San Francisco Fleet Week

One of the best annual events in San Francisco, Fleet Week is here! Get ready for a weekend full of rooftop parties, flowing libations, awesome air shows and more! Check out the schedule and plan your weekend (and leave some extra time if you are driving…traffic will be a nightmare). Fleet Week will take place from Sunday, October 7 to Monday, October 14, with the main air shows taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

This year, the Air Show will include The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, United States Marines Fat Albert, United 777, U.S. Navy F-35B Demo, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, U.S. Coast Gurad MH-65 Demo, The Patriot Jet Team, P-8 Demo, P-3 Demo, Ace Maker T-33, Beale Air Force Base U-2, AH-1/UH-1 – Demo, Memorial Squadron, NAS Corpus Christi T-6 and more. Needless to say, there will be a bunch of great planes, tricks and performances throughout the day for San Francisco Fleet Week 2024!

*Updated with 2024 Fleet Week Schedule

2024 San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show Schedule:

Thursday, October 10, 1PM to 5PM Air Show practice
Friday, October 11, 10AM to 4PM Air Show
Saturday, October 12, 11AM to 4PM Air Show
Sunday, October 13, 11AM to 4PM Air Show
Monday, October 14: 10AM Blue Angels departure from the Bay Area

Where to Watch the Air Show

Best Viewing Spots

• Pier 39: You will be close to the action, but it gets really crowded here. However, it’s a great place to see most of the show. Try to find a spot with a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Aquatic Park: There is a small stadium here with seats facing out over the bay. You will get a great view of the Fleet Week San Francisco Air Show from here, although the maneuvers over the Golden Gate Bridge will be harder to see.
• Crissy Field: There will be fewer people on this side, which makes it a nicer viewing area. This is a great place to see the Blue Angels’ maneuvers near the bridge. It is a little further away from the main action though, so the trees may block out a little bit of the show.
• Marina Green: Just to the east of Crissy Field is the Marina Green. This large green space offers a great look at the air show. You can also buy premium tickets for this area so you don’t have to fight for a place to watch the fun. Tickets for the premium section are already on sale.

TRANSPORTATION:

Muni: The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will be providing extra Muni service for Fleet Week.
Caltrain: Extra capacity will be provided Saturday Saturday and Sunday morning for passengers heading to Fleet Week, as well as extra capacity post event.
Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry: A unique way to view both the Parade of Ships and Air Show. Click here for details

CRUISES:

Red & White Fleet Fleet Week Cruise

• Amazing afternoon cruise to see the San Francisco Air Show and the  Blue Angels
• Cruise is offered on all 3 main air show days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
• Cruise leaves at 1:30PM or 1:45 PM on Friday, 10/11, Saturday, 10/12 and Sunday, 10/13 (make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding)
• Incredible views of the show on multiple decks. The views don’t get better than this! 
• Light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase
• Ship departs from Pier 43 1/2 located in Fisherman’s Wharf
• Tickets are available for $105 (Adults 18+) and $65 for Youth (ages 5-20)
• Children under 4 are free
• Book tickets

Air Show Lunch Cruise on the San Francisco Belle

• Cruises will take place on Sunday, October 13
• Departure Time is 2PM, but boarding will start at 1:30PM. Arrive early to board and get a good spot!
• 2.5 Hour Cruise (2PM to 4:30PM)
• Complimentary Lunch Buffet is included. Buffet will feature an assortment of salads, entrees and desserts
• Complimentary drinks will be provided. Enjoy sparkling wine, tea, coffee, soft drinks, orange juice and more. Cocktails, wine and beer will be available for purchase.
• Enjoy music played by a live DJ
• Seating will be assigned at large tables
• Tickets start at $215 with discounts for Children and Military. Kids under 3 are free.
• Click Here for Details

Blue & Gold 2-Hour Cruise

• Cruise will take place on Saturday and Sunday
• Ship departs at 1:30PM and boarding starts at 1:15PM (45 minutes advance arrival in recommended)
• A Box lunch from Boudin Bakery (sandwich, water, cookie & chips) will be provided
• Cruise will have soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available for purchase
• Tickets are $105 for Adults (18+), $70 for Children
• Military/Senior discount available for $85
• Seating is unassigned
• Click here to buy your tickets today

Cruise on the SS Jeremiah O’Brien

• Cruises will be offered on Saturday, October 12 (9am to 5pm) and Sunday, October 13 (9AM to 5PM)
• Ship departs from Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 35)
• Enjoy an amazing Cruise around the San Francisco bay and then score a prime spot for the air show.  
• Get front row seats to the air show from 12pm to 4pm (Blue Angels fly starting at 3PM)
• There will be complimentary drinks and food aboard the ship
• Coffee and donuts provided to passengers as you board
• You are also welcome to bring your own lunch
• Tickets are available for Adults for $196 and Children (ages 5-16) for $117
• Family package available for $132/person (2 adults and 2 children)
• Click below for Tickets
• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 CRUISE
• SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 CRUISE

SAN FRANCISCO FLEET WEEK

Here is the Full Schedule of Events for San Francisco Fleet Week 2024:

Wednesday, 10/9:

10PM-4PM: Ship Tour of USS Somerset (LPD 25) at Pier 27
12PM: USAF Rock Band Mobility at Pier 39
12PM: 1st MARDIV Brass Band at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley
12PM: 1st MARDIV Woodwind Quintet at Yerba Buena Gardens Stone Stage
12:30PM: NBSW Woodwind Quintet at San Francisco VA Medical Center
5PM: NBSW Woodwind Quintet at One Sansome Public Open Space
5PM: NBSW Brass Band at Japan Town Buchanan Mall

Thursday, 10/10:

10PM-4PM: Ship Tour of USS Somerset (LPD 25) at Pier 27
10PM-4PM: Ship Tour of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) at Pier 35
10AM-5PM: Humanitarian Assistance Village (Marina Green)
12PM: USAF Rock Band Mobility at Pier 39
12PM: NBSW Woodwind Quintet at The Ferry Building
1PM-5PM: Air Show practice
5PM: NBSW Brass Band at Jane Warner Plaza
6PM: 1st MARDIV Ceremonial Band and NBSW Woodwind Quintet at Herbst Theatre
6PM-7:30PM: Honor Our Fallen Concert at The Herbst Theatre

Friday, 10/11:

10AM-4PM: Air Show
10AM-5PM: STEM Center at The Marina Green
10AM-5PM: Humanitarian Assistance Village (Marina Green)
11AM: Silent Drill Platoon (Marina Green)
11AM-12PM: Parade of Ships
12PM: NBSW Brass Band at Golden Gate Park Band Shell
4PM: NBSW Woodwind Quintet at Park Branch Library
4:30PM: 1st MARDIV Ceremonial Band, Silent Drill Platoon and Diamondbacks at Union Square Plaza
5PM: NBSW Destroyers at Pier 39
7PM: Port Chicago 50 Play at Greater Star Theater
7:30PM: 1st MARDIV Brass Band at Chinatown Night Market

Saturday, 10/12:

10AM-4PM: Ship Tour of USS Somerset (LPD 25) at Pier 27
10AM-4PM: Ship Tour of USS Tripoli (LHA 7) at Pier 30/32
10AM-4PM: Ship Tour of Bertholf (WMSL 750) at Pier 35
10AM-5PM: STEM Center at The Marina Green
10AM-5PM: Humanitarian Assistance Village (Marina Green)
10AM-3:30PM: Ship Tour of Royal Canadian Navy Frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334) at Pier 15/17
10AM-9PM: Fleet Fest at Pier 30/32
11AM: Silent Drill Platoon (Marina Green)
11AM: to 4PM Air Show
12PM: NBSW Brass Band at Ghirardelli Square
1PM: NBSW Woodwind Quintet at Lakeside Landing
3PM: Silent Drill Platoon (Fleet Fest)
4PM: 1st MARDIV Brass Band at West Portal Courtyard
5PM: NBSW Destroyers at Pier 39
7PM: Port Chicago 50 Play at Greater Star Theater
8PM: 1st MARDIV Brass Band and Diamondbacks at Westwood

Sunday, 10/13:

9AM: Blessing of The Fleet at Presidio Chapel
10AM-4PM: Ship Tour of USS Somerset (LPD 25) at Pier 27
10AM-4PM: Ship Tour of USS Tripoli (LHA 7) at Pier 30/32
10AM-4PM: Ship Tour of Bertholf (WMSL 750) at Pier 35
10AM-3:30PM: Ship Tour of Royal Canadian Navy Frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334) at Pier 15/17
10AM–5PM: Fleet Fest at Pier 30/32
10AM-5PM: STEM Center at The Marina Green
10AM-5PM: Humanitarian Assistance Village (Marina Green)
11AM: Silent Drill Platoon (Marina Green)
11AM-4PM: Air Show
12:30PM: 1st MARDIV Ceremonial Band and NBSW Bands at Italian Heritage Parade
3PM: Silent Drill Platoon (Fleet Fest)

Monday, 10/14:

9AM-12PM: Ship Tour of USS Somerset (LPD 25) at Pier 27
9AM-12PM: Ship Tour of USS Tripoli (LHA 7) at Pier 30/32
10AM: Blue Angels departure from the Bay Area
10AM: 1st MARDIV Ceremonial Band at Golden Gate Park Band Shell
10AM-2PM: High School Band Challenge at Golden Gate Park Bandshell

About Fleet Week in San Francisco:

Every year, something super exciting happens in San Francisco – it’s called Fleet Week! But what is Fleet Week, and why is it so cool? Well, let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is Fleet Week?

Fleet Week is like a big, awesome party where we celebrate our Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. These are the people who protect our country, and Fleet Week is our way of saying, “Thanks for keeping us safe!”

Ships, Ships, and More Ships

Military ships can be pretty cool. During Fleet Week, some of these ships sail into San Francisco Bay and dock along the waterfront. You can go aboard them, explore inside, and see what life is like for sailors. It’s like a big floating adventure!

Crazy Plane Tricks

Now, the sky gets even more exciting during Fleet Week. You’ll see airplanes zooming and doing crazy tricks in the air. The most famous team is called the Blue Angels. They fly super-fast planes in perfect formation and make twists and turns that’ll make your jaw drop. It’s like watching a high-flying circus!

Learning Fun

Fleet Week is not just about fun; it’s also about learning cool stuff. You can find out how the military helps during emergencies like earthquakes and floods. They have big trucks and gear to rescue people and provide medical help. It’s amazing how they help our communities!

Patriotic Pride

People in San Francisco and visitors from all around come together during Fleet Week. We wave American flags, wear red, white, and blue, and feel proud of our country. It’s a time to honor our heroes and show our love for the USA.

Yummy Food and Good Times

Of course, there’s delicious food to munch on too! Food trucks line the streets, offering everything from hot dogs to ice cream. And there are often live music performances and fun events to enjoy with family and friends.

Interesting Facts about Fleet Week in San Francisco:

Historic Roots: Fleet Week in San Francisco has a history dating back to 1981 when it was first established to celebrate the U.S. Navy and strengthen the bonds between the military and the civilian population.

Iconic Location: San Francisco’s Fleet Week is renowned for its breathtaking setting, with the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island providing a stunning backdrop to the maritime & aerial displays.

Blue Angels: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team is a star attraction. Their precision aerial maneuvers and breathtaking stunts have become a signature feature of Fleet Week, thrilling audiences with their performances.

Ship Tours: During Fleet Week, the public has the unique opportunity to tour real naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers. It’s a chance to see the inner workings of these impressive ships up close.

Humanitarian Assistance: Fleet Week serves as a platform to showcase the military’s humanitarian efforts. Demonstrations of disaster relief and search and rescue operations highlight the versatility and readiness of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

STEM Education: Many Fleet Week events focus on education, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides a chance for students to engage with military personnel and learn about career opportunities in these areas.

Community Engagement: Fleet Week goes beyond military displays; it involves community outreach programs, such as ship visits to local schools and hospitals, reinforcing the connection between the military and the people it serves.

Salute to First Responders: In recognition of the invaluable contributions of first responders, Fleet Week often includes special events and tributes to police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel.

Aviation Display: In addition to the Blue Angels, Fleet Week features an impressive lineup of military aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, and transport planes, showcasing the breadth of the U.S. military’s aerial capabilities.

Military Bands: The event is not just about visual spectacles; it’s also a celebration of music. Military bands often perform, showcasing their talent and entertaining the crowds with patriotic tunes.

International Participation: San Francisco’s Fleet Week frequently hosts foreign naval ships and personnel, promoting international cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties.

Veterans Support: Fleet Week provides opportunities to support and honor veterans through various events and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and assisting those who have served.

Economic Impact: Fleet Week significantly contributes to the local economy, with thousands of visitors flocking to San Francisco each year, boosting tourism, and generating revenue for the city.

Environmental Awareness: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability during Fleet Week, with efforts to minimize its ecological footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.

Culinary Delights: Food trucks and vendors offer a wide array of delicious cuisine, making Fleet Week not just a visual and auditory delight but a culinary adventure as well.