The iconic blue angels seattle are officially back for Seafair 2025, bringing their world-renowned aerial precision to the Emerald City this weekend. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will gear up for their 2025 Seafair Air Show performances with practice runs on Thursday, continuing their tradition despite ongoing grassroots opposition.
Table of Contents
Practice Sessions Begin Today
The Blue Angels will perform two practice runs on Thursday, July 31st from 11:00AM-1:00PM and 3:30PM-4:40PM. These practice sessions offer Seattle residents and visitors their first opportunity to witness the team’s signature diamond formations and high-speed maneuvers over Lake Washington.
Their practice shows will continue Thursday and Friday (July 31-August 1), with their official shows as part of Seafair’s big weekend scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 2-3.
Official Air Show Weekend Schedule
The Boeing Seafair Air Show runs from August 1-3, with the Blue Angels serving as the grand finale each day. This year they’ll be the airshow finale both days so they’re not scheduled to fly until around 3:35 pm.
Key Performance Times:
- Friday, August 1: Air show performances from 3:40PM-4:50PM
- Saturday, August 2: 3:35 PM – 4:50 PM (approximate)
- Sunday, August 3: 3:35 PM – 4:50 PM (approximate)
The precision flying team will showcase their signature maneuvers including the diamond formation, solo performances, and the breathtaking opposing solos that bring F/A-18 Super Hornets within mere feet of each other at speeds exceeding 400 mph.
Read also-Best Place to Watch Blue Angels in Seattle
Best Free Viewing Locations
Seattle offers numerous free spots to catch the Blue Angels over Seafair weekend — no ticket required. Top viewing locations include:
- Seward Park: Offers unobstructed views of the flight path
- Mercer Island parks: Popular for families seeking prime viewing spots
- Lincoln Park: West Seattle location with excellent sightlines
- Genesee Park: High elevation provides panoramic views
What Makes This Year Special
The Blue Angels team, which was founded in 1946, aims to showcase the professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The elite group travels the country putting on airshows for 11 million spectators each year.
The 2025 performances mark another milestone in Seattle’s aviation heritage. The team’s six F/A-18 Super Hornets will demonstrate the pinnacle of military aviation excellence, with pilots executing maneuvers that require split-second timing and unwavering precision.
Transportation and Logistics
Seafair weekend traditionally draws massive crowds to the Lake Washington area. Visitors should plan for heavy traffic and consider public transportation options. The festival runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, though the Blue Angels performances remain the weekend’s highlight.
Parking fills up quickly near prime viewing locations, so arriving early ensures better positioning for the aerial spectacle. Many Seattle residents host viewing parties from residential areas with clear southern exposure toward the lake.
Looking Ahead
Seafair’s CEO confirms the Blue Angels will perform as planned this weekend, and again in 2026, despite a grassroots movement to ground the planes. This commitment ensures Seattle’s aviation tradition continues for future generations.
The blue angels seattle performances have become synonymous with summer in the Pacific Northwest, representing one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. Their return solidifies Seafair’s position as the premier boating and aviation festival on the West Coast.
Weather conditions appear favorable for this weekend’s performances, with clear skies expected to provide optimal viewing conditions for the thousands of spectators anticipated throughout the Puget Sound region.
Whether you’re a longtime aviation enthusiast or experiencing the Blue Angels for the first time, this weekend promises an unforgettable display of aerial artistry that continues to captivate audiences across generations. Share your best viewing spots and photos in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your Seafair Blue Angels experience!