Light Up the Night: The Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade Returns to the Night
The Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade returns to its roots with a nighttime start and an all-new route along the Seattle Waterfront.
Making its highly requested comeback to the evening hours, the parade will officially kick off at 7:30 PM, bringing dazzling floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and Seafair favorites to the heart of the city in a vibrant celebration of Seattle’s spirit.
Parade participants are encouraged to Light Up the Night with illuminated floats and glowing displays that bring a dazzling magic to the parade like never before. Let your creativity shine and be part of this unforgettable spectacle!
Submission Deadline
- Applications Due by May 14, 2025
- Insurance due by June 30, 2025
The parade takes place from 7:30PM to 10:30PM on Saturday, July 26, 2025
entry fees
$100 – Non Profit
501(C)(3) organizations with yearly operating budgets of under $250,000.
990’s will be used to verify the fee level
$750 – Non Profit
501(C)(3) agencies with yearly operating budgets of over $250,000
$7,000 Commercial Entries
Entries sponsored and/or carrying commercial signage. Contact Seafair at info@seafair.org for more information.
What we’re looking for
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
This is the most critical component in the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade selection process. Our goal is to delight spectators along the entire route, with highlighted performances at the live telecast area.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Torchlight Parade is proud to welcome units from the Pacific Northwest States, Canada, in addition to performers from around the nation. Seafair represents nearly thirty distinct Seattle area neighborhoods, and we embrace our community units and their displays of the region’s cultural and ethnic diversity. We encourage to include some aspect of history or tradition in your parade entry.
CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONALLY PRESENTED
All entries should be creative and professionally presented, designed and built, organized and choreographed in a quality and professional manner.
Selection Committee Review
The Torchlight Parade Selection Committee will review all entries and make final selections for the line up. If the Committee determines that an entry detracts from the basic mission of the parade, the committee reserves the right to reject or cancel any entry at any time.
PARADE UNIT DESCRIPTION
The Torchlight Parade Selection Committee will review the parade description and links to photos and/or video you provide us. Please share with us the details to provide the Torchlight Parade Selection Committee all of the information required.
OFFICIAL TORCHLIGHT PARADE RULES
All of the Torchlight Parade Rules must be followed. The 2025 Torchlight Parade Rules can be found below.
Rules
- Rules for all Parade Participants
- additional rules for floats
- Additional Rules For Marching And Walking Parade Participants
- Additional Rules For Equestrian Parade Participants
- Additional Rules For Specialty Parade Participants
The Fine Print
Applications and entry fee must be submitted no later than May 14, 2025 and must be completed in full to be considered. Application is not a guarantee of acceptance. Once accepted, Seafair must approve any change to the original application. Failure to secure prior approval will result in the removal of the variance or the entire unit from the parade. Parade space is limited. Entries meeting all criteria set by the Parade Selection Committee, and received by the application deadline, will be given first consideration. Seafair is not responsible for any travel, food, lodging, parking expenses, or for loss or damage to personal items.
Insurance
Seafair must receive a Certificate of Insurance no later than June 30, 2025. Evidence of insurance for bodily injury and property damage liability with combined limit of one million dollars is required of all entries. Insurance certificates must have Seafair, Seafair Foundation, Seafair Parade Marshals, Alaska Airlines and City of Seattle listed as additional insured. If you do not have insurance, Seafair’s insurance carrier can provide the required coverage for the Torchlight Parade at a reasonable rate. Please direct all insurance questions to the Seafair office parade@seafair.org.
Interested? Contact us.
Looking to participate or have a question?
Reach out us at parade@seafair.org or fill out the contact form.
Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade Selection & Application Criteria
Application Deadline May 14, 2025
Entertainment Value This is the most critical component in the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade selection process. Our goal is to delight spectators along the entire route, with highlighted performances at the live telecast area.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion The Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade is proud to welcome units from the Pacific Northwest States, Canada, in addition to performers from around the nation. Seafair represents nearly thirty distinct Seattle area neighborhoods, and we embrace our community units and their displays of the region’s cultural and ethnic diversity. We encourage to include some aspect of history or tradition in your parade entry.
Creative and Professionally Presented All entries should be creative and professionally presented, designed and built, organized and choreographed in a quality and professional manner.
Selection Committee Review The Torchlight Parade Selection Committee will review all entries and make final selections for the line up. If the Committee determines that an entry detracts from the basic mission of the parade, the committee reserves the right to reject or cancel any entry at any time.
Parade Unit Description The Torchlight Parade Selection Committee will review the parade description and links to photos and/or videos you provide us. Please share with us the details to provide the Torchlight Parade Selection Committee with all of the information required.
