Various updates this afternoon as the biggest Seafair events get closer – for one, Metro has issued a transit advisory for Saturday, including some West Seattle bus routes- plus, the Museum of Flight is out with more details of its “Blue Angels Week” activities while the Navy flyers are based there next week (just over the ridge from West Seattle) – and more – click ahead!

First, from Metro, the Seafair Torchlight Parade travel advisory:

The annual Seafair Torchlight Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30.
Riding Metro Transit to the festivities can eliminate some of the hassles of driving
and parking, especially with so many people in attendance and so many street
closures.

People usually begin staking out good spots along the Fourth Avenue parade route in downtown Seattle throughout the day, but then tend to leave downtown all at once in the evening.

Metro will have extra buses on standby to ease some of the expected overloads on regular routes that serve downtown Seattle, and is temporarily moving some bus stops to avoid post-parade gridlock.

It’s important to “know before you go” about possible reroutes and where to board buses. Be sure to find out in advance what the weekend schedule is like for the routes serving your area. Expect traffic congestion, which could delay buses.

On Saturday, some Metro buses will be rerouted away from the parade set up as early as mid-afternoon. A good option is traveling to downtown via the transit tunnel. Just be sure to plan your trip home before the last bus or light rail train leaves the tunnel Saturday night.

In the evening, there will be a special boarding location for four busy routes – the 21, 54, 55 and 120. These routes headed southbound out of downtown will board mid-block on Third Avenue between Pike Street and Union Street. Those routes will not be boarding passengers at their regular stop just north of Pike Street after 6 p.m.

The West Seattle Water Taxi may be a good alternative for people coming from West Seattle, but know that the last return sailing leaves Pier 50 in Seattle at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. Sound Transit will be operating two-car trains on Link light rail after the parade.

Visit Metro Online for information about bus service on Saturday. Use the online Trip Planner to figure out the routes that work best for you, and check the Alerts Center under “Construction & Events” to get information about service disruptions and bus reroutes. Or, call Metro’s Customer Information Office at (206) 553-3000 for assistance.

Don’t forget to watch for Metro’s RapidRide bus in the big parade on Saturday, as it rolls toward the launch of the B Line on the Eastside this October.

P.S. If you’re going downtown – you can go early for the “Taste of Torchlight” Saturday afternoon at Seattle Center. Not a food festival – it’s a “fanfest on the Seattle Center grounds from 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
where attendees can view floats, peruse interactive booths.”

Now, from the Museum of Flight, the rundown for what just might be its biggest week of the year:

The world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels star in the Boeing Air Show at Seafair’s Albert Lee Cup hydroplane races. The Museum of Flight is again Blue Angels’ headquarters during the team’s entire Seafair stay. Museum hours will be extended – opening one hour earlier – Friday Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Indoor programs are free with Museum admission.

Museum visitors will be able see the jets up close from Thursday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 7. Activities include the team’s precise pre-flight walkdowns, thrilling formation takeoffs and the chance to see some of the Navy’s finest pilots as they return from their practice sessions and show performances.

Wells Fargo Free First Thursday
Thursday, Aug. 4, 5 to 9 p.m.
Once a month, the Museum stays open late – for free. Enjoy the Museum’s Great Gallery, Airpark, Personal Courage Wing, the new Soaring at Sea: 100 Years of Naval Aviation exhibit and more from 5 to 9 p.m., courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings Café will also remain open for the extended hours on this night.

Bank of America Weekend Family Workshop
August 5 through 7, Noon to 3 p.m.
Blue Angels Mania!
We’ve got the blues…but we’re happy about it! Once again the spectacular Blue Angels are visiting Seattle and The Museum of Flight. In celebration, all Blues fans are invited to stop by the Museum’s activity area to make fabulous Blue Angels souvenirs.

Lecture and Book Signing
Sled Driver
Blackbird Pilot Brian Shul
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Aug. 5 through 7, 2:30 p.m.
Photographer, author, pilot and showman Brian Shul shares stories and photos from his experience as a “sled driver” – an SR-71 Blackbird pilot. The presentation is based upon his book, “Sled Driver,” which features Shul’s dazzling photography and insightful prose to illustrate what it is like to fly the world’s fastest, highest-flying jet, the SR-71 Blackbird. Shul’s program includes riveting accounts of Mach 3 runs over hostile territory and stargazing at 80,000 feet. This marks the 19th year Shul has appeared at the Museum during Blue Angels week. Shul has also traveled the air show circuit with the Blue Angels for his book “Blue Angels: A Portrait of Gold.” The program is free with admission to the Museum.

Also remember the Alaskan Way Viaduct closures this weekend – details here.