Published June 28 2014
Up to 65,000 people are expected at Bellevue Downtown Park Monday for the annual July 4 fireworks display. The Family 4th event includes live music, inflatable toys and other entertainment in the afternoon.
Enjoying the festivities
The Bellevue Collection Bellevue Family 4th presented by PACCAR runs from 2 to 10:30 p.m.
The Republic Services Main Stage will feature live music by The Dimestore Prophets (feel good music), Tony Bridges Band (country) and Sway (cover band featuring rock, retro and today's hits). The Bellevue Parks & Community Services' fun zone will include ticketed inflatables and free entertainment.
The Bellevue Fire Department Honor Guard will present the colors before the fireworks display at 10:05 p.m. The fireworks will be synchronized to a live performance by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to the Family 4th, the Bellevue Downtown Association is producing its Aegis Living of Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk to benefit the city's branch of the Seattle Humane Society. Dogs and their humans will take a 4K (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 event to keep people safe and minimize delays. Most closures start at 9:30 p.m.; early arrival is highly encouraged. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be patient, observe posted signs and obey police officers directing traffic.
- Before the fireworks, streets closed to vehicle traffic will include: Northeast Fourth Street, 100th Avenue 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 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 I-405 from Northeast 10th Street will be via 116th Avenue Northeast.
- 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 also encouraged to walk, bike, take the bus or carpool to the event. Carpools on Interstate 405 can make use of 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 also is available. Comprehensive information about travel options can be found at www.Chooseyourwaybellevue.org.
Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place. Limited free parking also is available at the visitors lot at City Hall, 450 110th Avenue NE. 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. Penalties for violations start at $100 and can increase in cost as well as severity.
When attending the July 4 event at Downtown Park, be aware that dogs and other pets are not allowed in the park after 2 p.m. 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.