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How to spend your Fourth, plus 18 things to do in Seattle this week

Next week’s Seattle events roundup is coming at you early as we get ready for next week’s big holiday. There are so many places for you to watch fireworks on Tuesday and lots of ways to have fun that aren’t all about America, too. Take a look at next weekend: there’s a bubble flash mob and a pirate invasion happening on the same day — so good luck choosing what to do with your Saturday, fun-lovers.

MONDAY
Celebrate the Locks’ big birthday. The Ballard Locks turn 100 on July 4th, but the party starts early. There’ll be family fun and a live broadcast of “All Things Considered” with KNKX. Plus, look out for the boat parade happening next Sunday. (Ballard)

Listen to some patriotic tunes. The Seattle Wind Symphony and singers will perform American classics for their Star-Spangled Spectacular. (Downtown)

TUESDAY 🇺🇸
Yay America! Go to a rooftop barbecue or a daylong party at Gas Works or on Bainbridge. You could even bring the family on a tour of old neighborhoods on a vintage trolley. And when the sun goes down, head to one of the spots in this roundup of the best places to watch the fireworks.

Welcome new citizens. Watch more than 500 new Americans pledge allegiance to the flag at their naturalization ceremony. Navy Band Northwest will play and Mayor Ed Murray will emcee. (Queen Anne)

WEDNESDAY
Have a better lunch break. Starting today, there’ll be free outdoor concerts going on downtown until September 1. Concerts will run 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Mondays, and 12 to 1:30 p.m. all other weekdays. (Downtown)

THURSDAY
Honor our region’s Native roots. Watch a social justice documentary about two Pacific Northwest tribes and participate in a Q&A with tribal members and the filmmakers. Come early for pre-show songs and drumming. (University District)

Read outside, with company. Bring a book to First Hill for an outdoor reading party with snacks, drinks, and live piano music. (First Hill)

Fold some origami. You’ll get paper and instructions, plus free entry into the Seattle Japanese Garden. (Madison Park)

FRIDAY
Try over 200 brews…or a boatload of fish
. The Seattle International Beerfest goes through the weekend. Or if you’re feeling hungry, the Ballard SeafoodFest has been feeding us since 1974 and it’s back for another round of tastiness. Reader Stephanie Carrillo told us they need volunteers to make it happen — psst, you get a free salmon dinner if you sign up.

Ride your bike at night. A 15-mile ride will take you through a few of Seattle’s neighborhoods. There’ll be mid-point entertainment and an after-party. Don’t forget your bike light! (Ballard)

SATURDAY
It’s a pirate invasion. Put on your eyepatch and watch our Seafair Pirates storm the beach. Yarrr. ⚔️ (Alki)

Bubble attack! There’s gonna be a surprise bubble flash mob downtown, and you’re invited to join in. Basically, you act casual until a specific moment, then everyone breaks out into bubble blowing until the flash mob is over, when you’ll go back to your day as if nothing happened. (Location TBA)

SUNDAY
‘Has the experience of being Black in Seattle even really changed?’
Watch a short film made for employee training in 1968 that follows the journey of a black man in Seattle as he’s hired and trained at a mostly white company. Then, discuss the changing (or unchanging) Seattle with the actor who played the man in the film. (North Beacon Hill)

March Against Injustice. Advocate for police accountability at this march for Philando Castile, a black Minnesota man who was shot and killed by police last year. (Central District)

Going to one of these events? We’d love to hear how it goes. Send us your thoughts and maybe a pic to [email protected] and we’ll share it back.