Seattle and Bellevue host region's two big blowouts for the Fourth

Celebrate America's birthday in grand style Saturday at one of the region's biggest parties: the Family 4th at Lake Union or Bellevue Family 4th.

Huge crowds are expected at both all-day events, building up to the fireworks displays. Some of the fireworks are visible from around the area, but there's nothing like an up-close view of the spectacular pyrotechnics.

Bellevue Family 4th includes entertainment, magicians, mascot characters, inflatable rides, sack races, beanbag toss, 3-legged races and other games, music on the main stage and a flyover by a C-17 from McChord Air Force Base. The 60-piece Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra takes the stage for an Independence Day-themed performance before and during the fireworks display.

At the Family Fourth at Lake Union, an area called the Playfield includes kids' activities, circus art performances by Teatro ZinZanni and the Seattle Sounders' Soccer Celebration featuring Sound Wave, the official Sounders band. Food and beverage vendors, including a beer garden, are open all day. Coolers are allowed, subject to search, since no outside alcohol is permitted.

The fireworks show is synchronized to a musical score of traditional anthems, favorite oldies and current hits, played throughout the park on a concert-quality sound system.

More details

• Bellevue Family 4th

Time: Family Fun Zone entertainment, rides, climbing wall, 2-8:30 p.m. (rides and wall $1-$5); picnic games, 3-4:30 p.m.; C-17 flyover, approximately 4:30 p.m.; music starts 5:30 p.m.; Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra performance starts 9:30 p.m.; fireworks display, 10:05 p.m. Saturday.

Location: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue.

Getting there: From Interstate 90, take the Bellevue Way exit, follow Bellevue Way to Northeast Fourth Street; from I-405, take the Northeast Fourth Street exit, go west on Northeast Fourth Street, left on Bellevue Way. Metro Transit information, 206-553-3000 or tripplanner.metrokc.gov/. Free parking at Bellevue Square after 6 p.m.

More information: 425-453-1223 or www.bellevuedowntown.org/events/familyfourth/.

• Family 4th at Lake Union

Time: Playfield activities, noon-8 p.m.; food and beverage vendors, noon-10 p.m.; beer garden, noon-9:30 p.m.; fireworks display, 10 p.m. Saturday.

Location: Gas Works Park, 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle.

Getting there: From I-5, take the 45th Street exit, go west on Northeast 45th Street, then left on Meridian Avenue North to Gas Works Park. Parking in the area is expected to be extremely difficult. Beginning at 5 p.m., several streets surrounding the park will be closed. Metro Transit information, 206-553-3000 or tripplanner.metrokc.gov; available buses after the event may not be able to accommodate the crowds. Event organizers recommend an alternative method of return transportation. Bicycles encouraged; bicycle parking available on the northwest side of the park. Boaters may watch the show from the south end of Lake Union only; the Harbor Patrol will close boat access to the lake at 9 p.m.

More information: 206-281-8111 or www.chasefamily4th.org.

Madeline McKenzie: 206-464-8245 or mmckenzie@seattletimes.com