Published June 30 2017
Up to 65,000 people are expected at Bellevue Downtown Park Tuesday 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 Family 4th – presented by The Bellevue Collection and PACCAR – runs from 2 to 10:40 p.m.
The Main Stage will feature live music by the Adrian Xavier Band (world reggae), the Sammy Steele Band (country) and the Nines! (a cover band featuring sounds of the ‘70s to today’s Hits). Live entertainment at the 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.
The display, synchronized to a live performance by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, will start at 10:05 p.m.
In addition to the Family 4th, the Bellevue Downtown Association is producing its Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk at Ashwood Park. The event, produced with support from Soma Towers, 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 also is available. Comprehensive information about travel options can be found at Chooseyourwaybellevue.org.Complimentary event parking is offered after 2 p.m. at Lincoln Square, Lincoln Square South and Bellevue Place, and after 6 p.m. at Bellevue Square. 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.
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.