Seattle Boat Co. wants you to enjoy Seattle's Opening Day weekend filled with tradition and events. [Updated April 2026 for the current season.]
Seattle’s boating season officially begins with Opening Day, one of the region’s most beloved waterfront traditions. Each spring, boaters, rowers, and spectators gather along Lake Washington to celebrate the start of summer on the water.
Seattle Boat Company looks forward to this weekend every year. If you plan to be on the water or visiting the marina, here are a few helpful things to know before you go.
Seattle’s Opening Day of Boating is an annual tradition hosted by the Seattle Yacht Club in partnership with the University of Washington and Windermere Real Estate.
The weekend includes several well-known events on Lake Washington:
Thousands of spectators line the shores and bridges each year to watch decorated boats and competitive rowing crews kick off the Pacific Northwest boating season.
The Montlake Cut, which connects Lake Union and Lake Washington, temporarily closes during Opening Day festivities to prepare for the boat parade and rowing races.
According to the official Opening Day program from the Seattle Yacht Club, the closure schedule for 2026 is:
Montlake Cut Closure
During this time, boats cannot travel between Lake Union and Lake Washington. If you plan to move between lakes that day, it helps to plan your route and timing ahead of the closure.
Opening Day weekend brings more activity to the lake and nearby marinas. Seattle Boat Company prepares in advance to help keep things running smoothly for tenants and guests.
At the Lake Union location, please note:
Many Lake Union SkyLaunch tenants also use the nearby Burke-Gilman Trail pedestrian access to reach the marina during peak events.
We expect a busy weekend and are making preparations to meet everyone's needs. We ask that you please let your guests know that the SkyLaunch parking lot is for tenants and members only, and there is plenty of street side parking available for guests of the marina. Check out our Peak Weekend Procedures for tips to navigating the Marina.
Pedestrian access via the Burke Gilman Trail is a popular way for tenants to avoid parking issues at the Lake Union location. Carpooling is also encouraged.
Opening Day weekend includes multiple events across the lake, including rowing races, boat parades, and community gatherings.
To see the full schedule of activities, visit the official Opening Day program from the Seattle Yacht Club.
Boat parade viewing areas, bridge access, and shoreline crowds tend to build throughout the day, so planning your route ahead of time can make the experience even more enjoyable.
For many boaters in the Pacific Northwest, Opening Day marks the beginning of long summer days on the water. From decorated boats to competitive rowing, it’s a celebration of the boating community that makes Seattle unique.
Whether you're watching from shore or heading out on the lake, it’s a weekend that reminds us why boating in Seattle is something special.
Here’s a look at the energy and tradition from last year’s celebration.