Look Up! The Blue Angels Will Soon Roar Over Highline Skies

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are returning to Seattle for Seafair next week. If you've never experienced Seafair in person, it's worth making the trip at least once. The fighter jets perform directly over Lake Washington while hydroplanes race below, creating one of the Northwest's signature summer events.

Airshow & Blue Angels Performance Schedule

Friday, July 31: Airshow - 12:40 pm | Blue Angels -3:30 pm
Saturday, Aug 1: Airshow - 12:40 pm - | Blue Angels - 3:30 pm
Sunday, Aug 2: Opening Ceremonies - 10:30 am | Blue Angels - 3:30 pm

The Blue Angels typically arrive several days before Seafair Weekend to conduct practice flights before official performances. Practice flights begin Thursday with two practice sessions currently scheduled for 11:00 am and 3:30 pm, weather depending. Their sound is unmistakable, and it can be a great time for Highline residents to catch a glimpse of them as they pass over their own neighborhood in an uncrowded setting.

Many South King County residents will notice increased aircraft activity before and after each performance because the military jets will be taking off and landing at Boeing Field, located just north of Burien.

Expect more than just the Blue Angels

The week also brings additional military aircraft into the region. It's common to see helicopters, transport aircraft, and support planes operating around Boeing Field and Elliott Bay throughout the week.

Seafair Activities

Seafair Parade (This Saturday, July 25, 7:30 pm) downtown Seattle waterfront

Air Show (Friday July 31 - Aug 2) Genesee Park and Playfield

Hydroplane Races (Friday July 31 - Aug 2) Genesee Park and Playfield

Classic Car Show (Saturday Aug 1 - Sun Aug 2) Lake Washington Blvd

Log Boom (Thursday July 30 - Sun Aug 2)

Ticket Options for Weekend Festival (including Airshow, Hydroplane Races, and General Admission)

Where can you watch close to home?

The official Seafair venue is at Genesee Park and Playfield, 4316 S Genesee St, Seattle, which puts you in the center of the action with hydroplane racing, food vendors, exhibits, and the air show overhead. General admission is free on Friday, while premium seating and weekend upgrades are available for those who want reserved seating.

For the closest official viewing experience outside the air show itself, the Museum of Flight's annual Jet Blast Bash (Aug 2 and 3) offers views of aircraft arriving and departing from Boeing Field. Free for Flight Museum Members; however, a general admission fee is required for non-members.

Thinking About Heading to Lake Washington?

If you'd rather skip the largest crowds, nearby parks including Seward Park, Mount Baker Beach, and Leschi Park offer free places to spread out and watch the Blue Angels over the lake. Arrive early because parking fills quickly, and traffic can be heavy throughout Seafair Weekend.

Whether you stay close to home or head to the lake, don't forget sunscreen, water, comfortable walking shoes, and hearing protection for young children. The Blue Angels are impressive, but they're also loud.

Map of Top Viewing Locations

Depending on weather and flight paths, residents often watch from parks and waterfronts in Burien and Des Moines, or simply from their own neighborhoods when the jets transit to and from Boeing Field.

Expect heavier traffic

Travel to and from Seattle can be slower throughout Seafair Weekend, particularly near Interstate 90, Interstate 5 and Lake Washington.

If you're planning to attend events, organizers recommend using Link light rail, Metro, bicycling, or arriving early.

Share your photos

Did you spot the Blue Angels from your neighborhood or a local park?
Email your photos to info@TheHighlineJournal.com, and we'll feature a community gallery after Seafair Weekend.