SEATTLE, WA — All major Seafair events planned this summer will be postponed until 2021, due to ongoing public health concerns related to the coronavirus, organizers announced Wednesday. Canceled events include Seafair Summer 4th on Lake Union, the Torchlight Parade through downtown Seattle, and the annual weekend festival and air show on Lake Washington.
A notice posted on the Seafair website said ticketholders for this year’s events will hear from organizers via e-mail shortly.
“We are deeply disappointed but together we will get through this emergency,” said Eric Corning, CEO of Seafair. “Events will be an important part of our recovery, and we look forward to working with our sponsorship partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to produce a festival with the Blue Angels, fireworks, pirates, clowns, parades, and all of the neighborhood community events.”
Seafair events typically draw hundreds of thousands of visitors over the summer months, staffed by a team that includes over 3,000 volunteers. According to a news release, the Blue Angels have already committed to return for next year’s air show, now scheduled for August 6 – 8, 2021.
Canceled 2020 Seafair Events
- July 4: Seafair Summer 4th
- July 11: Seafair Milk Carton Derby
- July 19: Seafair Triathlon
- July 25: Torchlight Run
- July 25: Alaska Airlines Torchlight Parade
- July 31 – Aug. 2: Weekend Festival, Boeing Seafair Airshow, and Homestreet Bank Cup
Seafair’s announcement is the latest blow to Seattle’s summer calendar, following several other high-profile cancellations in recent weeks, including Seattle Pride events and Fremont Summer Solstice celebrations. Planned Fourth of July fireworks festivities has been canceled in several cities across the region, with officials citing restrictions on public gatherings that are expected to remain in place through the holiday.
