Essential Guide to Seafair Weekend Festival

Seafair Weekend Festival: A Celebration of Aviation, Boating, and Community

Seafair Weekend Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the Pacific Northwest, drawing thousands of visitors each year to Genesee Park and along Lake Washington Boulevard. This iconic event combines a boating event, air show, and festival into a vibrant family-friendly weekend that showcases the region’s culture, history, and community spirit.

The festival runs from Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 3, offering a packed schedule of activities for attendees of all ages. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone at this annual celebration.

The Air Show: A Skybound Spectacle

One of the highlights of Seafair is the Boeing Seafair Air Show, which brings the world of aviation to the region. From the precision of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to the thrilling acrobatics of stunt planes, the air show promises an unforgettable experience. This year marks the 79th year of the Blue Angels’ service, with roughly 158 service members upholding a legacy of excellence.

The Blue Angels will practice on July 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., giving fans a chance to see their skills in action before the main event. The air show takes place over the stunning backdrop of Lake Washington, making it both visually captivating and exciting.

Here’s a breakdown of the air show schedule:

Friday: - 12:20 p.m. – U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo - 12:40 p.m. – PBY-5A Catalina w/ Water Takeoff - 1:00 p.m. – Torrey Ward’s Microjet Demo - 1:15 p.m. – U.S. Marine Corps F35B - 1:30 p.m. – U.S. Air Force F-16 with Heritage Flight P-51 Mustang - 2:10 p.m. – U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Helicopter Demo - 2:20 p.m. – U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III - 2:30 p.m. – KC-135 Stratotanker Refuel Demo w/C-17 - 3:30 p.m. – Melissa Burns Aerial Acrobatics + Hydro - 3:45 p.m. – U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Saturday: - 12:40 p.m. – PBY-5A Catalina w/ Water Takeoff - 1:00 p.m. – Torrey Ward’s Microjet Demo - 1:15 p.m. – U.S. Marine Corps F35B - 1:40 p.m. – U.S. Air Force F-16 with Heritage Flight P-51 Mustang - 2:10 p.m. – U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Helicopter Demo - 2:20 p.m. – U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III - 2:30 p.m. – KC-135 Stratotanker Refuel Demo w/C-17 - 3:20 p.m. – U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo - 3:30 p.m. – Melissa Burns Aerial Acrobatics + Hydro - 3:45 p.m. – U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Sunday: - 10:35 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies w/King County Helicopter Flag Presentation - 10:45 a.m. – U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo - 12:10 p.m. – PBY-5A Catalina w/ Water Takeoff - 12:30 p.m. – Torrey Ward’s Microjet Demo - 1:05 p.m. – U.S. Marine Corps F35B - 1:30 p.m. – U.S. Air Force F-16 with Heritage Flight P-51 Mustang - 2:00 p.m. – U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Helicopter Demo - 2:20 p.m. – U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III - 2:30 p.m. – KC-135 Stratotanker Refuel Demo w/C-17 - 3:20 p.m. – Melissa Burns Aerial Acrobatics + Hydro - 3:35 p.m. – Boeing 777-9 Fly-By - 3:45 p.m. – U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Hydroplane Races: Speed on the Water

For many, the hydroplane races are the highlight of the festival. The Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Race features boats that can reach speeds over 220 mph, creating spectacular rooster tails across the surface of Lake Washington. These races have been a beloved tradition in the Pacific Northwest since the 1950s, when local boat builders began experimenting with faster designs.

Here’s the schedule for the hydroplane races:

Friday: - 8:30 a.m. – Testing and qualifying - 12:05 p.m. – Jimmie Johnson special appearance w/ Blue Blaster - 2:45 p.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 1A - 3:00 p.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 1B - 3:15 p.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 1C

Saturday: - 8:45 a.m. – Testing and qualifying - 10:15 a.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 2A - 10:30 a.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 2B - 10:45 a.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 2C - 11:10 a.m. – Junior hydros 1 - 11:25 a.m. – H1 hydros heat 1A - 11:40 a.m. – H1 hydros heat 1B - 11:55 a.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 3A - 12:10 p.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 3B - 12:25 p.m. – Grand Prix hydros heat 3C - 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – Drivers autograph session (H1, Grand Prix, J Boats) - 2:45 p.m. – H1 hydros heat 2A - 3:00 p.m. – H1 hydros heat 2B

Sunday: - 8:45 a.m. – Testing and qualifying - 10:35 a.m. – Opening ceremonies - 11:10 a.m. – Junior Hydros 2 - 11:35 a.m. – H1 hydros heat 3A - 11:50 a.m. – H1 hydros heat 3B - 12:45 p.m. – Junior hydros final - 2:40 p.m. – Grand Prix hydros final - 3:00 p.m. – H1 hydros final - 5:00 p.m. – Award ceremony and contingency heats

Food, Entertainment, and More

Seafair offers a wide array of food options, from local favorites to international cuisine. Attendees can enjoy everything from classic Pacific Northwest dishes to global flavors. While the official vendor list has not yet been released, guests can expect returning favorites and new additions.

There are also three beer gardens located at Thunder Alley, Genesee Park and Playfield, and the South Turn. For those looking for entertainment, there are performances throughout the weekend, including music acts and interactive shows.

Additionally, the popular classic car show returns, featuring antique and vintage vehicles from the 1920s and 1930s. Registration is open for vehicle entries, with only 100 spots available each day.

Tickets and Transportation

Ticket prices vary depending on access level, with discounts available for seniors and children. Free general admission is offered on Friday, but upgraded areas require tickets. Parking passes can be purchased online for $55 per day, and public transportation options are encouraged.

For those arriving by bike, there is a designated bike corral near the main entrance. Ride-share users are advised to consider using the free shuttle service from the Columbia City Link station to avoid traffic and parking costs.

Allowed and Prohibited Items

Attendees are allowed to bring strollers, small wagons, personal items, and sealed non-alcoholic beverages. However, certain items such as weapons, drones, fireworks, and glass containers are prohibited. All bags are subject to inspection upon entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the entrance? There are three entrances at Genesee Park.
• Are there discounts? Yes, military discounts are available.
• Can I volunteer? Yes, sign up on the Seafair volunteer page.
• What items can I bring? See the full list of permitted and prohibited items.
• Is there a bag check? Yes, all bags are inspected.
• Can I fly a drone? No, drone use is prohibited.
• How do I buy tickets? Purchase them on the official ticket website.

Seafair Weekend Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and excitement. With its mix of aviation, boating, food, and entertainment, it’s a must-attend for anyone in the Pacific Northwest.