Seward 4th of July Festival
Join the Seward Chamber's epic 4th of July Fest! Enjoy the action-packed Mount Marathon Race & an exciting lineup of games, vendors & more!
Date and time
Location
Downtown Seward, Alaska
308 Adams Seward, AK 99664About this event
- 2 days 10 hours
We will have vendors, games and the action packed Mount Marathon Race, a boat parade, Mini Mount Marathon Race, float parade and fireworks!
Seward’s annual July 4th celebration features a packed holiday schedule of special events, games, presentations, contests, and community gatherings. The Seward Chamber of Commerce is planning for the holiday festivities and invites visitors to join us for a one-of-a-kind Seward 4th of July across the holiday week days from July 2 to July 4. Stay tuned for a complete schedule with festival booths, a boat parade, 4th of July Fireworks, the Mount Marathon Race, and more!
Spend a day strolling historic downtown streets where merchants and vendors sell Alaska-made wares, and your favorite food carts offer everything from corn fritters to hot dogs, ice cream to traditional cotton candy.
While you’re here, take a walk along Resurrection Bay, hike some of our less insane trails (leave Mt. Marathon to the runners!) and enjoy what Seward is all about — getting outside, exploring, and having fun with friends and family! In a small town like ours, you’re certain to run into a familiar or friendly face.
The night before the race, pick a good spot to join us for the third annual Seward Boat Parade, a colorful display of boats decorated in patriotic themes, on July 3rd! The parade begins at 11 pm in the Seward Harbor and concludes at the Seward Waterfront Park, where spectators can enjoy the spectacular Seward Fourth of July Fireworks show.
The fireworks launch from the Harbor Uplands, near the Mariners Memorial. You can spot them from all over town, but some favorite viewing spots include the Seward Waterfront Park, Seward Boat Harbor, or on a boat in the bay. The show starts at midnight (12:01 a.m.), once it is actually dark enough to light up the sky!
This year, we're excited to announce that there will have People's Choice voting on floats! Show your support for your favorite parade entries by casting your vote at seward.com/vote.
To learn more about the Mount Marathon Race visit mountmarathon.com
Frequently asked questions
The festival is located on Adams Street between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue, the Seward Fire Dept lot.
There is not!
Yes. It is scheduled to take place at 11:00 PM on July 3 along the Seward waterfront–departing from the Small Boat Harbor and turning around at the Alaska Sea Life Center.
The fireworks show will take place at 12:01 AM on July 4. This timing allows spectators to watch the fireworks on the actual holiday due to the unique Alaskan sunset being very late. Best place to view the firework show is from the Seward waterfront park.
The float parade departs from the AVTEC 2nd Ave campus location. It then proceeds past the hospital, down Jefferson Street, down 4th Avenue, and along the Seward waterfront path. The parade is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM on 7/4.
The Chamber has designated a Sensory-Friendly Area for the first block of the parade. This area is created to provide an inclusive environment for children and families with autism and other sensory disorders. The entertainment in this section will be altered to accommodate their needs.
The Mount Marathon Race takes place on Tuesday, July 4th. The race schedule for 2023 is as follows: - Junior start — 9:00 AM - Men's start — 11:00 AM -Mini-Mount Marathon Race starts right after the last heat of men leave the starting line - Women's start — 2:00 PM
The games corner, located on Church Street, will offer various games and activities for both children and adults to enjoy.
TBD
seward.com/events
Vendors will be open for business during the following hours: - Some vendors may start setting up and vending after 12:00 PM on July 2. - July 3: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM - July 4 (also Mount Marathon Race Day): 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
While we love your pets, there is a lot going on and we don’t want your pets to get spooked and run off.
TBD.
Yes, the festival offers various games and activities that are suitable for children. However, parental guidance and discretion are advised based on individual preferences and the age appropriateness of the activities.