The roar comes before the jets do. Every summer, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels turn the skies over Lake Washington into the headline act of Seafair, Seattle’s biggest summer celebration, and the whole south end of the lake stops to watch. Six F/A-18 Super Hornets fly tight formations, near-vertical climbs, and high-speed passes just above the water, close enough to feel in your chest.
This guide covers everything you need for the 2026 show: the dates and schedule, where the jets fly, the best places to watch on land and on the water, how to handle traffic and the I-90, and what to bring. If you want the best seat in the city, with no parking, no crowds, and an unobstructed view, start by thinking about watching from Lake Washington itself. Argosy Cruises runs one of the top viewing spots anywhere in Seattle, putting you right out on the water where the jets perform and well clear of the shoreline crowds.
Seafair Weekend Event Details
The 2026 Boeing Seafair Air Show runs Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026, over Lake Washington near Genesee Park. The Blue Angels headline all three days, with practice runs the day before, on Thursday, July 30. They are the closing act of a full afternoon of flying and hydroplane racing.
Seafair releases the exact daily schedule, including precise Blue Angels show times, in July. The Blue Angels typically fly in the mid-to-late afternoon as the grand finale, and performances depend on weather, so check the official Boeing Seafair Air Show schedule before you go.
Where the Blue Angels Fly
The Blue Angels perform over the south end of Lake Washington, with the action centered on the water off Genesee Park, roughly between Seward Park and the I-90 corridor. Their flight box covers a wide stretch of the lake, so the jets are visible from much of the southern shoreline and from boats out on the water. The closer you are to Genesee Park and the open lake, the better your angle on the formations and high-speed passes.
Best Places to Watch the Blue Angels
You have three broad options: from the water, from the ticketed festival grounds, or from a free spot along the shore. Here is how they compare.
From the Water (the best seat in the city)
Nothing beats watching the Blue Angels from Lake Washington itself, out where the jets actually perform. Argosy’s Seafair Blue Angels Viewing Cruise puts you in the heart of the action with an unobstructed view, no traffic, no parking, and no fighting for shade on a crowded lawn. Cruises depart from AGC Marina on South Lake Union and from Carillon Point in Kirkland, and they sell out every year, so book early. Have your boarding pass ready as an e-pass or printed at home for a smooth departure.
Genesee Park (the main festival grounds)
Genesee Park is the center of Seafair Weekend and the closest land viewing to the action, with ticketed festival grounds, food vendors, and full amenities. This is free on Thursday and Friday only. Gates open in the morning and the grounds fill up well before the Blue Angels fly. This is the most festive land option, and the busiest.
Free shoreline spots
- Seward Park: the forested peninsula at the south end of the lake offers wide-open sightlines and is a longtime local favorite for free viewing.
- Lake Washington Boulevard: the road along the western shore gives a slightly elevated vantage and a long stretch of options.
- Mount Baker Park and the Stan Sayres area: close to the hydroplane race pits with good views across the water.
- Mercer Island shoreline parks: east-side angles on the show, though access and parking get tight.
Free spots fill early and parking near the lake is limited, so arrive hours ahead or plan to walk or bike in.
Getting There and the I-90 Question
Seafair weekend brings some of the heaviest traffic of the year to the south end of Lake Washington. For years, WSDOT closed the I-90 floating bridge during Blue Angels practices and performances because the flight box passed over it. The flight box has since shifted south, and the I-90 bridge now stays open during the show, including this year. Expect gawker traffic to slow to a crawl, and note that people on foot or bike are asked not to stop on the I-90 trail while the jets are flying.
Sound Transit light rail now serves the area and avoids the road congestion entirely, including the new I-90 Crosslake Connection that carries the 2 Line across Lake Washington on the I-90 floating bridge, with stations at Judkins Park on the Seattle side and Mercer Island. Better yet, boarding a cruise from South Lake Union or Kirkland skips the parking and traffic problem altogether.
What to Bring
- Sun protection: the show is outdoors in the afternoon, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Water: stay hydrated through the heat of the day.
- Ear protection: the jets are loud, so earplugs or noise-canceling headphones are smart for kids and anyone sensitive to noise.
- A plan: decide your spot and route in advance, arrive early, and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds.
A Short History of the Blue Angels at Seafair
The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, formed in 1946 and first flew at Seafair in 1972. Seafair itself began in 1950 as a celebration of Seattle’s maritime heritage, and adding the Blue Angels turned it into the summer institution it is today. Decades later, the jets over Lake Washington are still the unofficial signal that summer in Seattle has hit its peak.
Seafair Is More Than the Air Show
While the Blue Angels are the headliners, Seafair Weekend is a full festival. The Apollo Mechanical Cup hydroplane races tear across Lake Washington all weekend, and the wider season includes the Torchlight Parade through downtown Seattle, community events, and concerts. The air show is the finale to a packed day on and around the water.
See the Blue Angels From the Water
As Seafair weekend approaches, the best seats go fast. Skip the traffic and the crowded shoreline and watch the Blue Angels the way they are meant to be seen, from the middle of Lake Washington. Book your Seafair Blue Angels Viewing Cruise with Argosy for the best view in the city, and reserve your tickets today before they sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Blue Angels in Seattle in 2026?
The Blue Angels headline the Boeing Seafair Air Show from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026, over Lake Washington. They also fly practice runs the day before, on Thursday, July 30.
What time do the Blue Angels fly?
The Blue Angels close out each day of the air show, taking to the sky around 3:30PM as the grand finale after the other flying acts and hydroplane racing. The full program starts earlier in the day, with flying from about 12:20PM on Friday, 12:40PM on Saturday, and 10:30AM on Sunday.
When do the Blue Angels practice in Seattle?
Practice runs are held the Thursday before the show, July 30 in 2026, one at 11:00am and another at 3:30pm. Practice days are a great, less crowded time to catch the jets.
Where is the best place to watch the Blue Angels?
The best view is from the water, out where the jets perform, which is why the Argosy viewing cruise is so popular. On land, Genesee Park is the main ticketed venue, and Seward Park and Lake Washington Boulevard are the most popular free options.
Is the I-90 bridge closed during the Blue Angels?
The I-90 bridge is open during the Blue Angels event, however you should expect heavy traffic!
Is it free to watch the Blue Angels?
Yes, you can watch for free from many shoreline spots such as Seward Park and Lake Washington Boulevard. The Genesee Park festival grounds and the viewing cruises are ticketed and offer closer, more comfortable views with amenities.
Can I bring my pet on the Seafair Blue Angels Viewing Cruise?
Because of our food preparation permits, we cannot allow pets onboard, with the exception of service animals. For a service animal, staff may ask whether the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task it is trained to perform. You will not be asked about the nature of a disability, nor required to provide documentation or pay a fee. The service animal must be housetrained and kept under control at all times, and may be asked to leave if it is out of control or poses a direct threat to others.
Is Wi-Fi available during the cruise?
Wi-Fi is not available on our boats, so you can relax and enjoy the cruise without any online distractions.
Can I cancel my cruise ticket last-minute due to weather?
Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, and we sail rain or shine all year. Captains may adjust routes to manage conditions, and a cruise is canceled only if it is not safe to be on the water. Guests who cancel 10 days or more before departure are offered a 50% refund (excluding the non-refundable ticketing fee); cancellations less than 10 days in advance are not refunded.
