Seafair Events in July

Photo bySeafair Pirates

For more than 70 years, Seafair has been a staple of summer celebrations. Seafair weekend, with the hydroplane races and the Blue Angels, doesn’t happen until August. But, over the years, the iconic Seattle celebration has grown to include dozens of events around the Puget Sound region, and it all starts in July.

Seafair is huge, but at its heart, it is a celebration of community, so it’s fitting that so many popular events are based on and in Seattle neighborhoods and surrounding communities. Many popular festivals are loosely affiliated with Seafair, and you’ll find a list of them here: Street Fairs and Festivals All Over Western Washington in July.

The rest of them are below. Stay tuned for the biggest events in August that will be published later this month.

July 8 - Seafair Pirates Landing

It isn’t the season of Seafair until the Seafair Pirates land at Alki beach and steal the key to Seattle. They leap to shore around 1:30 pm, but get there early to enjoy the waterfront festivities. This is a popular event for kids.

July 15 – Wallingford Kiddie Parade

Dress up in costume for this parade celebrating Halloween in July. It’s the only kiddie parade in Seattle and has been around for 70 years. It’s a big deal, and starts at 11 am.

July 15-16 – Covington Days Festival

A parade at 10 am on Saturday starts this family-friendly event sanctioned by Seafair. There’s plenty to do during the 2-day festival, including a watermelon eating contest, and inflatables for the kids.

July 21 – 23 – Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow

This is the 36th year for the popular cultural celebration that includes plenty of dancing, food, and music. It takes place at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park.

July 22 – West Seattle Grand Parade

Nearly as big as the Torchlight parade, the West Seattle Grand Parade has many of the same participants and is an old and highly popular Seafair tradition. In fact, it started before Seafair, in 1935. The parade starts at 11 am.

July 22-23 – Des Moines Waterland Festival

The junior parade starts at 5:45 pm, with the grand parade following. On Sunday a community BBQ takes place at Des Moines Beach Park starting at noon.

July 23 – Seattle Chinatown Seafair Parade

This grand parade is nearly as popular as the Torchlight parade, with the 100-foot dragon dancing through the streets of the International District. The Chinese Community Girls Drill team is a well-known highlight, and the parade starts at 7 pm and runs for two hours.

July 23 – Seafair Triathlon

It’s not too late to sign up to participate in one of the many triathlon races, from super sprint to courses for kids. If participating isn’t your thing, you can cheer on the racers at Seward Park.