Join the Maritime Festivities at Fleet Week Events

In 1935, more than 100 warships and thousands of sailors arrived at San Diego Bay during the California Pacific International Exposition where spectators toured historic vessels and honored seafarers. This quickly became a nationwide tradition coining the country’s beloved Fleet Week — a military celebration honoring sea service branches and welcoming sailors from across the globe to port cities.  

This Memorial Day, as boaters hit the water and honor those who served, it’s the perfect time to kick off the holiday weekend with nautical festivities. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, check out the following Fleet Week celebrations throughout the year.

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Fleet Week New York

May 22-28

New York welcomes the boating season in style when the Fleet Week parade of ships enters the harbor every year around Memorial Day weekend. Celebrating its 36^th year, visitors can catch festivities throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx.

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LA Fleet Week

May 22-27

The West Coast kicks off the holiday weekend with multi-day Fleet Week festivities along the Port of Los Angeles, CA. Events include ship tours, flyovers, live entertainment, welcome parties in downtown San Pedro and Wilmington, and the Galley Wars culinary cook-off competition between Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army teams.

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Maryland Fleet Week 

June 12-18

Historic vessels, adrenaline-pumping flyovers and family-friendly activities will grace the Baltimore Harbor this spring. Three festivals showcase live music, exhibitors, military displays and more at Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park, Broadway Pier in Fells Point and Martin State Airport in Middle River.

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Seattle Fleet Week

July 29-August 4

Celebrating the tradition since the ‘50s, the Seattle waterfront welcomes the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy this summer with exhibits and events beginning with the Parade of Ships through Elliot Bay. 

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San Francisco Fleet Week

October 7-14

Fall is the perfect time of year to head to the West Coast for Fleet Week activities. Witness ships sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, catch neighborhood concert series, and check out career opportunities and the STEM Center at the Humanitarian Assistance Village exhibition.

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Fleet Week San Diego

November 1-11

This Fleet Week tradition aligns with Veterans Day weekend and takes place along Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego, home to one of the largest U.S. military populations in the country. Activities include tournaments, concerts, tours, educational events and more.