Seafair 2025 Schedule: Blue Angels Showtimes & Must-See Events in Seattle

Get ready, Seattle! The roar of the engines, the cheers of the crowd, and the dazzling flash of blue and gold across the sky can only mean one thing: Seafair is back! This iconic summer festival is the heartbeat of the city, a tradition that brings generations together for a weekend of pure, unadulterated fun. Whether you're a long-time local who sets your clock by the Blue Angels' practice flights or a first-timer ready to see what all the fuss is about, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

The Seafair 2025 schedule is packed with high-speed hydroplane races, incredible air show performances, and community celebrations that capture the unique spirit of the Pacific Northwest. But let's be honest, the true rock stars of the weekend are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Their breathtaking aerial acrobatics are the centerpiece of this grand festival.

This guide has everything you need to plan your perfect Seafair weekend. We'll cover the full Seafair schedule, the much-anticipated Blue Angels schedule 2025 Seattle, and the best spots to catch all the action. So, grab your sunscreen, your earplugs, and your sense of wonder—let's dive into Seafair 2025!

Seafair Weekend 2025: Your Day-by-Day Guide

Seafair Weekend, happening from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, is the spectacular culmination of the month-long Seafair festival. The main events are centered around Genesee Park and Lake Washington, creating a massive stage for air, land, and sea festivities.

Friday, August 1st: The Kickoff

The first day of Seafair Weekend is your chance to get a sneak peek of the main events with slightly smaller crowds. The energy is buzzing as hydroplane teams run their qualifying heats and the Blue Angels perform their first full practice show over the lake.

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Gates open at Genesee Park. Explore the vendor booths, food stalls, and interactive displays. The hydroplanes will be on the water for testing and qualifying runs.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM): The Seafair Air Show 2025 officially begins! You'll see performances from other world-class aviators before the main event.
• Highlight of the Day (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM): The Blue Angels take to the sky for their #1 Practice Show. This is a full-length performance and a fantastic opportunity to see them in action.
• I-90 Bridge Closure: The I-90 floating bridge will be closed to all vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic during the air show performance. Plan accordingly!

Saturday, August 2nd: Full Throttle Fun

Saturday is when the excitement hits its peak. The crowds are bigger, the races are faster, and the air show is in full swing. It's a sensory explosion of speed and sound.

• All Day: The hydroplane races continue with more qualifying heats, building up to the final races on Sunday. The competition gets fierce!
• Midday (12:00 PM - 3:30 PM): The air show continues with a lineup of amazing aerobatic performers.
• Main Event (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM): The Blue Angels Air Show Seattle delivers its first official performance of the weekend. The precision and power on display are simply awe-inspiring.
• Evening: While the main events are on the lake, look for live music and beer gardens in Genesee Park to keep the party going into the evening.

Sunday, August 3rd: The Grand Finale

Sunday is all about championship glory. It's the final day of racing and the last chance to see the Blue Angels paint the Seattle sky.

• Morning to Early Afternoon: The final hydroplane heats take place, culminating in the Seafair Cup championship race. The winner-take-all format makes for thrilling action on the water.
• Afternoon (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM): Your last chance! The Blue Angels perform their final show of Seafair Weekend 2025, a powerful and patriotic send-off that will leave you breathless.
• Awards Ceremony: Stick around after the final race and air show for the trophy presentations and to celebrate the champions of Seafair 2025.

The Stars of the Show: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels

For most Seattleites, the low-flying F/A-18 Super Hornets are the true sound of summer. The Blue Angels have been a beloved part of the Seafair Seattle 2025 tradition since 1972, and their annual visit is a major highlight.

Blue Angels Schedule 2025 Seattle

The Blues arrive in Seattle on Thursday, July 31st, for a practice survey flight. This is when they get the lay of the land and you'll hear them for the first time. The real action, however, is over Seafair Weekend.

Here is the anticipated performance schedule. Note: All times are approximate and subject to change due to weather or other factors.

These Blue Angels flight times are the core of the Seafair air show. The I-90 bridge closure will be in effect during these times each day.

A Seafair to Remember: A Local's Story

I'll never forget my son’s first Seafair. He was five years old, and while he loved boats and planes, he had no concept of what was about to happen. We found a spot at Madrona Park, packing a cooler with snacks and juice boxes. He was more interested in the seagulls than the hydroplanes zipping by in the distance.

Then, the announcement came over the loudspeakers: "Ladies and gentlemen, look to the sky for your United States Navy Blue Angels!"

A low rumble started, a sound you feel in your chest more than you hear with your ears. My son looked around, confused. The rumble grew into a ground-shaking roar, and then—WHOOSH—four jets in a tight diamond formation exploded over the trees behind us. His eyes went wide, his jaw dropped, and he just pointed, speechless. For the next 45 minutes, he was completely captivated. He yelled with every high-speed pass, gasped at the tight turns, and held my hand during the slow, graceful rolls. When "Fat Albert," their C-130 transport plane, did its jaw-dropping rocket-assisted takeoff, he screamed with delight.

That day, he wasn't just watching planes; he was feeling the energy of a city united in awe. That's the magic of Seafair. It’s not just an event; it's a core memory you create with your family and your community.

Where to Watch the Blue Angels & Seafair Action

Finding the perfect spot to watch the show is key to a great Seafair experience. You have several options, from free parks to paid viewing areas. Here’s a breakdown of where to watch the Blue Angels.

Paid Viewing

• Genesee Park / Stan Sayres Pits: This is the official headquarters of Seafair Weekend. Buying a ticket gets you access to the hydroplane pits, food vendors, beer gardens, and a prime, front-row seat for the air show right at the log boom. This is the most immersive experience.
• The Log Boom: For a truly unique view, you can tie up your boat along the official log boom that lines the racecourse and air show box. It’s the ultimate Seafair party on the water, but spots are limited and require registration.

Free Viewing

• Lake Washington Boulevard: The stretch of road from Mount Baker Beach to Seward Park is closed to traffic and becomes a massive viewing party. Arrive very early to claim a spot. This is one of the most popular free locations.
• Seward Park: The northern part of the park offers excellent views across the water. The park gets crowded, so be prepared for a long walk from your parking spot.
• Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint: This small park offers a slightly elevated perspective, looking down on the I-90 bridge and the northern part of the air show box.
• Gas Works Park: While it's far from the main action on Lake Washington, Gas Works offers a spectacular view of the Seattle skyline as the Blue Angels fly their city-wide patterns. You won't see the low-level lake maneuvers, but you'll see the jets against a classic city backdrop.
• Mercer Island: Various spots on the western shore of Mercer Island, like Luther Burbank Park, provide fantastic views looking back towards Seattle.

Seafair Myths vs. Facts

The spectacle of Seafair, especially the Blue Angels, has spawned a few urban legends. Let's clear the air.

Myth: The sonic boom from the Blue Angels can break windows.

Fact: This is a common misconception. The Blue Angels perform their entire show at subsonic speeds, meaning they never break the sound barrier. The thunderous sound you hear is simply the immense power of their F/A-18 Super Hornet engines, not a sonic boom. A sonic boom only occurs when an object travels faster than the speed of sound, approximately 767 mph (1,234 kph) at sea level. The Blues' high-speed pass is typically around 700 mph, just under that threshold.

According to NASA, the sound is a result of "the displacement of air and the extreme power of the engines." The roar is intense and can certainly rattle windows, but the overpressure is not focused enough to shatter them like a sonic boom would. So, while your windows might vibrate, they are safe from the Blues. Ear protection, however, is still highly recommended!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Seafair Weekend

A little planning goes a long way. Follow these tips to make your Seafair Weekend 2025 smooth and enjoyable.

1. Arrive Early, or Even Earlier: Whether you're heading to a paid or free viewing area, the crowds are significant. For prime spots, plan to arrive several hours before the main events begin.
2. Use Public Transit or Ride Share: Parking is extremely limited and expensive. King County Metro offers shuttle services to and from Genesee Park. The Link Light Rail is another great option to get close to the action without the headache of driving.
3. Pack Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is crucial. Consider bringing a portable camp chair or blanket for comfort.
4. Protect Your Ears: The hydroplanes and jets are LOUD. This cannot be overstated, especially for children. Bring foam earplugs or over-ear noise-canceling headphones. Your ears will thank you.
5. Know the I-90 Closure Schedule: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closes the I-90 floating bridge to all traffic during the Blue Angels' performances. Check the WSDOT website for the exact closure times and plan your travel across the lake accordingly.
6. Bring Binoculars: To get an up-close look at the hydroplanes battling it out on the far side of the course or to see the intricate details on the Blue Angels' jets, a pair of binoculars is a great accessory.

Seafair is more than just a festival; it's a rite of passage for the city of Seattle. It's a weekend where the community comes together to celebrate summer, speed, and the sky. The Seafair 2025 schedule promises a return to this grand tradition, with the Blue Angels ready to once again capture our collective imagination.

From the roar of the hydros to the awe of the air show, Seafair offers a unique blend of thrills and community spirit. By planning ahead, you can navigate the crowds and logistics to create lasting memories. So, check the schedules, pick your spot, and get ready to be part of one of the Pacific Northwest's greatest traditions. We'll see you on the water!

Final Thoughts: Why Seafair 2025 is a Can’t-Miss Event

Seafair is more than an air show—it’s a celebration of Seattle’s spirit. Whether you’re marveling at the Blue Angels’ precision, cheering on hydroplanes, or dancing at the Torchlight Parade, there’s magic in the air.

Mark your calendar for August 1-3, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend. See you at Lake Washington!