Since the weekend traffic alerts start early this time around – with I-90 closures for the Blue Angels each of the next four days – SDOT is already out with its citywide weekend traffic advisory. Those closures are part of it, and there’s more, ahead:

Two of the biggest events of Seafair are gearing up to thrill and chill the crowds on the shores of Lake Washington this coming weekend of August 6 and 7 – the Seafair Hydroplane Races and Blue Angels Air Shows. In addition, two annual community Seafair celebrations are on the line-up for the weekend as well – the Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival and Parade and the Lake City Pioneer Days Festival and Parade. Motorists should allow extra travel time for possible traffic delays associated with the events, particularly if needing to cross Lake Washington with I-90 being closed periodically during Blue Angel Practice and Performance fly-overs; please see the schedule below for more information.

To help reduce traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and frustration, the Seattle Department of Transportation encourages event-goers to consider leaving the car at home and trying one of the many alternate modes of transportation available – Metro Transit, the West Seattle Water Taxi, the Sounder commuter train, Link light rail, car pool, bicycle or even walking, if feasible.

Thursday, August 4

Blue Angels Air Show Practice:

I-90 will be closed twice between I-5 and Island Crest Way: 9:45 a.m. –12 noon
and
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Friday, August 5

Seafair Hydroplane Races and Air Show: 8: 30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

On and above Lake Washington – hydroplane qualifying and air show practice
Closed 6 a.m. Friday, August 5 to 9 a.m. Monday, August 8: Lake Washington Boulevard S between Mount Baker Beach and 49th Avenue S.

Blue Angels Air Show Practice:
I – 90 will be closed between I-5 and Island Crest Way: 12:45 – 2:40 p.m.

Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Judkins Park
4,900 attending
Expect congestion on streets surrounding the park.

Saturday, August 6

Seafair Hydroplane Races and Air Show: 8: 30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

On and above Lake Washington – hydroplane qualifying and air show practice
Closed 6 a.m. Friday, August 5 to 9 a.m. Monday, August 8: Lake Washington Blvd. S. between Mount Baker Beach and 49th Avenue S
Blue Angels Air Show Performance:
Closed 12:45 – 2:40 p.m.: I-90 from I-5 to Island Crest Way for Blue Angels Air Show Practice.

Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Judkins Park
4,900 attending
Expect congestion on streets surrounding the park.

Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival Parade: 12 Noon

4,650 expected
10:30 a.m.: Staging is on 23rd Avenue between E Union Street and E Madison Street.
Parade route: Starts at 23rd Avenue E and E Union; heads south on 23rd to S Norman Street; then west on Norman into Judkins Park.

Lake City Pioneer Days Festival: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

NE 125th Street between 26th Avenue NE and Lake City Way NE
6,150 attending
Streets closed from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.: NE 125th between 26th NE and Lake City Way NE.

Lake City Pioneer Days Grand Performance Parade: Kids parade – 6 p.m.; Grand Parade – 7 p.m.

Lake City Business District
2,226 attending
4 p.m.: Staging on Lake City Way NE between NE 137th and NE 135th streets, and side streets to the west.
Parade route: starts at Lake City Way NE and NE 135th Street; heads south on Lake City Way to NE 123rd Street; east on 123rd to 32nd Avenue NE.

Sunday, August 7

Seafair Hydroplane Races and Air Show: 8: 30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
On and above Lake Washington – hydroplane qualifying and air show practice

Closed 6 a.m. Friday, August 5 to 9 a.m. Monday, August 8: Lake Washington Blvd. S between Mount Baker Beach and 49th Avenue S.

Blue Angels Air Show Performance:
Closed 12:45 – 2:40 p.m.: I-90 from I-5 to Island Crest Way for Blue Angels Air Show Practice.

Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Judkins Park
4,900 attending
Expect congestion on streets surrounding the park.