By CHS Independence Day Robot

CHS has made a long running joke about our annual “where to watch fireworks” post being written by robots. The sense of humor runs somewhere around, through, and over celebrating America’s birthday, exhibiting journalism, one of the pillars of democracy, and the capitalistic quest for fully automated production. In 2024, as we mark the 248th birthday of the United State of America, we really do have article writing robots And jokes about the pillars of democracy and capitalism and USA! USA! USA! will never die.

Happy birthday, ‘Murica!

Here are this year’s ideas on where you can walk to watch the fireworks and celebrate your country with your closest neighborhood patriots without leaving Capitol Hill.

• The 2024 Lake Union fireworks show is planned to begin around 10:15 PM. It will last about 18 minutes this year. The show typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
• Here’s what it looked like last year.
• The prime Capitol Hill-connected viewing zone stretches along our northwest edge above Eastlake along steep streets like Boston and Lynn or some blocks of Harvard Ave E.
• Lakeview Boulevard E, just north of the Belmont-Eastlake I-5 overpass is a great, crowded, and fun place to watch.
• Do not try to park anywhere in the area. You will fail.
• It looks like it will not be broadcast on TV in Seattle this year. KING 5 is going with the Macy’s show from New York City, instead.
• One nearby resident ask from years ago remains in effect: “Please, please, PLEASE take your trash with you: there people that live here and have to clean up the next day.” And adds this important note: “Also: don’t pee on our fence. C’mon!” To which we reply: “But this is America!”

• The Lakeview overpass is closed to cars and pedestrians during the show.
• On past 4ths, SPD has made a special plea for one of the most popular western edge viewing spots:
  [O]fficers need your help keeping the intersection of Belmont Ave and Bellevue Pl. E. clear for emergency vehicles. In recent years, the intersection has become a popular spot during 4th Festivities, which is problematic as it’s also a direct link between Lakeview and South Lake Union. Please help police keep the street clear this year.
• SPD also reminds that possession of fireworks in Seattle is against the law and that police would prefer you do NOT call 911 to report fireworks and loud bangs during the holiday.

More Capitol Hill viewpoints and tips

• “Near Bellevue Place Park“
• “There’s good views around the corner by the Roanoke. You can even cover your drinks with a coaster while you go watch the show and they’ll still be there when you get back. Also pong.”
• Various peek-a-boo views from the I-5 Shores area of the Hill
• On the east edge of the Hill around 22nd and Galer affords a view of various Eastside displays.
• Parks typically leaves fields like Bobby Morris lit through the night to discourage shenanigans that would damage the artificial sports grass.
• And, no matter where you decide to watch from, remember these words of wisdom from the CHS comments: “The view here is stellar, but please don’t leave your trash all over my neighborhood when you’re done watching shit blow up.”

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