West Seattle parking restrictions for Seafair Torchlight Parade floats’ annual side trip

A stretch of Harbor Avenue is lined with “no parking” signs right now because of what you might consider the Seafair Torchlight Parade floats’ side trip – some of the visiting floats park on port property (Jack Block Park/Terminal 5) before and after tonight’s parade, and need the full width of the street when they convoy in and out. (The parade is on Alaskan Way along the downtown waterfront for the second year, and starts on the (corrected) north end at 7:30 pm, heading south. We checked with Metro earlier this week for those taking the Water Taxi to the parade; it’s following its regular Saturday night schedule.)

Fred July 25, 2026 (3:49 pm)

Are you sure it starts at the south end. I’m seeing it starts at the north end at 7:30 and heads to the south.Seafair Parade 2026

WSB July 25, 2026 (4:38 pm)

Reply

You are correct. It’s an error I make occasionally – for some reason in my mind’s eye I see south to north instead of north to south. Fixing.

Eddie July 25, 2026 (7:12 pm)

There were folks claiming prime parade watch locations at 8:30 am this morning, during the height of cruise ship lineups.

Anne July 26, 2026 (6:43 pm)

Reply

Our family did that when parade route was on 4th Ave. Two us would get dropped off early – maybe 9am – we’d set up chairs & blankets- people watch – the rest of the family would show up at various times later in the day. The Torchlight Parade was a big deal once upon a time & getting a great place to watch was a family tradition.