The Boeing Air Show during Seattle Seafair Weekend is a must see for all families and thrill seekers. For many across the Pacific Northwest, summer and Seafair reach their pinnacle as the pilots behind the yokes of the “Blue” Boeing F/A-18 Hornets make their thunderous and spectacular appearance over the skies of Seattle. Find more information about Seafair history and events.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels amaze the Seafair audience with their knife-edge passes and dynamic maneuvers directly overhead boaters on Lake Washington. The F/A-18 can reach speeds just under Mach 2 (almost twice the speed of sound or about 1,400 MPH).
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Blue Angels Navy Jets over Lake Washington Seattle photo by Max Pixel (CC0)
Blue Angels Seafair show schedule
As of 2019, the Blue Angels flight area over Lake Washington shifted a bit south, so the I-90 Bridge and Seward Park remain open to vehicle traffic and closed to pedestrians for viewing.
2024 Schedule of Blue Angel performances (Subject to change)
The Boeing Air Show runs August 2-4, 2024. U.S. Navy Blue Angels | Show Information lists show days as August 3-4, 2024. They usually arrive in Seattle by Wednesday and can be seen in the skies prior to the weekend. A practice show over Lake Washington usually occurs on Thursday with Blue Angels performance at the Boeing Air Show Friday-Sunday.
- (Unconfirmed/Practice Schedule) Typically Thursday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm and/or 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
- Friday: 3:35 PM, per Boeing Seafair Air Show schedule
- Saturday: 3:35PM, per Boeing Seafair Air Show schedule
- Sunday: 3:35 PM, per Boeing Seafair Air Show schedule
- More info: Boeing Seafair Air Show – 2024 Schedule & Tickets — Seafair
I-90 closure status changed in 2019
In 2019, a new flight path allows the Blue Angels to soar over the Seattle area during the Seafair Air Show without closing the Interstate-90 bridge to vehicle traffic.
The FAA requires a safety zone around and below the area where the Blue Angels practice and perform. These horizontal and vertical restrictions are in place to protect the public, property and pilots. This zone, also called “the box,” covered part of Lake Washington and the floating bridges. Until the flight path change in 2019, I-90 was closed to traffic during Blue Angels flight times.
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclist are reminded that the I-90 bridge across Lake Washington may not be used for stopping and viewing the Blue Angels.
- With traffic flowing normally on I-90 during the air show, Washington State Patrol will be conducting speed and distracted driving enforcement. Remember: it is illegal to park your vehicle in a lane or on the shoulder unless for an emergency.
- Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to access the bridge’s pathway for the duration of the flights. However, the I-90 bridge may not be used for stopping and viewing the Blue Angels. The path is a heavily used route for commuters and should be viewed similarly to a roadway. Use caution if cycling through the area.
- The SR 520 floating bridge remains open to traffic and tolls are collected as usual.
Seafair 2010 Boeing Air Show acrobatic plane Photo by Carole Cancler
Places to watch the Blue Angels for free
The Blue Angels usually arrive in Seattle Tuesday or Wednesday, as evidenced by fly-bys over Puget Sound. (You usually hear them before you see them. They typically perform a practice show over Lake Washington on Thursday and perform the full air show on Friday during the Seafair Weekend Festival. The parks listed below are good vantage points for watching the show during shows over Lake Washington.
Note: There is FREE FRIDAY admission to Seafair. Last time we checked, the Boeing Air Show schedule lists a Blue Angels performance at 3:30PM. More info: 2023 Boeing Seafair Airshow — Seafair
Parks along Lake Washington with good viewpoints, from north of the Seafair boundary at S Massachusetts St, or south of the Seafair entrance at 49th Ave S and Lk Wash Blvd S
- Mt Baker Ridge Viewpoint, 1403 31st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 (map)
- Mount Baker Park Bathing Beach, 2521 Lake Park Dr. S, Seattle, WA 98144 (map). (Note that this option is available for walk-up only—no parking—as there is a fenced boundary north of Colman Park at S. Massachusetts Street, though the Seafair entrance is south of Mt. Baker Beach)
- East Portal Viewpoint, 1400 Lake Washington Blvd. S (map)
- Day Street Boat Ramp, 1402 Lakeside Ave. S (map)
- Colman Park, 1800 Lake Washington Blvd. S (map). (Note that this option is available for walk-up only—no parking—as there is a fenced boundary north of Colman Park at S. Massachusetts Street, though the Seafair entrance is south of Mt. Baker Beach)
- Seward Park, 5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S (map)
- Pritchard Island Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S (map)
Parks on Mercer Island with good viewpoints
- Aubrey Davis Park (formerly Lid Park), 2030 72ND AVE SE, Mercer Island, Washington 98040 (map)
- Groveland Beach Park, 7740 SE 58TH ST, Mercer Island (map)
Slater Park, 2835 60TH AVE SE, Mercer Island(this option is no longer available as the park is closed to the public for official business during Seafair)
Other possible free viewing points around Seattle:
Many people ask whether you can see the Blue Angels from downtown Seattle. The answer is…it depends. You need someplace high with a fairly wide view of the sky. Here are some general recommendations. We have not personally checked these, but views from these public parks is stunning, without or without jets flying about. You might make a summer project out of it (where will we watch the Blue Angels?) by visiting these locations earlier in the summer. Go during lunch, pack a picnic, and bring a camera. You can also wait until Seafair weekend, and plan to visit a different spot each day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Beacon Hill: Twelfth Avenue South Viewpoint, 2821 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
- Beacon Hill: Jefferson Park, 3801 Beacon Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98108. Go to the north end by the skate park.
- West Seattle: Hamilton Viewpoint Park, 1120 California Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116
- West Seattle: Don Armeni Boat Ramp, 1222 Harbor Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116
- West Seattle: Seacrest Park (aka Luna Park), 1660 Harbor Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98126
- West Seattle: Belvedere Park (aka Admiral Viewpoint), 3600 SW Admiral Wy., Seattle, WA 98126
- West Seattle: Jack Block Park, 2310 Harbor Ave SW, Terminal 5, Seattle, WA 98127
- West Seattle: Rotary Viewpoint, 4622 35th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98126
- Capitol Hill: Volunteer Park water tower, 1247 15th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112 (view is obstructed by metal grate and trees, so not the best, and the rest of the park is relaxing and fun)
- Capitol Hill: (Louisa) Boren Park, 1606 15th Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98112
- First Hill: Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122. The adjacent Yesler Terrace Park is still under construction. But the views south from the patio of the center are stunning.
- Queen Anne Hill: Kerry Park (Franklin Place), 211 W Highland Dr., Seattle, WA 98119
- Seahawks VMAC is NOT open as a viewing spot, though is sometimes falsely reported, especially on social media. If you go there, you will be turned away.
Possible paid viewpoints:
- Downtown Seattle: Smith Tower Observatory, 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104. 35th floor, 360 degrees views. Purchase advance ticket online. Tickets: $22.
- Downtown Seattle: Sky View Observatory, Columbia Center, 700 4th Ave, Floor 73, Seattle WA 98104. 902 feet, 360 degrees views. Purchase advance ticket online. Tickets: $30 “Classic Access”; discount for WA residents.
- Downtown Seattle: Space Needle Observation Deck, 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109. 520 feet, 360 degrees views. Tickets: $42.50.
- South of downtown Seattle: Museum of Flight (MOF) is an official partner of the Boeing Seafair Air Show and the Blue Angels’ headquarters during Seafair Weekend. Jet Blast Bash is MOF’s annual Seafair weekend outdoor festival-by-the-flight-line. Enjoy fast planes, music, food, and a beer garden with the closest seats in Seattle to the thunder of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ takeoffs and landings. Jet Blast Bash activities are included with Museum admission. Parking is offsite. Museum admission: Adults $26, Senior (65+) $22, Youth (5-17) $18, Child (0-4) and MOF Members are FREE. More info: Hours & Admission (museumofflight.org)
![U.S. Navy Blue Angels on the runway at Seattle Museum of Flight By U.S. Navy photo by Mate 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.greaterseattleonthecheap.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/U.S.-Navy-Blue-Angels-on-the-runway-at-Seattle-Museum-of-Flight-By-U.S.-Navy-photo-by-Mate-2nd-Class-Eli-J.-Medellin.-Public-domain-via-Wikimedia-Commons-1024x681.jpg)
U.S. Navy Blue Angels on the runway at Seattle Museum of Flight U.S. Navy photo by Mate 2nd Class Eli J. Medellin. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. This file has been identified as being free of known restrictions under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights.
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Upcoming Seafair Events in the Puget Sound region
Seafair takes place every summer and features festivals and parades throughout Seattle.
But wait! There’s more…
- Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
- Seafair signature events and community festivals
- Tickets and information for Seafair Weekend
- Find more Cultural heritage festivals in the Puget Sound region.
- More festivals of all kinds on our big list of annual festivals, fairs, and parades.
- More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.
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Multiple locations
Carole Cancler says
We didn’t include Madison Park Beach on our list since it’s 4 miles north of the main action. However, MPB juts out a bit further into Lake Washington than beaches to the south, so it is likely you have a fairly good vantage point, especially if the day is cloud-free and the jets are flying high. If you go, let us know what you think–or keep it a secret for you and your friends. We won’t tell. 🙂
JWL says
New flight path now appears to be directly over Capitol Hill. On Thursday, 1Aug, we had 26 jet passes over our house, rattling the windows, scaring the dog and terrifying our 9-month old granddaughter. The Blue Angels team consumes 7,200 gallons of jet fuel per hour. Given that we now have a climate emergency, caused by our burning of fossil fuels, we need new forms of entertainment that don’t spew massive amounts of toxic pollution into our atmosphere and that don’t terrify our infants.
Richard Grant says
Remember how fast these planes fly and then imagine how much airspace they need to maneuver. I used to live on Camano island and the planes would finish some of their loops way up there. So any place close enough to have a view of lake Washington should be awesome. .
Linda says
Can you see much from Madison Park Beach?
Carole Cancler says
It is a good news, bad news situation. Trying to watch with moving traffic is not only dangerous, it is illegal (“distracted driving”) and you could be ticketed. Washington State Patrol expects to be out in full force to keep traffic moving. Check our list for other vantage points.
Dave says
Sorry to see the bridge option go. The interruption to traffic is a valid and real concern, but watching from there was spectacular. Sad to see that option is no longer viable. Trying to watch with moving traffic would be dangerous and a major pain.
steven says
I know really late hopefully somone else answred for you if wan tot walk onto i90 to watch(done it the past 15 years) try to be on mercer island about an hour before closure time to be sure make it also parking just have to find space on side streets near aburey davis park is where you access the bridge
hadez says
The best view for the BA show is on the lake but if you don’t have access to a boat then walk out onto I-90 and enjoy the show!
Carole Cancler says
Sort of. The Blue Angels fly in and out of Boeing Field, south of SODO, and they fly over and around Beacon Hill. So, you might see them from some vantage points in downtown Seattle. But what you see will depend on where you are, what direction you are looking, and how much sky you can see. If you find a good vantage point and want to share it with the rest of Seattle, be sure to post it here. Or, keep it a secret for you and your tribe. It’s up to you!
Carole Cancler says
The suggestion about the VMAC didn’t come from us, it came from Meredith’s comment below, who said they went there and had a fabulous view…so either she had an “in”, or hung near, but not at the VMAC, or made the whole thing up. But we’ll take it off. Thanks for letting us know.
Mike says
Get the Seahawks VMAC during camp off of there the training camp is CLOSED and we’re having to sure away people because you told them they could be here.
LG says
Can you see them from downtown Seattle?
Carole Cancler says
I’m curious if anyone can report back. I believe it is still free to go to MOF and stay outside and watch the Blue Angels for free. Yes, it would be sad indeed if there is now a charge. Let us know.
Daniel says
On the website for the Museum of Flight’s “Jet Blast Bash” it says Museum admission is required. Is that the case to get to see the pre-flight show the Blue Angel’s put on? I am assuming it is just for the museum access but I would hate to go and find out otherwise. I remember watching the Blue Angels there years ago and there was no charge. It would be disappointing to go and have to pay full admission now. If anyone knows please let me know since I am about to head up there.
Carole Cancler says
One of the most spectacular spots is from the I-90 bridge, accessible either from Mercer Island or the Mt. Baker neighborhood.
Laura says
I live in Marysville and would like to make one of the shows, what is the best place to go for frre
Carole Cancler says
I stand corrected! Thanks for the info, Meredith.
Meredith says
We went to Seahawks training camp last year and the Blue Angels went right over the VMAC a few times. It was incredible!
Carole Cancler says
I doubt you can see much of the show from that far south. Perhaps you can see some of the high-up maneuvers. But most of the action takes place over Lake Washington near I-90, which is at least 10 miles north of the Seahawks Training camp at the south end of Lake Washington.
Ashley says
Do you know if you can see the Blue Angels from Seahawks Training camp?
Carole Cancler says
Doug, thanks for letting us know. We took it off the list. (Slater Park, 2835 60TH AVE SE, Mercer Island)
Doug says
The police took over Slater Park several years back, first to protect us citizens from being too close to the action, and then to use as a holding pen/processing center for boaters they suspect of doing bad things on the water. So while it used to be the best free spot on the shore, you cannot go use it anymore during SeaFair.
admin says
There is no parking on Lake Washington Blvd. S. ever. There are lots along the beach here and there, but they will be full by 9 or 10 am. You should plan to head out no later than 10am to ensure you find a parking place and then get to a viewing spot. Parking is a challenge whichever spot you choose–this is a huge event with close to 300,000 people crowding into a residential neighborhood in a 2-mile stretch along Lake Washington. There is limited access, even without Seafair.
If you want to go to Coleman park, which is next to Mt. Baker Beach, your best bet is to park ABOVE the lake and walk down the stairs to the beach. Park along S Dose Terrace or S Walker St (from 28th ave s to 34th ave s) and walk to the end of S Dose Terrace and take the stairs down to MBB. The neighborhood above the lake offers more parking than anywhere along the lake–which is limited to a few lots. Plus, there are long lines of cars on the few roads into the area, and many roads are blocked off by police. So the general rule if you are coming anywhere near the Seafair Hydro races is to park AWAY, and walk in.
To go to the East Portal, see the info above for parks on Mercer Island where there is a fairly good chance at parking (i.e. more available than other places).
admin says
To I-90 from the West, you walk on near Lake Washington Blvd. South and South Irving Street. So park in the Montlake neighborhood. It will be very congested and crowded, it’s not a very big neighborhood and there is limited parking any day. Good luck.
To I-90 from the East, you park on Mercer Island. There are several parks mentioned in the post where you can park.
Ali says
Hello, this is my first time going to Seafair. I want to go to the performance tomorrow (sunday), I’d like to take my parents visiting from Kansas.
Could anyone tell me when is the best time and where is the best viewing spot, taking parking into consideration.
Will there be any parking on Lake Washington Blvd if we want to go to East Portal Viewpoint or Coleman park?
Or what do you guys suggest, we’re open to any view point as long as there will be parking.
Thanks.
Lorena says
Where would you park to see the show on I-90?
antoinette says
We’ve set up our picnic area at The Lid on Mercer. It’s already busy and they have closed down this first parking lot. We got here at 9:30a. It’s an easy walk over to I-90.
admin says
I drove up there this A.M. to verify. Mt. Baker Beach is NOT fenced in and is just north of the North Entrance to Seafair. The parking lot is behind police barricade–they may let you in if it’s not already full. It was about half full at 8:30am and very busy already.
Your best bet for parking is more likely along S Dose Terrace or S Walker St (from 28th ave s to 34th ave s) and walk to the end of S Dose Terrace and take the stairs to MBB.
Jackie says
My in laws are telling me that the Mt. Baker Beach is also closed for Seafair. And that you have to buy a ticket in order to go to that park. Can anyone confirm this? This was where I wanted to go with Mercer Island being my second choice. Thanks!
admin says
Try the Park on the Lid on Mercer Island, there is ample parking in area A. Arrive probably no later than 12:30 or earlier if possible to give you plenty of time to park and walk the I-90 trail out onto the bridge.
I haven’t personally tried this, so if anyone reading these comments can advise Cheryl further, that would be great. Cheryl if you try this, post back and let us know how it went!
admin says
The parks listed on Mercer Island are your best bet. The parks in Bellevue and Kirkland are mostly north of I-90, while the air show takes places south of I-90.
Tonya says
It would be nice to also get view spots from the east side of the lake. Thanks for your work!
Cheryl says
Hey, I’m on the eastside and would like to park on Mercer Island and then walk onto I90. Any suggestions on where to park on Mercer – and when I would need to be there?????
Thanks!
admin says
You probably cannot see the Blue Angels from Kirkland very well. Most of the action takes place south of I-90. Kirkland is well north of I-90; you could see the higher up maneuvers if the skies are clear but will miss a good part of the show.
Between I-90 and Seward Park in Seattle and the west side of Mercer Island are the best vantage points–so the parks listed are in these areas.
Jennifer says
Thank you. We had a great view of the Blue Angels today.
Sam moreno says
Can you see the blue angels from Kirkland?
admin says
Thanks…we’ve updated the post to reflect the closure of Seward Park during Blue Angels performances.
B says
Seward Park is closed while the Angels are in the air – they have police clear the park at 10am.
Anna says
Looks like Seward Park will be closed during practices and performances!
http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/environment/seward.htm
Mary T says
FYI: Seward Park is actually closed during practices and performances, reopens at 2:30.
JF Parnell says
The best place to watch is from the I-90 bridge. They close it to traffic and allow people to walk out on the bridge. Just park up on the hill on the west side and walk out onto the interstate and enjoy the show.
Rachelle says
Thank you so much! This has been so helpful.
Derek says
i see you updated with the maps 🙂
Thanks for the guide!
james says
Thank you so much for the info and the great viewing places…appreciated ^o^
admin says
Done!
You can always search for any location by copying the address to Google Maps.
Shelley says
A link to a map showing all the viewing points (parks,etc.) would have been very helpful. I live in the northend and I’m not familiar with those parks and beaches, especially parking. Thank you.