the sounds of summer are back: Jet engines will continue their annual August roar through Seattle skies during the Seafair Weekend Festival. The Blue Angels will fly over Lake Washington to pull off impressive synchronized maneuvers. They're the most iconic—and loud—part of the Seafair festivities.

Here's some info on what to expect for a high-flying Seafair weekend.

The Blue Angels flight schedule

The air show runs August 1–3, with the Blue Angels taking to the sky 3:30pm to 4:40pm each of those days, pending schedule approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Check out the full sky show lineup (that includes performances from the Silver Wings parachute team, coast guard, and air force) on the Seafair website.

Where the Blue Angels will fly

After the jets take off from Boeing Field, they'll fly over the city, but the main theatrics happen over Lake Washington.

What to know about road closures

In short, there won't be any major shutdowns. The floating bridge part of I-90 used to close, but a new flight path established in 2019 moved the show farther southeast over Lake Washington. This is definitely a win for drivers trying to get between Seattle and the Eastside, but alas, also a loss for those who used to watch the show in the middle of the bridge.

Where to watch the Blue Angels for free

Be warned: Parking at any prime spot will likely be a nightmare. It’s best to harness the power of travel sans car, or come early to secure a good spot. Here are a few viewpoints from the Seattle side:

• Central Area Senior Center overlook
• Colman Park
• Day Street Boat Ramp
• East Portal Viewpoint
• Genesee Park
• Lake Washington at the T Dock
• Leschi Park
• Madison Park
• Madrona Beach
• Mount Baker Beach
• Museum of Flight parking lot
• Pritchard Island Beach
• Seward Park

Where to watch the Blue Angels for a fee

• Jet Blast Bash at the Museum of Flight. On Saturday and Sunday, from 10am–5pm, the Museum of Flight turns into a full-on party with beer gardens, food trucks, live music, aircraft exhibits, and of course, the Blue Angels' show. Entry is included in the price of admission ($29).
• Boeing Seafair Air Show at Genesee Park. All weekend, the park welcomes ticket-holding guests for a front-row seat of the jets. Friday's show is free this year, but advance tickets are required for Saturday and Sunday. Be warned: They do sell out. The deck and grandstands at Genesee Park also have a great view of the Apollo Mechanical Cup, a series of hydroplane races throughout the weekend. 
• Seafair Blue Angels Cruise from Waterways Cruises. Two cruise options bring sailors close to the flight path on Lake Washington. One comes with a floating barbecue buffet, and the other boasts welcome cocktails and a DJ on board. Who needs a date with a boat?
• Rooftop bars. Many of Seattle's elevated bars (like the University District's Mountaineering Club) offer special viewing experiences—and others (Downtown's Firn and Smith Tower, for two) serve good vantage points and libations without any Seafair-specific hubbub.