The stretch from Tacoma to Blaine is packed with charm, coastlines, and communities that know how to celebrate the 4th of July right. Whether you’re looking for fireworks over the water, hometown parades, or peaceful escapes into nature, Western Washington delivers a holiday weekend full of fun.
Here’s your guide to 4th of July events and activities all along the I-5 corridor — from the capital to the Canadian border.
Tacoma: Freedom Fair & Fireworks
Tacoma Summer Blast (formerly Freedom Fair)
Held along the Ruston Way waterfront, this festival features live entertainment, food vendors, an airshow, and one of the most anticipated fireworks displays in the South Sound. Great for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for an all-day event.
Local tips:
- Ride your bike or take transit — parking gets packed.
- Stop by Point Ruston for dining and views.
- Visit the Museum of Glass earlier in the day.
Seattle: Big-City Spectacle
Seafair Summer Fourth at Lake Union
Seattle’s most iconic fireworks show lights up the night over Lake Union with synchronized music and thousands of spectators. Arrive early to grab space at Gas Works Park or Lake Union Park. Expect food vendors, games, and live music all day.
Other Seattle activities:
- July 4th brunch in Ballard, Fremont, or Capitol Hill
- Take a Fourth of July cruise on Elliott Bay
- Visit the Seattle Aquarium or take a quick ferry to Bainbridge Island
Everett: Waterfront Family Fun
Everett’s Thunder on the Bay
This popular Snohomish County celebration includes a daytime parade, festival at Legion Memorial Park, food trucks, beer garden, and a grand fireworks finale launched over Port Gardner Bay.
Local flavor:
- Stop by Scuttlebutt Brewing for a beer by the marina
- Catch sunset from Grand Avenue Park
- Paddle around Jetty Island during the day
Bellingham: Laid-Back Coastal Charm
Bellingham July 4th Celebration at Zuanich Point Park
This Whatcom County favorite features live music, kids’ activities, and a fireworks show over Bellingham Bay. Relaxed and scenic, it’s a great way to celebrate without the overwhelming crowds.
Daytime activities:
- Explore Fairhaven Historic District
- Hike or bike the Interurban Trail
- Grab takeout from local food trucks and picnic by the harbor
Blaine: Border Town Festivities
Old-Fashioned 4th in Blaine
Blaine brings small-town Americana charm with a parade, street fair, classic car show, and fireworks over Semiahmoo Bay. Its location near the border makes it a unique spot to celebrate and see the sky light up over the water.
Before the show:
- Walk the Semiahmoo Spit trail
- Browse the Farmers Market, local shops and galleries downtown
- Grab a seaside dinner at the Semiahmoo Resort
🌄 Bonus: Make It a Scenic Drive!
If you’re road-tripping between Olympia and Blaine, make the 4th of July weekend a summer adventure:
- Catch Mount Rainier views on a detour to Sunrise
- Stop for berry picking in Skagit Valley
- Take the Chuckanut Drive scenic route to Bellingham
From bustling waterfront festivals in Seattle and Tacoma to quiet coastal charm in Bellingham and Blaine, the stretch between Olympia and the Canadian border offers something for every kind of 4th of July celebration. So grab your flag, your sunscreen, and a sense of adventure — it’s time to celebrate freedom, Northwest style.
