, but the main events take place on the final weekend. If the goal is to see the ship parade, the air show, or the hydroplane races, it’s best to arrive a couple of days in advance. This allows time to secure a good viewing spot and explore the city at a relaxed pace.
Here are a few more helpful tips:
- 01.During the festival, traffic in the city center and along the waterfront is restricted, and parking fills up early in the morning. The best option is to use public transportation. Buses and the light rail make it easy to reach key locations. If staying close to the city center, walking or biking is often more convenient.
- 02.The best places to watch the air show and hydroplane races are along Lake Washington — specifically, Henry Moses Park and Genesee Park Beach. Arriving early is essential, as these areas get crowded on event day. If planning to watch from a boat, be sure to check the waterway restrictions in place during the show.
- 03.Many festival events take place outdoors, making sun protection essential. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended. Bringing a folding chair or blanket can make long hours in the crowd more comfortable. Those who prefer to avoid high food prices at the festival should consider packing snacks and a bottle of water.
- 04.Some events are free, but premium viewing spots or access to exclusive areas may require a ticket. Grandstand seats for the air show and hydroplane races sell out quickly, so it’s best to buy them in advance — closer to the date, prices can double or tickets may be unavailable. Booking a hotel early is also a smart move, especially if visiting during the festival’s final weekend.
If you want the best viewing spots without the hassle of crowds, an American Butler guide can show you the perfect locations. The tour not only helps you navigate the festival but also reveals fascinating stories about the event and the city.
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