Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Seafair Weekend Festival in Seattle

SEATTLE — The Seafair Weekend Festival is back and ready to light up Seattle’s summer once again. Held from Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 3, this iconic celebration combines hydroplane boat races, the Boeing Seafair Air Show, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and more — all set along the stunning shores of Lake Washington at Genesee Park.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Seafair veteran, here’s your comprehensive guide to everything Seafair Weekend Festival has to offer in 2025.

📍 Location & Entry Points

The festival takes place in and around Genesee Park and Lake Washington Boulevard, with three official entrances:

Main Entrance: 43rd Avenue South & South Genesee Street
South Entrance: 49th Avenue South & Lake Washington Boulevard South
North Entrance: Lake Washington Boulevard South & Lake Park Drive South

🎟️ Tickets & Admission

Friday: General admission is FREE, but no premium seating access is available.
Saturday & Sunday: Tickets required; prices vary based on access and seating.
Kids under 6: Free entry (except premium areas)
Military discounts: Active-duty members receive free admission; spouses, retirees, and families get 50% off (excluding premium experiences)
Seniors (62+) and children (6–12): Discounted tickets available

🎟 Purchase tickets and parking passes at: Seafair Tickets

🛩️ Boeing Seafair Air Show Schedule

A highlight of the weekend, the Boeing Seafair Air Show features thrilling performances by:

U.S. Navy Blue Angels
U.S. Air Force F-16 Demo Team
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B
U.S. Army Apache Helicopter Demo
Melissa Burns Aerial Acrobatics
KC-135 Stratotanker Refueling Demo
Historic Aircraft (e.g., PBY Catalina, P-51 Mustang)

Showtimes

Friday, Aug 1:

Begins at 12:20 p.m. with a Coast Guard demo
Blue Angels fly at 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, Aug 2:

Begins at 12:40 p.m.
Blue Angels fly at 3:45 p.m.

Sunday, Aug 3:

Begins at 10:35 a.m. with opening ceremonies
Blue Angels fly at 3:45 p.m., following a Boeing 777-9 Fly-By

🚤 Hydroplane Racing Schedule

Watch boats fly across Lake Washington at 220+ mph during the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races. Races and heats run all weekend.

Key Racing Events

Friday, Aug 1:

Testing & qualifying starts 8:30 a.m.
Grand Prix heats 1A–1C from 2:45 p.m.

Saturday, Aug 2:

Heats begin 10:15 a.m.
Autograph session from 12:30–2:30 p.m.
More races from 2:45 p.m.

Sunday, Aug 3:

Finals start 2:40 p.m. (Grand Prix) and 3:00 p.m. (H1 Hydro)
Award ceremony at 5:00 p.m.

🍔 Food & 🍺 Beer Gardens

Enjoy Pacific Northwest classics and international fare, though the full vendor list hasn’t been released yet.

Beer Gardens:

Thunder Alley
Genesee Park & Playfield
South Turn

Must be 21+ to enter. Check the official map for exact locations.

🎶 Entertainment Line-Up

Main Stage Performances:

Friday, Aug 1:

12:15–1:15 p.m.: Annie J
2:45–3:45 p.m.: Navy Band Northwest

Saturday, Aug 2:

12:00–1:00 p.m.: REPOSADO
2:45–3:45 p.m.: Band of Eden
“Can You Ride It” show (12–3 p.m.) on South Turn Beach

Sunday, Aug 3:

9:30–10:30 a.m.: Army Band
12:00–1:00 p.m.: Aaron Crawford

🚗 Parking & Transportation

Parking Passes:

$55 per day via Seafair’s website
ADA Lot: Located at 43rd Ave S & S Genesee St — arrives early, space is limited

Free Shuttle Service:

From Columbia City Link light rail station to the main entrance
Runs 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday

Ride Share Tip:

To avoid traffic, get dropped at Columbia City Station and take the shuttle

Bike Parking:

Secure bike corral at 43rd Ave S & S Genesee St
Use Seattle’s Interactive Bike Map for safe routes

🚘 Classic Car Show

A fan-favorite showcase of vintage and antique vehicles:

Located near the hydroplane finish line on Lake Washington Blvd
Open Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Only 100 vehicles per day, pre-registration required

Eligible cars:

Built 1985 or earlier
Must be street legal

✅ What to Bring / ❌ What to Leave at Home

✔️ Allowed Items:

Strollers, wagons, lawn chairs, blankets
Umbrellas (not in ground), canopies (must be removed by 6 p.m.)
Sealed non-alcoholic drinks (no glass)
Coolers, cameras, tablets/laptops
Plastic/stainless bottles
Sunscreen, hats, personal shade gear

❌ Prohibited Items:

Weapons, drugs, fireworks
Drones, laser pointers, pepper spray
Animals (except service animals)
Barbecues, tents, noisemakers
Glass containers, outside alcohol, cigarettes/vapes
Sports equipment (balls, frisbees, etc.)

All bags will be searched. Prohibited items will be confiscated without return.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a bag check?
Yes — all bags will be inspected at the gate.

Can I bring a drone?
No — drone use is strictly prohibited.

Is volunteering an option?
Yes! Volunteers are welcome. Sign up at the Seafair Volunteer Page.

What happens if it rains?
The show goes on! Bring rain gear just in case.

Are refunds available?
No — all ticket sales are final.

🗓 Mark Your Calendar

Seafair is more than just a weekend — it’s a cherished Seattle tradition bringing together community, culture, speed, and sky-high thrills. With three full days of exciting performances, races, and entertainment, the 2025 Seafair Weekend Festival is set to be one of the summer’s biggest highlights.

Grab your sunscreen, bring your lawn chair, and get ready to make memories by the lake.

See you at Seafair!