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The 4th of July in Edmonds is a capital E Event in Edmonds. Even though they’re discouraged from doing it, people line the downtown blocks with chairs sometimes days in advance. Red, white, and blue are everywhere. Kids ride aloft on shoulders. Over the years, the turnout has grown into the mid five figures. It’s easy to see why this massive event is one of the city’s most enduring traditions. We’ll get into it in this blog, which gives you our top 5 Insider Tips for The Edmonds 4th of July.
In a hurry? Skip ahead to our insider tips:
But, First A Little History of The Edmonds 4th of July
First established in 1907 by the newly founded Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, The Edmonds 4th of July parade (and all of its celebratory offshoots) has been a community tradition for over a century. Even our 2024 summer intern, Reese, a person from the East Coast who basically lives inside of the Liberty Bell stamp (that’s how we see her, at least) thought our 4th was one of the coolest events ever. As one of the event sponsors, we put her to work throwing candy to kiddos and she still hangs out with us, so we know it was far from a terrible time. You can read more about her experience here.
It’s An Edmonds Kind of 4th Insider Tips
Even longtime residents aren’t aware of some of these tips, so bookmark this page to be the most informed 4th-goer in town.
Tip #1: ADA Parking
Several parking spots are reserved for ADA use in the Edmonds Library west parking lot during the parade to ensure accessible viewing opportunities. Use them only if you really need them! As a reminder, there’s usually parking right by us. A little walk can’t hurt you (unless it does. Park at the library if you can’t walk far).
Tip #2: Edmonds 4th of July Races
The 2025 Edmonds 4th of July 5K & 1K Family Run starts at 9:30 a.m. at City Park and finishes at 4th and Main. The 5K is timed with prizes for top finishers, while the free 1K Family Run (presented by People’s Bank) is untimed. Try to beat Ol’ Man Brackett for bragging rights! Registration includes race t-shirts if you sign up by June 4 and all proceeds benefit the Chamber’s programming and bring great events to Edmonds. Day-of registration is $50. Here’s the map with street closures. Bonus: Show off your patriotic spirit! Come dressed in your most festive red, white, and blue attire for a chance to win prizes in the 4th of July Costume Contest before the race begins.
Tip #3: Children’s Parade
The Children’s Parade starts at 11:30 a.m. with free participation. Register between 9:30-11:15 a.m. in the Ace Hardware parking lot at 550 5th Ave S. Strollers, wagons, and other non-motorized wheeled vehicles are welcome, but no dogs or pets are allowed.
Tip #4: Dancing Horses
The Latin Dancing Horses are our favorite part of the parade, partially because we sponsored them a few years in a row (Workhorse—get it? Totally on brand). Every year, they bring their spectacular equestrian performance to downtown Edmonds during the main parade at noon. And we know from experience that they make the crowd go wild! If you’re lucky (and follow them back to their trailers), you might even get invited to their after party.
Tip #5: Food Trucks
Food trucks will be stationed on 5th Avenue North between Main Street and Bell, operating from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last year’s options included Big Dogs (gourmet hot dogs), MoMo’s Kebabs (gyros and Greek fries), Goodbelly (Hawaiian malasadas), Mother Hen’s (BBQ), and ice cream from Sweet Wheels and Kool Kidz. We always recommend bringing snacks and water, but it’s good to know you’ll have some easy options around you, in addition to the sit-down eateries and coffee shops that will be open on the 4th.
Reminder: Edmonds currently doesn’t have fireworks. This has been disappointing for many (including us!), but you can help! Registering for the 4th race helps raise money for things like 4th of July fireworks in the future and Edmonds Block Party ticket proceeds all go toward amazing Chamber events like these, which are mostly free or low-cost. And, if you stay long enough (aka park on Sunset), you’ll probably catch the fireworks across the water, which is a super cool experience as well.
We’ll See You At The 4th
If you see some cool-looking people wearing Workhorse tees and tanks, it’s probably a member of our team. We’re either volunteering or taking photos of the event (our owner snapped all the pictures in this post—impressive, huh?). Don’t be a stranger! We are your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow Americans. Pull us in for a selfie and tag us—@workhorse_coworking on Instagram and @workhorsecoworking on Facebook.
Check out our other favorite things to do in Edmonds!
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