Jets and hydroplanes on the same days
Plan to stay a while, because seeing both in one outing is a big part of the appeal. The Seafair Air Show, which began in 1972, runs alongside the Seafair Cup hydroplane races, a stop on the American Boat Racing Association's unlimited hydroplane circuit.
Keep watching the sky for more than the Blue Angels, too. They are the best known performers but not the only ones, and the US Army Golden Knights parachute team has also been a featured act over Lake Washington.
Watching the Blue Angels From the Lake Washington Shore
Head to Lake Washington near the Seward Park neighborhood, where the action centers. Stan Sayres Memorial Park hosts the hydroplane course, while Genesee Park anchors the weekend's main events. Tens of thousands of spectators turn out, so expect plenty of company along the public shoreline.
Some people skip the shore entirely and watch from the water. Boats tie up to a line of logs just outside the race course, a spot locals call the Log Boom, and it makes for one of the most recognizable Seafair scenes.
Where the jets fly now
Since 2019, the flight area has shifted south, which means the I-90 floating bridges between Mercer Island and Seattle no longer need to close during the three days of Seafair Weekend. Keep that southern shift in mind as you choose your viewing spot.
Tune in for commentary
Tune in to KMIH 88.9 The Bridge, the student-run FM station at Mercer Island High School and the designated broadcast for the races and air shows all weekend. Bring a radio or listen on your phone to follow what is happening overhead and out on the water.
Browse our guide to Seattle parks to learn more about the lakefront green spaces, and explore our Seattle neighborhoods guide to get a feel for the southeast side of the city.
Are the Blue Angels Flying in Seattle Today?
The jets perform during Seafair Weekend rather than year-round. Dates and exact flight times change from year to year, so turn to the official Seafair schedule to confirm whether they are flying on a given day.
Appearances have not been guaranteed every year, either. The Blue Angels have flown at the air show annually since it began with three exceptions, and Seafair as a whole was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A few notable gaps
- 1994 and 1995: No air show took place after a dispute with the FAA over flying safely above Lake Washington.
- 1996: The team flew over Elliott Bay, separate from the hydroplane races. That show lost money, and the jets returned to Lake Washington in 1997.
- 2013: Federal budget cuts kept the Blue Angels away, and the Patriots Jet Team performed instead.
Noise, Safety and Local Debate
Not everyone welcomes the jets. Some residents worry about an accident involving low-flying aircraft, others find the engine noise hard to tolerate, and critics have also raised concerns about the show's military image, fossil fuel use and climate impact.
That debate is most visible in South Seattle, where the festival takes place. In 2025, a group called Airshow Climate Action put up a billboard in Rainier Beach opposing the show, so if you live nearby or are sensitive to loud noise, plan your weekend with that in mind.
Making a Day of Seafair Weekend
Arrive with patience, since the crowds are large and the lakefront fills up. Pack for a long summer day by the water, bring something to tune in to the radio broadcast, and give yourself time to enjoy both the races and the flying.
Want to round out your visit? Browse our roundup of things to do in Seattle and our guide to Seattle landmarks for ideas beyond the lake.
