The best place to watch Blue Angels in Seattle this weekend is Genesee Park along Lake Washington, where the U.S. Navy’s elite fighter jet team will headline the annual Seafair Air Show from August 1 to 3, 2025. Thousands are expected to gather across the city’s waterfront, eager to catch the F/A-18 Super Hornets thunder through the sky.
After a thrilling rehearsal on Thursday, the Blue Angels officially return to the skies starting Friday afternoon, with showtimes set for 3:35 p.m. daily. The Friday air show is free to the public, while Saturday and Sunday events at Genesee Park are ticketed. This central Seafair location offers close-up views of the team’s high-speed passes, precision rolls, and synchronized stunts performed just above the lake’s surface.
Other parts of the city are also drawing crowds hoping for a front-row experience without paying for a ticket. Local parks and shoreline spots—especially around south Seattle and the Eastside—are filling with lawn chairs and picnic blankets, as locals arrive early to claim the perfect view.
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Top Spots to Catch the Blue Angels
If you’re skipping the official festival venue, there are still incredible vantage points around the lake:
- Colman Park: Located on Lake Washington Boulevard, this park offers shaded areas and unobstructed waterfront views.
- Mount Baker Park: A favorite among families, it features a gentle slope ideal for watching planes fly directly overhead.
- Seward Park: With its 300-acre forest and looping paths, the peninsula park provides clear visibility over the lake.
- East Portal Viewpoint: This elevated location near the I-90 floating bridge offers wide panoramic sightlines across the water.
- Pritchard Island Beach: A lesser-known gem with a sandy beach and swimming area.
On the Eastside, Mercer Island and Bellevue provide excellent alternatives for those looking to avoid city congestion. From Aubrey Davis Park to Chism Beach and Medina Park, the eastern shores of Lake Washington are all solid picks.
Read also-Seafair 2025: The Blue Angels Seattle Return with Spectacular Air Show Performance
Seafair Weekend 2025: Event Highlights
| Date | Event | Time | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 31 | Practice Flights | 11:00 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. | Free |
| August 1 | Air Show (Opening Day) | 3:35 p.m. | Free |
| August 2–3 | Seafair Air Show + Races | 3:35 p.m. | Ticketed Entry |
Boat and Cruise Viewing Options
For those who prefer to view from the water, small personal boats are expected to fill Lake Washington throughout the weekend. Many locals anchor near the I-90 bridge or position themselves directly in the air show’s centerline zone.
In addition, sightseeing companies are offering Blue Angels–themed cruises. These vessels provide unmatched, stable viewing of the entire performance, often paired with commentary, food, and drinks. It’s an ideal option for families and photography lovers.
Museum of Flight: A Different Kind of Access
A unique opportunity awaits fans near Boeing Field at the Museum of Flight’s “Jet Blast Bash.” Here, visitors can watch the Blue Angels taxi, take off, and land just yards away. While the stunts happen over the lake, this location gives aviation fans a behind-the-scenes experience, especially for those curious about the technical side of the team’s aircraft.
Tips for the Perfect Blue Angels Experience
- Arrive Early: Especially on Saturday and Sunday. Popular parks fill by mid-morning.
- Pack Essentials: Water, sunscreen, hats, and ear protection—jets are LOUD!
- Leave Pets at Home: Loud noise and crowds may overwhelm animals.
- Use Public Transit or Bikes: Parking is limited around key parks and festival areas.
- Check Flight Times: While subject to change, most Blue Angels shows begin at 3:35 p.m. sharp.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re wondering where to catch the aerial magic this Seafair, the best place to watch Blue Angels in Seattle still remains the scenic Lake Washington shoreline. Whether you grab a free spot at a neighborhood park, splurge for festival seating, or set sail for a floating front row, this is one summer weekend Seattleites won’t want to miss. Which spot will you pick for this unforgettable show? Let us know!