Seafair Weekend brings the Blue Angels back to Puget Sound to perform in the Boeing Seafair Air Show. These performances are widely anticipated by kids and adults alike, and we’ve got a great view of them right here on Mercer Island.
Here are the details you need to know:
The Washington State Department of Transportation announced that it will not close the I-90 floating bridge for any part of the annual Seafair Airshow.
According to WSDOT, the Blue Angels will be performing on a new flight path that eliminates the need for the I-90 bridge closure. In the past, the Federal Aviation Administration required WSDOT to close the bridge to maintain public safety and minimize distractions.
The new flight path will take place further south than previous years, so the visibility of the show may change from Mercer Island.
Air Show Schedule 2022
Note: Schedule is subject to change
Friday 8/5/22
11:10 am – Golden Knights Performance
1:05 pm – F35 Lightning II Performance
2 pm – Aerobatic Performance
3 pm – Blue Angels Performance
Saturday 8/6/22
11:05 am – Aerobatic Performance
11:50 am – Golden Knights Performance
12:25 pm – Aerobatic Performance
1:05 pm – F35 Lightning II Performance
3 pm – Blue Angels Performance
Sunday 8/7/22
10:55 am – Aerobatic Performance
11:50 am – Golden Knights Performance
1:05 pm – F35 Lightning II Performance
1:35 pm – Aerobatic Performance
2:50 pm – Boeing Seafair Flyover (feat. Boeing KC-46A Pegasus and P-8A Poseidon)
3 pm – Blue Angels Performance
For the most current schedule details, visit the Boeing Seafair Air Show official page.
Where to watch the Blue Angels perform
Here are suggested vantage points to watch from Mercer Island:
Aubrey Davis Park, also known as “The Lid”
72nd Ave SE & SE 22nd St
The Lid is an expansive park built on top of I-90 to protect the neighborhood from freeway disturbances. The “I-90 Trail” also runs through The Lid, which you can follow down to the I-90 Bridge, where you can also get a great view of the air show performances.
60th Ave SE Landings
Though parking may be limited, there are several small parks (also called “landings”) along 60th Ave SE that provide favorable vantage points for the show. These spots include Calkins Landing, Slater Park, and Garfield Landing. (Note: Proctor Landing will be closed to the public for officials’ use during Seafair.)
Groveland Beach Park
80th Ave SE & SE 58th St
Groveland Beach Park is a great westside beach where you can relax on a picnic blanket, jump in the lake to beat the heat, and kids can play on a nearby playground. This year, it may provide an ideal location for watching the Blue Angels, since the Blue Angels flight path will take place further south than in previous years.
Lake Washington
There’s nothing like watching the Blue Angels from a boat or a floatie on Lake Washington. Tie up with your friends, sit back, relax, and enjoy! Kayakers and paddle boards may find the water choppy, but anyone on a floatie may enjoy bobbing up and down as boats maneuver past. Don’t forget lifejackets!
For information on the Boeing Seafair Air Show, visit: www.seafair.org/airshow
