Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!More Than Just Fireworks
We just passed the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — and if you’ve been outside lately, you can feel it. The light lingers late into the evening and the warmer summer days make the Pacific Northwest one of the most beautiful places anywhere. And we’re also approaching one of my family’s favorite summer holidays. For us, Independence Day always feels like the first big celebration of summer.
This year holds a remarkable milestone: 250 years. On July 4, 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain, an act that would go on to shape the course of democratic governance across the world. It’s a milestone worth reflecting on (even if your feelings about our country right now are complicated).
Learning about history and spending time in my community are two things that help me when the news cycle feels overwhelming. So this week, I’m looking forward to dusting off my Hamilton soundtrack, watching a few historical programs with my family and heading out to community events. There are plenty of local opportunities to do just that this week.
Come back every Monday for more outing ideas and explore the community resources at the bottom of this column if you’re looking for ways to give back or if you need support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for fresh posts and weekend reminders.
Jump to a section:
Free Fun
Where to Celebrate Independence Day!
Friday, July 3:
Mountlake Terrace 3rd of July Celebration
Festivities run from 6-10:30 p.m.
Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Bring the family to Ballinger Park on Friday for games, music, a pie-eating contests, and fireworks over the lake.
There will be no general parking at Ballinger Park. ADA parking and drop-off access will be available in designated areas. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, use rideshare services or take transit. Free parking is available at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center, and paid parking is available at the Nile Shrine.
Saturday, July 4:
Edmonds Kind of 4th of July Parade and Family Fun Run
Festivities run from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Note: Edmonds no longer hosts a fireworks show as part of its festivities.
Kick off Independence Day with a full morning of family fun in downtown Edmonds. The celebration begins with the Family Fun Run and Senior Saunter at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:45 a.m. The free Children’s Parade starts at 11:30 a.m., and the beloved Edmonds Kind of 4th Parade kicks off at noon. Food trucks will be serving throughout the day, and organizers encourage attendees to review road closures and parking information before heading downtown.
Everett’s Colors of Freedom Festival presented by Boeing
Festivities run from 11 a.m.-10:45 p.m.
Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
The day begins with a downtown parade at 11 a.m., followed by the Colors of Freedom Festival at Legion Memorial Park starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy food, fun and live entertainment.
The night ends with the Thunder on the Bay fireworks show over Port Gardner Bay at approximately 10:15 p.m., featuring an 18-minute display.
Parking near Legion Memorial Park is limited, with shuttle or transit service encouraged for festival access.
Kingston 4th of July Celebration
Festivities run from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Fireworks start at 10:15 p.m.
Hop on the Washington State Ferries Edmonds–Kingston route and enjoy a ride on the water to a full day of fun. Walk-on ferry travel is strongly recommended on the holiday, as vehicle lines can be very long and subject to delays. Children and teens 18 and younger ride free on the ferry as long as they are passengers or walking onboard.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., a parade at noon with a Ball Race following, inflatables and kids’ activities in Tiny Town, live music, food vendors, free hot dogs for kids, a beer garden and fireworks over the Port of Kingston Harbor at 10:15 p.m. See the full event schedule and check out the ferry schedule to plan your trip.
Fireworks Reminder: Be Safe & Courteous
South County Fire said it responds to more emergency calls on July 4th than any other day of the year. The use of fireworks is illegal in most Snohomish County cities, but there are many places you can see them on display. Learn more about local firework laws.
To report illegal fireworks, call 425-407-3999 (only use 911 for emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life or property).
Always keep a close eye on kids during celebrations — sparklers burn at up to 2,000°F and are a top cause of fireworks injuries in young children. Fireworks can also disturb pets, wildlife, veterans and neighbors, so please be considerate.
Sea Notes: Free Summer Concert Series at the Marina
Running through Aug. 3 at the Mary Lou Block Public Plaza (458 Admiral Way)
The Port of Edmonds has kicked off its free summer concert series, Sea Notes. Performances happen on most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, featuring a mix of student musicians and professional performers, including jazz combos, jam sessions and guitar showcases, all with Puget Sound views as the backdrop. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic or grab a seat at Anthony’s Beach Café and enjoy it from there.
Performances this week:
- Wednesday, July 1, 6-8 p.m.: EWHS Jazz Combo Jam
- Thursday, July 2, 6-8 p.m.: Luke Richardson Jazz Trio
- Friday, July 3, 6-8 p.m.: Deep Sea Jazz Jam Session
- Sunday, July 5, 2-4 p.m.: Songwriter Sunday with Kellee Bradley and CJ Migas
Celebrate Pride Month at Drag Bingo
Tuesday, June 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Bar Americano in Edmonds
Adults 21+ can come enjoy the final activity in a busy calendar of Pride activities that happened this month with Drag Bingo at Bar Americano, hosted by Crystyl Jywyl Box with TPAT Productions.
LEGO Club, Game Time and more at Sno-Isle Libraries
Sno‑Isle Libraries regularly hosts a variety of free, family friendly events — such as baby and toddler story times, book talks, crafts and community gatherings — across its branches and online year-round. Find one at the library near you and check out some books to read while you’re there.
On Tuesday, June 30 from 4-5:30 p.m., kids and teens can drop in to the Edmonds Library to play Nintendo Switch favorites like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and more in a casual, all-ages gaming hangout. Snacks will be provided.
Got a kid age 5 or older who loves everything LEGO? On Friday, July 3, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Brier Library, have fun building and creating with the LEGO Club. The library provides the bricks and kids bring the creativity. Drop in anytime during the hour-long session to design your own creation and share it with fellow builders.
Registration is required for many events, so check out Sno-Isle Libraries’ event calendar link below for more details.
Silver Creek Indoor Playpark
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays
Need to get out of the house? Bring young kids to the free Indoor Playpark at Lynnwood’s Silver Creek Family Church to hang out and play. Parents can enjoy some coffee or tea while kids play with indoor toys.
Cheap Thrills
Many Flags, Many Stories: Explore MOHAI’s New Exhibit
MOHAI — 860 Terry Ave. N. in Seattle’s Lake Union Park
Exhibit runs July 3-Nov. 15.
Just in time for Independence Day, MOHAI (the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle) is opening a new exhibit called For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag.
Attendees can explore how the American flag has functioned as a symbol across moments of unity, protest, conflict and change, with artifacts that range from a burial flag belonging to a Japanese American soldier from the 442nd Infantry Regiment to the flag carried by the “Boys in the Boat” at the 1936 Olympics. Visitors can also participate by honoring fallen service members, writing their own version of the Pledge of Allegiance and contributing to a collective fiber art piece. The exhibit is included with general admission.
Seattle & Everett Sports Events this week
The FIFA World Cup is bringing plenty of local action this week. On Wednesday, July 1, Lumen Field hosts Belgium vs. Senegal in a Round of 32 match at 1 p.m. And soccer fans have extra reason to watch closely: If the U.S. defeats Bosnia and Herzegovina the same day (in the Bay Area), the USMNT would head to Seattle for a match at Lumen Field on Monday, July 6. Even if you don’t have tickets, there are plenty of soccer-themed local events and Fan Zones for sports fans to watch the action from.
The Mariners are home at T-Mobile Park all week, hosting the Los Angeles Angels Monday through Thursday, then welcoming the Toronto Blue Jays starting Friday, July 3 for a holiday weekend series running through Sunday. Saturday’s July 4th game starts at 1:10 p.m., a perfect afternoon option for the holiday.
Up in Everett, the AquaSox are home at Funko Field hosting the Tri-City Dust Devils in a series Tuesday through Sunday, including a Fourth of July game headlined by the biggest fireworks show of the season. A special pre-game BBQ ticket package will also be available.
The Storm round out the holiday weekend at home, returning to Seattle on Saturday, July 4 to host the Portland Fire at 6 p.m. after a road game in Phoenix on Thursday, July 2.
See more of the schedule here:
Try local drop-in childcare options
Need a night off from parenting? Several local spots offer childcare with an evening of fun for kids.
- Drop-in childcare at KidsPark in Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Drop-in playcare at Time4Kidz Lynnwood. Flexible schedules.
- Lynnwood Rec Center’s Parent’s Night Out. 6-9:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday every month.
Get your game on at Around the Table Boardgame Pub
Don’t miss out on this lively destination in Lynnwood for families and friends with tons of board games on site that you can play together from classics to new favorites. Enjoy ice cream, treats and a library of games to play.
While the regular calendar lists tabletop‑gaming events, prereleases and league nights, the core appeal is that you can drop in any day to choose from hundreds of games and play at your pace, making it a great hangout for kids, teens and adults alike. It is easy to organize casual meet‑ups (like board game afternoons), and the friendly staff can help you find games that suit your group.
Public swim sessions at Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds pools
Schedules vary, see pool sites for details.
Open swim sessions generally charge a fee of less than $10 per person.
We’re lucky to live in a region with multiple indoor and outdoor heated pools to help us get some recreation in during the dark, rainy months. My family has a membership to the Lynnwood Rec Center, and we love attending the open swim sessions for a fun, budget-friendly outing.
- Lynnwood Rec Center Pool: Multiple open swim and rec swim sessions happen each week, featuring a recreation pool with two water slides, a lazy river, water playground, spray features and more. See the pool schedule and register ahead to reserve your spot.
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion Pool: Warm water, a lazy river, sauna and more. What’s not to love? See the full schedule to plan your visit.
- Yost Pool in Edmonds: Yost makes for a fun outside option for people who want to experience a heated pool outdoors. See the full schedule to plan a visit.
Beginner skate lessons at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Lessons 11 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. Drop-in sessions 11 a.m.-noon Sundays at
6210 200th St. S.W. in Lynnwood.
Please note that this week’s schedule may be affected by holidays. Call to confirm.
Sign up for weekly lessons for kids and adults. Lessons include a 30‑minute instruction period followed by 30 minutes of practice, taught by national‑level coach Ezra Thompson. Learn skills like balance, stopping and forward and backward skating, with more advanced skills offered in a Level 2 course.
A four-week session costs $120, including open skate time. There’s also a Sunday drop-in option for $30 that includes a practice session.
Public skate sessions at Lynnwood Ice Center
19803 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood
Whether your family loves skating, hockey or just trying something new, the Lynnwood Ice Center has something for everyone, including open skate sessions and stick-and-puck sessions and even “theater on ice.” It’s a safe and welcoming spot for all ages to enjoy some time on the rink.
Seattle Skating Club offers skate lessons for people ages 3.5 and up and of varying skill levels. Explore their lessons schedule and sign up for future sessions.
Note that all visitors must pay ahead through their digital system. See the full calendar to find a session that works for your schedule this week.
Resources for Families
Snohomish County resource list
Not sure which resources you need? This list can help you see the options. The Snohomish County Community Resource List provides contact information for more than 300 local services, including emergency assistance, legal aid, youth and family support, mental health resources, financial help and immigration services.
211 North Sound – Snohomish County resource line
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Call: 211
Text: 211WAOD to 898211
211 North Sound connects residents of Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties to a comprehensive range of community services. Trained specialists provide free, confidential assistance in over 140 languages, offering referrals for housing, food, healthcare, childcare, crisis support and more.
In Snohomish County, 211 also supports initiatives like the Homeless Coordinated Entry and Emergency Rental Assistance programs. For specialized support, including assistance for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, call 211 and follow the prompts for TBI services.
Family support through Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District offers a dedicated Family Support Resource Line to assist families in need. You can reach them at 425-431-1454 or via email at [email protected]. Family Resource Advocates are available to provide holistic support and help families access community resources. For more information, visit the District’s Family Support page.
Snohomish County Human Services
Snohomish County Human Services offers a wide range of programs to help families in our region meet basic needs and support overall well-being. Services include early childhood programs like Early Head Start and ECEAP, family support resources for caregivers, behavioral health counseling and 24/7 crisis services, housing and energy assistance through the Community Action Partnership and specialized support for veterans and their families.
Edmonds Human Services: Resources for Edmonds residents
Edmonds Human Services is a helpful resource for any Edmonds resident facing financial, mental health, housing or other personal challenges. With a range of supports – including food and housing aid to college student services, veteran and senior help, suicide prevention (including 988 lifeline access) – this department connects people to local and county resources tailored to improve quality of life.
Local food banks
Families in need can turn to several neighborhood food banks for weekly groceries and fresh produce. Each food bank serves residents in its surrounding area with easy pickup times and volunteer support.
Domestic violence resources
For families experiencing domestic violence, several local organizations offer confidential support and emergency shelter services:
- DVS-SnoCo provides a 24/7 crisis line at 425-252-2873, offering emergency shelter, legal advocacy, safety planning and support for individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence.
- YWCA Pathways for Women
Located in Lynnwood, this 45-day emergency shelter offers safe housing and resources for women and families experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence. - If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Youth ride public transit free!
Kids and teens 18 and under can ride buses, ferry and light rail for free. No pass is required. Want tap-and-go convenience? Get a free Youth ORCA card online or at the Ride Store.
Share the fun!
Wherever your adventures take you, I hope this roundup helps you find fun, affordable, and meaningful ways to connect and enjoy the season. Have an event or suggestion? Want to share your reels from a recent outing to be featured here? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below to get in touch. Don’t forget to check back every Monday for fresh ideas.
Rory Graves is a local writer, editor and parent of three teens who loves helping families find fun, meaningful ways to connect with their community. She covers family-friendly events, local resources, and creative outings around South Snohomish County. When she’s not exploring the region, you can find her cheering at one of her kids’ games, thrifting or curled up with a good book and some tea.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.