Things to do
The best things to do during Fleet Week
Get patriotic and celebrate the sailors’ return to NYC at these amazing Fleet Week events at New York attractions
The Parade of Ships will return to NYC in May for Fleet Week! Every summer, NYC kicks off the season with Fleet Week’s flotilla of ships, military demonstrations, and parties.
In our guide to the annual affair, we share everything you need to know. For more things to do this Memorial Day, be sure to check our guide.
RECOMMENDED: The best Fleet Week events and parties in NYC for 2024
What is Fleet Week?
Fleet Week is a seven-day celebration honoring the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Nearly 2,300 military personnel will participate in this time-honored celebration of the sea services, which is celebrating its 36th year in NYC. This year, ships from NATO allies in Germany will join the week-long celebration.
When is Fleet Week NYC?
The 36th annual Fleet Week in NYC will take place from May 22 to May 28, 2024.
Where is Fleet Week NYC?
A range of New York venues host the weeklong itinerary of events for Fleet Week, including Pier 88 North, Pier 88 South, Pier 90 North, Pier 86, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and Times Square in Manhattan. Plus, Homeport Pier in Staten Island. Here's the full event calendar.
Can you go on ships during Fleet Week?
Absolutely! Tour the ships all week long at the following locations:
Manhattan, Pier 88 South
— Amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5) from Norfolk, Virginia
Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9am-4pm
Manhattan, Pier 90 North
— Baden-Württemberg-class frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222) from Germany
— Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412) from Germany
Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9am-4pm
Manhattan, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86
— Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland
Public tours are available May 23-24, from 10am-5pm
— Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) from Bayonne, New Jersey
Public tours are available May 23-27, from 10am-5pm
Homeport Pier, Staten Island
— Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) from Mayport, Florida
— Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina
— Keeper-class coastal buoy tender USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) from Bayonne, New Jersey
Public tours are available May 23-27, from 8am-5pm
What is the Parade of Ships?
On Wednesday, May 22, the boats cruise into NYC, and it's a sight to see. This year, except to see two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast guard vessels, and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats as they parade into NYC in the morning.
Though exact times haven't been announced, the parade typically runs from from 7:45am to 11am. You can see usually see the ships along the Hudson River from Battery Park to just south of the George Washington Bridge. The event is free to the public to view.
What else do I need to know about Fleet Week?
If you're planning to tour a ship, be sure to get there early, prepare to wait in line, and go through a security check. Lines may close an hour before the end of visiting hours so everyone gets a chance to take the tour. Be sure to bring an ID; also note that water bottles are not allowed on board. Budget about 30 minutes per ship tour.
In addition to ship tours, also check out events in Times Square like Navy diving demonstrations, musical performances, and ceremonies.
