Published July 2 2019
Celebrate our nation’s birthday at the Bellevue Family 4th. The Eastside’s largest celebration offers fireworks and much more on Thursday, July 4, 2-10:40 p.m. at Downtown Park, 10201 NE Fourth St.
Enjoying the festivities
The Family 4th, presented by The Bellevue Collection, features live music, family entertainment, a food court and fireworks set to live music by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra at 10:05 p.m.
The lineup on the PACCAR Main Stage includes the Dimestore Prophets at 3:45 p.m. (feel good/groove), The Lowdown Drifters (country) at 5:30 p.m., and The Nines! (dance) at 7:15 p.m. The Parks Family Fun Zone will include ticketed inflatables and free activities and entertainment 2-9 p.m.
To set the stage for the fireworks, the Bellevue Fire Department’s Honor Guard will present the colors, followed by a performance of the national anthem by the International School iJazz Choir.
For patriotic pups and their owners, the Bellevue Downtown Association is producing its annual Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk at Ashwood Park, adjacent to Bellevue Library, at 9 a.m. The event benefits Seattle Humane in Bellevue. Dogs and their humans will take a 4-kilometer (~2.5-mile) route from Ashwood Park through the streets of north downtown, followed by a “paw-ty” 10 a.m.-noon at the park.
Getting there and back
Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, take the bus or carpool to the event. Holiday schedule transit service connects to and from the Bellevue Transit Center (at Northeast Sixth Street and 108th Avenue Northeast) with several bus routes in Bellevue, Seattle and other areas. Comprehensive information about travel options can be found at ChooseYourWayBellevue.org.
Several streets will be closed to vehicle traffic 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 avenues Northeast from 1 p.m. to midnight;
- Eastbound Northeast Fourth Street will be closed at 100th Avenue Northeast 6-11 p.m.;
- Before the fireworks, starting about 9 p.m., streets closed to vehicle traffic will include: Northeast Fourth Street from 100th Avenue Northeast to Bellevue Way Northeast; Northeast First Street, from 100th Avenue Northeast to 103rd Avenue Northeast; and 100th Avenue Northeast, from Northeast First Street 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; drivers on Northeast 10th Street heading to Interstate 405 should continue east, turn right on 116th Avenue Northeast, then right on Northeast Eighth Street and follow the signs for I-405 ramps.
- 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.
Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at The Bellevue Collection: Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. Parking for people with disabilities can be found in Downtown Park’s “Red Lot” off 100th Avenue Northeast. A drop-off area is located on the west side of the park on 100th Avenue Northeast. Please note the street and drop-off area is closed 9:30-11:30, or until police reopen following the fireworks. 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.
Please be aware that dogs and other pets are not allowed at Downtown Park after 2 p.m. on Thursday. In addition, grills, barbecues, camp stoves and other cooking devices are prohibited. Small tents or canopies are allowed outside of the concert seating area until 8 p.m.
The City of Bellevue and Bellevue Downtown Association co-produce the Bellevue Family 4th.