SEATTLE — The Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade returns to the Seattle waterfront Saturday evening for its second year along the scenic route after making its waterfront debut last year.
The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature illuminated floats, marching bands, cultural performances and longtime Seafair attractions as participants embrace this year’s “Light Up the Night” theme with lights and bold displays.
Map of the Torchlight Parade route
Spectators can expect performances from dragon dancers, precision drill teams, marching bands and prancing horses throughout the parade.
Festivities begin earlier in the day with activities at Pier 58 and Pier 62.
A Seafair Color Me Interactive Coloring Wall opens at Pier 58 at 1 p.m., while the With Love, Seattle Interactive Love Notes installation and a beer garden both open at Pier 62 at 1 p.m.
Musician Stephanie Anne Johnson is scheduled to perform on the Pier 62 Main Stage from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. DJ Roscoe will perform from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Reserved seating along the parade route opens at 5:30 p.m.
Before the parade, participants can take part in the Kaiser Permanente Seafair Torchlight Run, which begins at 6 p.m. along the parade route.
Organizers encourage spectators to arrive early to cheer on runners before the evening parade begins.
Getting to Torchlight Parade
The parade takes place along Seattle’s waterfront between Broad St and Yesler Way. Streets along the parade route will be busy, so we encourage you to plan your trip early, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).
Walking, biking, or taking transit is a great way to skip the traffic and find a good spot to watch, SDOT said.
Expect temporary reroutes due to heavy crowds and street closures, according to SDOT.
Ways to get to the parade:
- Waterfront Shuttle: Catch a FREE ride on the Waterfront Shuttle through 10 p.m. on Saturday. The shuttle’s usual route will be adjusted for the parade. For the latest information, visit King County Metro’s service advisories page.
- Link light rail: Westlake, Symphony, and Pioneer Square stations are all a short walk from the parade route. Visit Sound Transit’s website for more information.
- Monorail: Connects to Seattle Center and Westlake Center. Learn more.
- Streetcar: There are two streetcar lines in Seattle. The First Hill Line stops near Westlake Center.
- Bus: Seattle’s busiest transit corridor is 3rd Ave, just a few blocks from the festivities. King County Metro has a Trip Planner to help you find the best route.
- Bike paths: Here’s a simplified bike map of the downtown area, and you can find an interactive bike map of the city here.
- Water Taxi: Coming from West Seattle? Consider taking the King County Water Taxi for direct service to Pier 50. Local buses connect the West Seattle Water Taxi terminal with West Seattle’s Alki, Admiral District, and Alaska Junction.
- If you drive, please give yourself extra time and expect some road closures near the route.
