Fourth of July Fireworks for the Whole Family on Seattle’s Lake Union

Photo: Some rights reserved by flickr user avanaanee.

July is almost upon us, and that means everything is winding down and gearing up for the annual Fourth celebrations. Of course, the Fourth of July is traditionally a time for family barbecues – but if you’re looking for something more organized this year (and a few fireworks) then the Family 4th at Lake Union party may just be the answer to your prayers.

The Family 4th event has become a Seattle institution in recent years, and from the grand fireworks displays to the live music it always proves to be hard to beat. This year will see a live pre-show performance from The Dusty 45s (8:00-9:00pm), followed by the obligatory fireworks set to music. You can also listen to the display’s musical score as it is simulcast exclusively on 97.3 KIRO FM at approximately 10:00pm, while those who aren’t lucky enough to have a vantage point can catch KING 5 TV’s Dennis Bounds and Meeghan Black reporting live from the Family 4th party in HDTV.

If this sounds like your kind of Fourth of July, then make sure to get down to Gasworks Park early, as entry is free but space is limited. There will be two entrance gates at the north and south ends of the parking lot, and personal barbecues, alcohol, fireworks, pets, weapons and tent stakes are prohibited. Otherwise you are free to bring your own food and beverages to the park – there will be a lakeside beer garden from noon-9:30pm for those aged 21 and over, and a variety of food vendors open until 10:00pm.

This year Family 4th at Lake Union will also be running a food drive, and One Reel and Northwest Harvest are asking attendees to make donations of nonperishable food items at either entrance to Gasworks 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.

For more information on the Family 4th fireworks display and the party at Gasworks Park, visit the official Family 4th on Lake Union website. Other celebrations over the holiday weekend are also detailed on our dedicated Seattle Fourth of July page.

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