Published June 28 2018
Celebrate our nation’s birthday at the Bellevue Family 4th, the Eastside’s largest Independence Day event, on Wednesday, July 4, 2-10:40 p.m. at Downtown Park, 10201 NE 4th St.
Enjoying the festivities
The Bellevue Family 4th, presented by The Bellevue Collection, features live music, family entertainment, a food court and fireworks set to live music by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra at 10:05 p.m.The PACCAR Main Stage will feature live music by the Adrian Xavier Band at 3:45 p.m. (world reggae), Miller Campbell (country) at 5:30 p.m. and Free Rain (dance) at 7:15 p.m. The Bellevue Parks Family Fun Zone will include ticketed inflatables and free entertainment at 4 p.m. at the Family Plaza.
To set the stage for the fireworks, the Fire Department’s Honor Guard will present the colors followed by a performance of the national anthem by the Sammamish High School Jazz Choir — Totem Voices. More event details
For patriotic pups and their owners, the Bellevue Downtown Association is producing its Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk at Ashwood Park on July 4 at 9 a.m. The event benefits the city’s branch of the Seattle Humane Society. Dogs and their humans will take a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) stroll from Ashwood Park through the streets of north downtown, beginning at 9 a.m., with festivities upon their return to the park.
Getting there and back
Several streets will be closed for the Family 4th to keep people safe and minimize delays; early arrival is highly encouraged. Please be patient, observe posted signs and obey police officers directing traffic. Street closures before and after the event include:
- Westbound Northeast First Street will be closed between 100th and 102nd Avenue Northeast from 1 p.m. to midnight;
- Before the fireworks, starting about 9:30 p.m., streets closed to vehicle traffic will include: Northeast Fourth Street, 100th Avenue Northeast to Bellevue Way Northeast; Northeast First Street, 100th to 103rd Avenue Northeast; and 100th Avenue Northeast, Northeast First to Northeast Fifth Street;
- After the fireworks, restrictions will include: right turns prohibited from northbound 100th Avenue Northeast to Northeast Eighth Street, and from eastbound Northeast 10th Street to all side streets between 100th Avenue Northeast and Interstate 405; access to northbound I-405 from Northeast 10th Street will be via southbound 116th Avenue Northeast, then westbound Northeast Eighth Street; and
- After the event, left turns will be prohibited from southbound Bellevue Way to eastbound Northeast Fourth Street; drivers headed to I-90 or I-405 may continue south on Bellevue Way.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, take the bus or carpool to the event. Carpools on I-405 can use the HOV access ramps at Northeast Sixth Street.
Transit service to the Bellevue Transit Center (at Northeast Sixth Street and 108th Avenue Northeast) from Seattle and many surrounding areas is also available. Comprehensive information about travel options can be found at ChooseYourWayBellevue.org.
Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square North, Lincoln Square South and Bellevue Place. Parking for people with disabilities is located in the Red Lot off of 100th Avenue Northeast. For an efficient post-event exit, park at Lincoln Square or use the Bellevue Place garage and exit via Northeast 10th Street.
Staying safe
The Bellevue Fire Department reminds residents and visitors that the sale, use and possession of fireworks are prohibited. This ban has been in effect since 1994, and has significantly reduced the number of fires and injuries common with private fireworks use. The penalty for violations is $1,000.
Please be aware that dogs and other pets are not allowed at Downtown Park after 2 p.m. on Tuesday. In addition, grills, barbecues, camp stoves and other cooking devices are prohibited. Tents, shelters, canopies or other types of shelters are prohibited after 8 p.m.
Lastly, the Police Department urges attendees to “See Something, Say Something.” Be aware of the surroundings and immediately report suspicious activity to a police officer or event staff, and always call 911 in case of emergency.
The City of Bellevue and Bellevue Downtown Association co-produce the Bellevue Family 4th presented by The Bellevue Collection.
About the City of Bellevue
Known as a “City in a Park” with nearly 100 parks and a vast network of trails and greenbelts, Bellevue is the fifth largest city in Washington state. The Eastside city spans 33.5 square miles from Lake Washington to Lake Sammamish. As part of the Innovation Triangle, Bellevue is the high-tech and retail center with a downtown skyline of gleaming high-rises, a diverse population of approximately 140,000 and schools that are consistently rated among the best in the country.