The Family 4th at Lake Union has been Seattle’s favorite 4th of July tradition for nearly 25 years. And now that Starbucks is supporting activities all around the lake, the party just got bigger. Bring your family and friends, and get to know your neighbors… you’ll be glad you did. The Family 4th fireworks display is nationally acknowledged as one of the best in the country. The innovative and technologically advanced fireworks are set against the natural amphitheater of Lake Union and are synchronized to an inspiring score of traditional anthems and popular favorites. Time magazine has called the Family 4th at Lake Union one of the Top Five fireworks displays in the country.
Parking at the Family 4th is very limited. The Seattle Police Department will implement a street closure plan similar to the last few years, providing for only residential access to the neighborhood surrounding Gas Works Park.
Biking & Walking – All attendees are encouraged to utilize alternate means of transportation whenever possible. You can take the Burke Gilman Trail as easy way to minimize post event traffic congestion. Cyclists may enter through an express access bike entrance on the NW side of the park to take advantage of the free bike parking area inside!
Transit Options – Busses will be running on a reduced holiday schedule, limiting the number of busses operating, scheduled stops, and amount riders they can accommodate after the fireworks. All attendees that are planning to arrive by bus, should have an alternate method of return transpiration.
The Soundtrack – The fireworks are perfectly synchronized to a unique musical score featuring a mix of popular, patriotic and celebration themed songs. If you’re enjoying the fireworks from vantage points around Lake Union, listen to the display’s musical score as it is simulcast exclusively at 10:00 PM on 97.3 KIRO FM.
TV Broadcast – For those of you viewing the show from home KING 5 will be covering the entire fireworks program in glorious HD, beginning at 10pm. Be sure to stay tuned following the fireworks for a special performance by Pickwick, live from the Starbucks Stage!
Getting In – Gas Works Park opens at noon on July 4 and admission is free. There are two entrance gates to the Family 4th, one at the north end of the parking lot and the other to the south. There will be a security check prior to entering the park and all those entering are subject to search. Prohibited items: Personal BBQ’s, Alcohol, Fireworks, Pets, Weapons, Tent Stakes.
Food Drive – This year, One Reel and Northwest Harvest are asking attendees to make a donation of nonperishable food items at the entrance to Gas Works Park. Northwest Harvest is a statewide hunger relief association that provides nutritious food to hungry people throughout the state in a manner that preserves their dignity, while fighting to eliminate hunger. A list of acceptable items may be found at northwestharvest.org.
Those who watch the fireworks from vantage points around the lake other than Gas Works Park may still contribute by donating online.
Playfield – The Playfield is a kid’s favorite hangout, filled with daytime activities including kite making, face painting, sack races, and hula-hoop contests. The Playfield will also feature a huge Dual-Lane Slide; Wacky World, a giant inflatable play center for kids; and Zippin Zone, a 30ft tall, 200ft long zip line!
Food & Beverage -You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages in a cooler (subject to search) However remember that BBQ’s & Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. There will be many food vendors there from 12pm -10:00pm as well.
Beer Garden – Beer and wine will be available in the lakeside beer garden from noon to 9:30pm. You must be 21+ and you MUST present valid and acceptable ID to enter the beer garden. NO BEVERAGES MAY BE TAKEN OUT OF THE BEER GARDEN (all liquids, whether brought in or purchased in the beer garden, must be consumed or discarded prior to exiting the garden). Bag checks will be enforced.
This link leads to a printable PDF with all the information plus more info on the July 5th festivities! Lake Union Family 4th Printable
