The Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, which is awkward. If the holiday caught you by surprise and you haven't made plans, don't sweat itâyou'll have no trouble finding places to eat BBQ, soak up some sun, and watch fireworks displays. Below, we've rounded up all the $15-and-under options that don't require advance planning, from local events like Seafair Summer Fourth and a potluck-style BBQ at Push/Pull to out-of-town happenings like the Tacoma Freedom Fair and Port Townsend's Old School 4th of July. See them all below, and check out our complete Fourth of July calendar and our roundup of Fourth of July food & drink specials for even more options.
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Not all the events below include fireworks displays, but the ones that do are marked with an asterisk (*).
- 44th Ave SW and Sunset Ave SW
Kids can adorn their scooters and tricycles with Fourth of July streamers for this half-mile parade.
(West Seattle, free) - Art Marble 21
Spend the Fourth dancing to DJs Nite Wave and Indica Jones, playing lawn games, and filling up on BBQ, burgers, and truffle fries from Cask & Trotter.
(South Lake Union, free) - Beacon Hill Independence Day Walk
Take an early-morning tour of Beacon Hill to catch nice views of downtown Seattle, the Olympics, Mt. Rainier, and a long section of the Martin Luther King Jr Trail.
(Beacon Hill, free) - Drunky Two Shoes BBQ
Take the whole family to Fremont for kids' crafts, music and dancing, boozy slushies for adults, and free homemade cobbler and ice cream for groups who order the family feast.
(Fremont, free) - *Eastlake Zoo Tavern
Fill your belly with Jell-O shots and beer and dance to local pop group Bleeding Tree before you mosey over to Gas Works Park to catch the fireworks.
(Eastlake, free) - Fifth Avenue North
The streets between Bigelow and Lynn and Fifth and Boston will close to make room for sidewalk art, fire trucks, and a parade at this annual Queen Anne block party.
(Queen Anne, free) - Fremont Dock
Fill your belly with Jell-O shots and beer and dance to local pop group Bleeding Tree before you mosey over to Gas Works Park to catch the fireworks.Â
(Fremont, free) - The Funhouse's Tailgate Punk Fest
Goddamn, if this remarkably good lineup of local bands donât look like a sweaty, fun way to get facedown ass-up for our nationâs birfday!! Openers Merchant Mariner will mos def be playing their cool, melodic rock, Death Coach will shred proggy metal, while Muppet Fetish will blast late â80s sounding metallic punk, Buff Muff will bring some cheeky madness, Warmup will stomp us with their thrashing noise, and itâll all be wrapped up by headliners Having Issues, who'll slang ânâ clang some heavy, chaotic punk!! I hope all yâall are off tomorrow for sleepin' off them hangovers! MIKE NIPPER
(Eastlake, $6/$8) - *Gas Works Park
See fireworks choreographed to Seafair's custom musical score at this Fourth of July favorite. While you wait for the sparks to go off, you can sip brews in a beer garden (you can also reserve spots to watch the fireworks from said beer garden), graze from food trucks, enter a pie-eating contest, and enjoy live entertainment.
(Wallingford, free admission) - Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Enjoy live music from the Seattle Civic Band on the 101st birthday of the Ballard Locks (and the 243rd birthday of the nation).
(Ballard, free) - *Lake Union
The best thing about this gigantic fireworks display is that you can see it from just about anywhere facing Lake UnionâGas Works Park, Lake Union Park, a rooftop bar, your friend's roof, your enemy's roof, you name it. What's more, the light show is choreographed to Seafair's custom musical score for added zhuzh.
(South Lake Union, free) - The Nest
Take in a nice view of the city over Fourth of July cocktails and bites from the grill. While you won't catch a direct view of the fireworks, you will get an eyeful of downtown, the Puget Sound, and the mountains.
(Downtown, free) - The Octopus Bar
Get pumped up for your late-night Fourth of July plans with guest DJÂ Justin Hartinger. You can also sip special cocktails for the occasion.
(Wallingford, free) - OmCulture
Bring your favorite Fourth of July dish to this potluck soundtracked by local bluegrass band Dysfunction Junction, then head to a dance party with DJ Noe Khalfa.Â
(Wallingford, free-$12) - PatagĆn
Snag pork sliders for $4 a pop and take advantage of discounted drink specials at this festive pig roast.
(Downtown, free admission) - Push/Pull
Bring raw meat, vegetables, and other grill-ready items to this potluck-style BBQ to celebrate the release of Seth Goodkind's new book Don't Look Away, which is filled with illustrations paired with stories of victims of police violence (a portion of the proceeds will benefit Southern Poverty Law Center). You can also register to vote and write postcards to your representatives.
(Ballard, free) - Seattle Center's Naturalization Ceremony
Celebrate Independence Day by welcoming in new U.S. citizens at "the largest daytime Independence Day observance in the Northwest."
(Seattle Center, free) - Super Six
Pregame for your later Fourth of July activities with an all-day happy hour.
(Columbia City, free)WEST OF SEATTLE
- Hama Hama Company and Store
Slurp delicious bivalves (or opt for bratwurst), sip beer and wine, dance to live soul music from Bread & Gravy, and play a game of cornhole on the waterfront.
(Lilliwaup, free) - Madison Avenue and Winslow Way
Looking for a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration? Downtown Bainbridge Island will host all-day activities beginning with a pancake breakfast and ending with a fireworks show. In between, shop at a street fair and a young artisan marketplace, check out a classic car show, visit a beer and wine garden, ride ponies, and watch the Mile-Long Hometown Parade.
(Bainbridge Island, free)EAST OF SEATTLE
- Bothell City Hall
Bothellites observe the Fourth of July in a standard fashion with a pancake breakfast at the fire station, a kids' parade, and a grand parade.Â
(Bothell, free) - *Bellevue Downtown Park
Claiming the title of the "largest Independence Day celebration" on the Eastside, this annual event includes live music, childrens' activities, family-friendly entertainment, an outdoor food court, and a fireworks display to round out the night.
(Bellevue, free) - *Downtown Kirkland
Kirkland's Fourth of July celebration will include two parades, a community picnic, live music, and a fireworks display.
(Kirkland, free) - *Lake Boren Park
Although fireworks are legally banned in Newcastle, the one place you can see the Fourth of July staples is at Lake Boren Park. Plus, the Alpha Pyrotechnics crew will answer any questions you may have about fireworks before the show.
(Newcastle, free) - Downtown Leavenworth
Fireworks are prohibited in Chelan County, but that doesn't stop Leavenworth from celebrating Independence Day with a touch of Bavarian old-town charm at the family-focused Kinderfest, which promises nature walks, disc golf, bouncy houses, cupcake walks, and the like.
(Leavenworth, free) - *Tolt-McDonald Park
Yakima's Jayleigh Ann and the Lost Boys will play covers and originals in the park, where you can also walk in a parade, shop from vendors, check out a car show, get a slice of strawberry shortcake, and watch fireworks.Â
(Carnation, free) - Mercerdale Park
Get to know your Mercer Island neighbors, play games, and watch a magic show at this Fourth of July picnic.
(Mercer Island, free) - *Sammamish City Hall
This year, Sammamish promises an even bigger Independence Day celebration than usual, with more food trucks, more activities for the kiddos, an area for outdoor yard games, and more giveaways (because who doesn't love free stuff?), in addition to live entertainment and a fireworks show.
(Sammamish, free) - Snoqualmie Casino
Join AC/DC tribute band Hell's Bellesâendorsed by lead guitarist Angus Young himselfâfor a night of your favorite face-melters on Independence Day.
(Snoqualmie, $15) - *Snoqualmie Ridge Community Park
This Independence Day celebration promises food, music, and fireworks.Â
(Snoqualmie, free) - *Vasa Park Resort
Watch Fourth of July fireworks on the lake, and donate to raise money for Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank's Summer Lunch Program.
(Bellevue, free) - Veterans Memorial Park
Make your way to Issaquah for family-friendly Fourth of July festivities.
(Issaquah, free)SOUTH OF SEATTLE
- *Angle Lake Park
This community Fourth of July celebration will have bounce houses, live entertainment all day long, and a classic fireworks show to end the night.
(SeaTac, free/$5) - *Celebration Park
Federal Way's community Fourth of July celebration will have something for everybody, including live musical entertainment, sports, face painting, inflatables, arts and crafts, and more. And of course, it wouldn't be a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks to end the night in a loud, sparkly way.
(Federal Way, free) - *Des Moines Marina
See the sky light up with fireworks on the marina.
(Des Moines, free) - Downtown Burien
Celebrate Fourth of July with marching bands, floats, the Seafair pirates, and more at one of the oldest Independence Day parades, now in its 98th year.
(Burien, free) - Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce
Watch the floats go by in downtown Enumclaw at this annual Fourth of July parade.
(Enumclaw, free) - *Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
While the water at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach is currently closed for testing, kids and families can still enjoy an array of activities like a grass and sand volleyball tournament, live music, and a fireworks display.
(Renton, free) - *The Home Course
Starting with a Historical Society Pancake Breakfast and ending with fireworks, this DuPont Fourth of July celebration also features a parade in Clockwater Park and a community dinner.
(DuPont, free) - *Lake Meridian Park
Despite its name ("Fourth of July Splash"), this event doesn't feature any water-themed activities (unless you want to jump into the lake), but it will have bounce houses, games, a pie eating contest, live performances, fireworks, and more.
(Kent, free) - *Lake Wilderness Park
Complete in family "picnic-style" games, enter a pie-baking contest, and listen to live music from the Maple Valley Youth Symphony. Finally, find a spot on the grass and watch the fireworks show.
(Maple Valley, free) - Les Gove Park
Celebrate the birthday of U.S. independence with a full day of activities in Auburn, including a craft area with over 50 artists, a car show, inflatable kids' rides and pony rides, mini golf, a book sale, and much more.
(Auburn, $5) - *Nisqually Red Wind Casino
This "homage to Americana" will boast live bands and a fireworks show, plus more than enough beer and BBQ to go around.
(Olympia, free) - Point Ruston
Sip cold brews in a beer garden and enjoy a full day of live music from acts like Michael Crain Band, Slim Wizzy, and Sub Generation.
(Tacoma, free) - *Ruston Way
This annual family-friendly celebration has all the makings of a classic Fourth of July: a car show, an air show, kids' activities, live music, and a fireworks display.
(Tacoma, free) - *Tumwater Valley Golf Club
This annual Tumwater Fourth of July celebration promises music, food, games, and a fireworks display.
(Tumwater, $10)NORTH OF SEATTLE
- *American Legion Memorial Park
Bear witness to giant puppets, marching teams, clowns, and more at this Everett parade. Afterward, head to the Freedom Festival for kids' activities, a beer garden, music, and fireworks.
(Everett, free) - *Arlington
From a pancake breakfast to a triathlon to an old-fashioned carnival, denizens and visitors of Arlington will have no trouble finding family-friendly ways to celebrate the Fourth of July.
(Arlington, free) - *Boxcar Park
Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks (no outside alcoholic beverages or pets) to this classic rock concert on the waterfront with AC/DC tribute Problem Child, Led Zeppelin tribute No Quarter, and ZZ Top tribute El Loco. There will be food trucks, a beer garden, and a fireworks display.
(Everett, free) - Cairn Brewing
Cairn Brewing will release three new brews on the Fourth: Their Black Dog, their Schwarzbier, and a watermelon-infused Becker's Kolsch. Pair them with a burger, fish and chips, or a fried chicken sandwich from Macho Burgers before walking to Log Boom Park for fireworks.Â
(Kenmore, free) - Concrete Chamber of Commerce
The small town of Concrete (population roughly 729) will celebrate the Fourth with a poker walk (wherein participants have a little over an hour to complete a course dotted with poker stations), a parade, and a BBQ picnic.Â
(Concrete, free) - *Edmonds
This all-day Fourth of July celebration in its 112th year will include the Beat Brackett 5K, two parades, food vendors, a beard and mustache contest in honor of George Brackett, the founder of Edmonds, and, of course, a fireworks show to end the night with a literal bang.
(Edmonds, free) - Finnriver Farm & Cidery
Graze from food trucks like Dented Buoy and CrĂȘpe de Quimper while you jam to sets from acoustic blues musicians Gary Lilley and Jenny Jahlee.
(Chimacum, free) - Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center
Families, friends, and even farm animals are invited to convene in Stanwood for this annual parade and ice cream social.Â
(Stanwood, free) - Fort Worden State Park
Port Townsend will be jam-packed with activities in the historic park, including a watermelon-eating contest and a walnut sack race, a laser light show (an alternative to fireworks), and live music from groups like the Unexpected Brass Band.
(Port Townsend, $5 suggested donation) - Gravity Bar
Eat BBQ, dance to live music, and drink beer at this all-ages affair.
(Edmonds, free) - Lighthouse Bar & Grill
Spend your Fourth of July enjoying BBQ, beers, and live blues music from Chris Eger Band on the Bellingham waterfront.
(Bellingham, free) - *Log Boom Park
Lay out your blanket and enjoy Kenmore's annual Fourth of July fireworks show after participating in some family activities.
(Kenmore, free) - *Love La Conner
Celebrate the birth of the nation with a community parade, picnic, and fireworks show, plus live music from the Side Project and the Fantasy Band.
(La Conner, free) - Northshore Senior Center
Tuck into tasty treats from local trucks at this post-parade celebration, where you'll also find live music, bouncy houses, face-painting, and pie-eating contests.
(Bothell, free) - *Oak Harbor Marina
Whidbey Islandâs weekend-long celebration comes complete with a street fair, a parade and carnival, live music, and family-friendly games, ending with fireworks on the harbor.
(Oak Harbor, free) - *Port Angeles Waterfront
The Port Angeles waterfront will play host to live music from Freddy Pink and the Ericka Corban Band, baseball games with the Port Angeles Lefties, dinner on the pier, lots of apple pie, and fireworks on the harbor.
(Port Angeles, free) - *Seafarers Memorial Park
If you're spending the Fourth on the Peninsula, head here for a free concert with the Walrus and Johnny Bulldog, a beer garden, food trucks, kids' activities, and fireworks.Â
(Anacortes, free) - Suenos de Salsa
After working up a sweat in a salsa dance workout, get your energy back with a BBQ feast.Â
(Lake City, $15) - *Zuanich Point Park
Boasting itself as Whatcom County's biggest fireworks display, this Fourth of July celebration also has live music, a kids' zone, a beer garden, and food vendors.Â
(Bellingham, free)
