The Center for Wooden Boats will be open from Thursday, the Fourth of July through Sunday, July 7 for the annual festival of maritime heritage. Most activities are free and everyone is invited for a ride on the water in a historic wooden boat (sail, row or motor boat.) There will be activities for kids, food vendors and music in South Lake Union Park.
The adjacent Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) at South Lake Union will be free all day on the Fourth of July, open until 5 PM. In addition to the permanent exhibits, MOHAI currently has an exhibit about Seattle’s floating homes, including Lake Union and Portage Bay.
Traffic advisory: It is almost impossible to get to South Lake Union by car because of the Mercer Mess. All the streets around South Lake Union Park, location of the museum and the Center for Wooden Boats, are closed due to road projects. Taking the bus is one option; try taking the 71,72 or 73 along Eastlake and Fairview Avenues, get off by Fred Hutchinson and the Residence Inn/Marriott, then walk around the corner to South Lake Union Park. Metro Trip Planner is here. Note that buses will be on holiday schedules on the Fourth of July.