July Observances: Celebrations and Community Events

Summer is in full swing, and July brings plenty of opportunities to get outside and celebrate freedom, diverse cultures, and community across the Pacific Northwest.

From Independence Day and the International Day of Cooperatives to local festivals, arts events, and community gatherings, there are many ways to come together and enjoy the summer season.

As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Verity believes financial well-being and opportunity should be accessible to everyone. This month, we’re highlighting observances and local events that promote inclusion, celebrate diversity, and encourage community connection.

Month-long Observances & Celebrations

French-American Heritage Month
French-American Heritage Month celebrates the enduring contributions of French Americans to our nation’s history, culture, arts, cuisine, and innovation. It's an opportunity to explore the rich cultural connections between France and the United States and recognize the lasting influence of French heritage on American life.

Learn more about French-American Heritage Month

Events & Day Observances

Independence Day – July 4
Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and remains a time for communities to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and civic participation. It also presents an opportunity to reflect on the nation's roots, ideals, and the ongoing journey toward liberty and justice for all.

Verity Credit Union will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, in observance of this federal holiday. To view our locations, hours, and full holiday schedule, visit our website.

Local Fourth of July Events:

Seafair 4th of July at Gas Works Park
July 4 from 3 PM to 11 PM | Gas Works Park | Free & open to the public
Celebrate Independence Day with family-friendly games, entertainment, food vendors, and one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier fireworks displays. Daytime activities include pie-eating contests, sack races, water balloon tosses, tug-of-war, hula hoops, and more before the evening concludes with a choreographed fireworks show over Lake Union.
Get free admission tickets

Seafair 4th of July at Lake Union Park
July 4 from 3 PM to 11 PM | Lake Union Park | Free & open to the public
Lake Union Park offers another great vantage point for Seafair’s annual fireworks celebration. Enjoy food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, and spectacular views of the fireworks over Lake Union. Premium reserved seating is also available for purchase.
Get tickets

West Seattle 4th of July Kids Parade
July 4 from 10 AM to 1 PM | North Admiral & Hamilton Viewpoint Park | Free & Family-Friendly
This 30-year, beloved community tradition brings neighbors together for a festive parade from Sunset Avenue to Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Families can enjoy crafts, games, sack races, food trucks, and a chance to explore a real fire truck while celebrating Independence Day with the community.
Learn more about the parade

Naturalization Ceremony
July 4 from noon to 1 PM | Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center | Free
Join Seattle Center in celebrating more than 250 individuals as they become United States citizens during the 41st Annual Naturalization Ceremony. This inspiring event includes cultural performances, remarks from community leaders, and the opportunity to witness a meaningful Independence Day tradition.
Learn more about the ceremony

International Day of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) – July 6

The first Saturday of July marks the International Day of the Cooperatives, and this year’s theme is "Cooperatives for a Peaceful World."

The theme recognizes the role cooperatives play in advancing social inclusion, economic opportunity, and stronger communities. It affirms that peace is more than the absence of violence but also requires inclusion, fairness, dialogue, and economic security. Through democratic ownership, shared responsibility, and people-centered values, cooperatives help build trust, foster belonging, meet shared needs, and create pathways to long-term prosperity.

Today, more than 12% of the world's population participates in one of approximately 3 million cooperatives worldwide, which provide employment or work opportunities to an estimated 280 million people globally.

As a member-owned credit union, Verity is proud to be part of the cooperative movement. Our mission is to co-create with and advocate for pathways to generational wealth to build thriving and sustainable communities. We believe that when people come together around shared goals, they can create lasting positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Learn more about CoopsDay

Nelson Mandela International Day – July 18

Recognized by the United Nations and observed annually on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, Mandela Day is a global and inclusive call to action that encourages individuals to make a positive difference within their own communities. 
 
In a world facing growing inequality, displacement, conflict, and climate-related challenges, Mandela Day reminds us that each person has the power to create change. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, donating, or simply helping a neighbor, every act of service matters.

Learn more about Mandela Day and ways to get involved

National Disability Independence Day – July 26

National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that protects the rights of people with disabilities and promotes equal access and opportunity, paving the way for greater accessibility and inclusion.
This year marks the ADA’s 36th anniversary, and the ADA National Network offers educational resources, training opportunities, events, and tools to help individuals and organizations learn more about accessibility and inclusion.

At Verity, we recognize the importance of supporting systems, financially and otherwise, that are inclusive, accessible, and empowering.

Explore ADA anniversary resources and learn more about the ADA

Family-Friendly Events to Explore This Month

Tacoma Pride Festival
Saturday, July 11 | 12–6 PM | Wright Park in Tacoma | Free & All Ages
Hosted by the Rainbow Center in partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma, Tacoma Pride Festival uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community across the South Puget Sound region through performances, community resources, local vendors, and opportunities to connect and celebrate together. This all-ages festival will feature a main stage hosted by local performers and activities throughout the park.
Celebrate Tacoma Pride

Alki Art Fair
July 17–19 | Alki Beach | Free & open to the public
This free community event celebrates local artists, musicians, and performers along Seattle's waterfront. Browse artist booths, enjoy live music throughout the weekend, grab a bite, and take in the scenic views of Puget Sound while supporting local artists, makers, and culture.
Check out the artists lineup

Bite of Seattle
July 24–26 | 11 AM to 8 PM | Seattle Center | Free & open to the public
Since 1982, Bite of Seattle has brought together food lovers, local restaurants, emerging chefs, and entrepreneurs for one of the city's oldest and most beloved summer food festivals.
With free admission, hundreds of food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, the event showcases Seattle's diverse culinary community while helping support programming at Seattle Center.
Learn more about Bite of Seattle

Seafair Weekend Festival
July 31–August 2 | Genesee Park & Lake Washington | Free on Friday
Seattle's signature summer celebration returns with hydroplane racing, the Boeing Air Show, live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities. General admission is free on Friday, July 31, courtesy of Windermere, with tickets available for purchase for Saturday and Sunday.
Learn more about Seafair Weekend Festival or get tickets

Community Events with Verity

Verity is committed to showing up for our members and communities every month. As a certified CDFI, we partner with historically underserved communities to build pathways to generational wealth and long-term financial well-being.

44th Annual West Seattle Summer Fest
July 10–12 | West Seattle Junction | Free & open to the public
Verity is proud to once again sponsor West Seattle Summer Fest, one of the neighborhood's most anticipated summer traditions. Enjoy three days of live music, local shopping, food vendors, a beer garden, family activities, and an expanded Kids Zone featuring inflatables, games, soccer activities, arts and crafts, robots, and more. The festival also highlights local businesses and celebrates the vibrant spirit of the West Seattle community.
Learn more about West Seattle Summer Fest

We acknowledge that we may not have listed every celebration or observance important to you and your community. If you have a suggestion for inclusion, please email feedback@veritycu.com.