Prepare for weekend traffic nightmare as events, closures clog area streets

SEATTLE -- Thinking of taking a trip somewhere this weekend?

You might want to think again.

Numerous events and traffic closures are expected to increase traffic times over the next few days, creating headaches for drivers on a schedule. Seafair Weekend, Blue Angels practice and a sold-out Mariners game to retire Ken Griffery Jr.'s number are just a few this weekend's happenings.

Seattle Department of Transportation officials encouraged drivers to plan ahead, and keep a cool head when it comes to sticking waiting.

Here is a list of some of the traffic closures this weekend. Visit SDOT or the Washington State Department of Transportation website for more.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 7:

Seafair Fleet Week and Maritime Celebration: Ship tours are Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect traffic congestion along the waterfront.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 7:

Seafair Weekend: Watch the Blue Angels and hydro races from the shores of Lake Washington. Kids’ activities, food vendors and bands play all weekend long. The festivities run Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Genesee Park and on Lake Washington Blvd. The I-90 bridge and certain ramps will close from I-5 to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island for Blue Angels’ practice and performances at the Seafair Air Show. About 50,000 people per day on Friday and Saturday, and 75,000 people on Sunday are expected to attend.

I-90 floating bridge closures:

Thursday, August 4:        9:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (Practice)

Friday, August 5:              1:15 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (Practice)

Saturday, August 6:         1:15 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (Seafair Air Show)

Sunday, August 7:            1:15 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (Seafair Air Show)

Seattle Art Fair: Festival highlighting Pacific Northwest art at CenturyLink Field Event Center, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Umoja Fest and Parade: Festival celebrating African American culture in Judkins Park. The festival runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. About 4,500 people are expected throughout the weekend. The parade on Saturday starts at 1 p.m. at 23rd Ave and E Union St. The route heads south on 23rd Ave, east on E Cherry St, south on MLK Jr Way, west on S Jackson St and south on 23rd Ave into Judkins Park.  About 975 people are expected to attend the parade.

Magnolia Summerfest and Seafair Parade: Festival featuring art, crafts and activities at Magnolia Community Center. Festival runs Friday 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The parade on Saturday starts at 10:30 a.m. at W Raye St and 34th Ave W, heads south on 34th, east on W McGraw St, and north on 32nd Ave W returning to the festival grounds.  About 6,800 people are expected for Summerfest and about 4,800 people are expected for the parade.

Salmonfest: Three-day festival with a salmon bake, car show and parade in the Lake City neighborhood.  Festival runs Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  28th Avenue NE will be closed from NE 125th to NE 127th and 30th Avenue NE will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  About 9,600 people are expected to attend.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6:

Greatest Party Known to Humankind: Bike race and party in the streets in Georgetown from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.  Airport Way will be closed between Corson Ave S and 13th Ave S from 12 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. on Sunday. About 4,000 people are expected to attend.

MARINERS SCHEDULE AT SAFECO FIELD:

Seattle Mariners vs. Boston, Thursday, August 4 at 7:10 p.m. About 33,000 people expected to attend.

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles, Friday, August 5 at 7:10 p.m. About 38,000 people expected to attend.

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles, Saturday, August 6 at 6:10 p.m. Sold out, 45,000 people expected to attend.

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles, Sunday, August 7 at 1:10 p.m. About 43,000 people expected to attend.

SR 104 Both Directions - SR 104 at milepost 22.4 near Balmoral Place Northeast is closed to all vehicles through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 5. A detour route is available for the fish passageproject.