We are planning a trip to Seattle for a wedding on Aug 6th and I just saw that this at the end of the Seafair week. We were planning on spending a week in Seattle--would it be better if we stayed after the 6th to avoid the Seafair crowd, or is Seattle ok during Seafair as far as hotels and traffic go?

July and August is our summer and the busiest time for tourists. I doubt you will find much difference in room rates during the times you mention. However, why not check with a few hotels and see?

I don't believe Seafair draws too many people to Seattle on its own - as happytrails says, the city is pretty full all summer long as it is.

There will be some spotty traffic complications caused by Seafair on the 6th, especially around Seward Park and the I-90 corridor as they close the I-90 bridge over the lake during the Blue Angels show, plus the hydroplane races draw a couple hundred thousand people to the lakeshore. If your wedding is in south Seattle, hopefully the planners will have taken that into account.

Of course, if you can stay longer, please do.

I agree-Seafair is a local thing, not something that attracts out of towners. If you don't need to cross Lake Washington during that weekend, you won't even know anything's going on.

Thanks for the info!

If you don't need to cross Lake Washington during that weekend, you won't even know anything's going on.

Except for the formation of fighter jets roaring through the sky at Mach 0.9 for a couple of hours a day.

Yeah, except for that.

Agree it's a local (annoying) event. I can't imagine it would effect hotel reservations.

The crowds are only in specific areas and time for specific events... except for the Blue Angels as mentioned above who annoy the entire city (don't get me started)

August should be a very nice time to visit Seattle weather-wise.

I'm not sure I agree. Some of the navy carriers etc. come in and their families come to Seattle to visit with them. I have a wedding that weekend (my business) and have advised my bride's guest to book early.

And yes, I would stay after the 6th, rather than the week before. Especially if your wedding (and accommodations) are in Seattle proper. There are parades and other things that can mess with traffic--in addition to the Seattle Mariners games that are in town that weekend.

So, Suze, can I assume that you're a founding member of the "Alternative to Load Boats" group? ;-)

nah, not a political position but those darn jets scare my cats every year.

Suze,
Not to start a flame war, but those jet sounds are the sound of freedom!!!

Habu

Habu, When the Blue Angels fly over Seattle at SeaFair it does not have a military reason; it is a demonstration for entertainment purposes only.

Suzde,
The Blue Angels demo military training.
They are in fact warplanes. They are F-18's. They can be combat ready in I believe 2 days. I love it when they come. Love it, hate it our military is the best.

Habu
BTW Habu refers to the SR-71 BlackBird. Now you want to talk about LOUD!! LOL