The Must List: KEXP Rocks the Dock, Fourth of July Fun and More
Your guide to Seattle's hottest events.
By Seattle Magazine Staff June 29, 2017
MUST MEET THE MARKETFRONT
Pike Place MarketFront Grand Opening
(6/29) Unless you’ve been living under a busker’s accordion case, you know that Pike Place Market has undergone a massive expansion. The $74 million addition, which we got a sneak peek of earlier this week, officially debuts Thursday. The new MarketFront’s grand opening party features public art, craft demos and performances from Seattle soul queen Grace Love, the Dip and the Pazific. Free. 2-7 p.m. 1901 Western Ave., pikeplacemarket.org
MUST ROCK THE WATER
KEXP Rocks the Dock
(7/1) If our forefathers were here to celebrate Fourth of July weekend with tube meat and explosives, they’d remind us to never forget to rock. Seattle’s indie radio darling answers this important call, kicking off a summer series of waterfront events Saturday with KEXP Rocks the Dock. A solid lineup led by Portland faves the Thermals takes a stage nestled between the Great Wheel and the aquarium. Because it’s apparently Canada Day, Vancouver indie-rocker Louise Burns joins the bill also featuring locals Bread & Butter and Jenn Champion. The run of family friendly cultural events, spearheaded by nonprofit Friends of Waterfront Seattle, continues through Labor Day. Free. 3-8 p.m. 1401 Alaskan Way, www.friendsofwaterfrontseattle.org
MUST SET SAIL
Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
(7/1–7/4) There’s a lot to dive into at the Center for Wooden Boats’ (CWB) annual celebration of all things nautical (including a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-completed Wagner Education Center). Board the museum’s visiting vessels and view the historic ships; explore pond boat sailing, paddle boating, toy boat building and a free public sail on Sunday. All day. Free. Center for Wooden Boats at South Lake Union Park, 1010 Valley St.; cwb.org
MUST UNIFY
Naturalization Ceremony
(7/4) Kick off your Fourth of July festivities with an event that celebrates the diversity that makes America great. Watch as more than 400 people from countries all around the world become naturalized citizens of the United States. The United States Navy Band will join Mayor Ed Murray in welcoming the new citizens. Band performs at 11 a.m., citizenship ceremony at noon. Free. Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; seattlecenter.com
MUST SEE FIREWORKS
Seafair Summer 4th
(7/4) For more traditional explosions-in-the-sky Fourth of July fun, head to Gas Works and Lake Union parks. Nearly 8,500 pounds of fireworks will beautifully blow up over Lake Union around 10:20 p.m., but the party starts at noon with live music at Gas Works, featuring local indie rockers Pickwick, Smokey Brights and many more. General admission is free, but reserved seating for primo fireworks viewing costs up to $60. God bless America? Times, prices and locations vary; www.seafair.com
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