Tens of thousands of spectators gathered along Alaskan Way on Saturday afternoon and evening for the annual Seafair Torchlight Parade and 5K Torch Run.
The event returned to the Seattle waterfront for its second consecutive year.
Organizers permanently shifted the parade route from its traditional Fourth Avenue location to the waterfront.
The change followed positive feedback from local businesses after the 2025 event, which drew nearly 100,000 attendees.
The day began with the preparade Seafair Torchlight Run along Alaskan Way and Elliot Avenue. Waterfront festivities included a beer garden, live music, and DJ performances.
Nearly 100 parade units participated, featuring community organizations, cultural groups, high school marching bands, and traditional parade pirates.
Rick Rizzs, the retiring voice of the Seattle Mariners, served as grand marshal.
Longtime parade attendees praised the enhanced space along the new route.
Ed Moore, who has attended parades for decades, said the floats benefit from more open space compared to the previous Fourth Avenue location.
Spectators utilized the waterfront layout to re-establish multi-generational family traditions along the sidewalks of Alaskan Way.
Cecelia Phillips, 21, said she loves the waterfront setup and feels the space is better utilized.
Phillips added that her family began setting up their tradition space at 7 a. m.
on Saturday, completing it by 3 p. m.
She described it as a fun family tradition with the same families gathering every year.
The new setup drew positive interactions from nearby residents.
Phillips noted that many people walking by greeted them as neighbors, recognizing others who live in the apartments along the waterfront corridor.
Families from across the region gathered near Pier 66 to pass down the summer tradition to younger generations.
Cruis, attending with his wife and children, recalled his mother bringing him and his sisters to watch the pirates and clowns, hoping his kids will enjoy it as an annual tradition.
Participants in the 5K run expressed enthusiasm for racing along the parade route surrounded by spectators.
Keyth Sokol said he loves to run and appreciated the support from people who didn't even know there was a run going on.
Traffic restrictions were implemented along Harbor Avenue to accommodate visiting floats parking at Jack Block Park before and after the event.
Seafair summer festivities continue Thursday, July 30, with Boeing 0-1 Blue Angels practice flights, followed by weekend airshows and hydroplane races.
