Expect some noticeable changes at Seattle summer staple Seafair this year.

For starters, the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight parade on July 26 is returning to its original nighttime schedule. The parade will also run along the newly transformed Seattle Waterfront instead of its traditional route on Fourth Avenue through downtown Seattle. The kickoff celebration on June 20 also returns to Pier 62 on the waterfront for the first time since prior to the pandemic. 

Under the theme “Bigger. Better. Bolder,” organizers promise more events, more days and expanded Fourth of July festivities at Gas Works and Lake Union parks. New air show performances include Bellingham professional aerobatic pilot Melissa Dawn Burns, and a contest hosted by professional wakeboarder Shuan Murray in partnership with Best Day Brewing, a non-alcoholic brewing company. 

The boating event, air show and festival also features its usual variety of activities, including parades, cultural festivals, the Seafair Pirates, the Blue Angels and Fleet Week.

Now in its 76th year, Seafair is offering a 76-hour “flash” sale for discounted tickets starting March 17.

Seafair named a new CEO after last year’s event, Emily Cantrell, a longtime Seattle business executive.