You’re surely hearing things happening in the air above you this week (fancy planes doing fancy things) and when you find yourself at the waterfront, you’re noticing very many more ships than are usually there. And in the bars around town, you’re seeing dapper men and women in their Navy whites.
What’s going on? It’s Fleet Week. The annual event started yesterday, but don’t worry: You haven’t missed the air shows, which start on Friday and continue through the weekend, or the impressive Parade of Ships, which takes place on Friday. There are also a ton of other events to attend—it’s nearly unfathomable, no pun intended.
When is San Francisco Fleet Week 2024?
It started October 7 and will go until October 14, 2024.
Where is Fleet Week?
In the bay waters and the sky. Viewing locations are piers 27, 30/32, 35 and 15/17.
What is the list of events?
Between October 11 to 13, you’ll see three air shows with planes flying between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. This is the only air show in the country with a commercial airliner, the United 777, performing a choreographed act. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform an impressive show of planes in close formations. If you’re more focused on the fleet part of Fleet Week, that includes the largest parade of ships on the West Coast and the chance to tour vessels, as well. Besides, that, you can see the high school band challenge, attend the Honor Our Fallen concert or one of the plethora of concerts held all over San Francisco, watch a historical play based on a munitions explosion in 1944, enjoy Fleet Fest and Fleet Week Expo and appreciate the silent drill platoon.
When is the Fleet Week parade of ships in San Francisco?
From 11am to noon on Friday, October 11. Watch anywhere from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. The official viewing stand is at Marina Green. The first ship, the San Francisco Fire Department’s fire boat, leads off the parade each year by spraying arcs of water into the air, a sort of gliding fountain.
What kind of ships can you explore?
Amphibious carriers, cutters, destroyers and cruisers that will be docked at the Embarcadero. You’ll get to see what it’s like to work and live on a U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship. It’s free to tour the ships on a first come, first served basis.
What’s the price for Fleet Week?
Free! Reservations are required for the Honor Our Fallen concert at Herbst Theatre, but it’s still a free event. However, if you wish to reserve guaranteed, assigned seating for the air show, click here for tickets ranging from $140 to $425.
When is the air show?
On Friday, October 11, the show starts at 12:45pm and the Blue Angels perform at 3pm.
On Saturday, October 12, the show starts at 12:30pm and the Blue Angels perform at 3pm.
On Sunday, October 13, the show starts at 12:30pm and the Blue Angels perform at 3pm.
What is the San Francisco Fleet Week 2024 schedule?
Fleet Fest: This celebration of the Navy’s sea services happens 10am to 9pm on Saturday, October 12 and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, October 13 at Pier 30/32. It includes performances by local musicians and military bands, exhibits and booth from businesses and organizations, fun activities, food trucks, pop-up vendors, and a bar.
High School Band Challenge: On Monday, October 14 from 10am to 2pm Monday at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, select Bay Area high schools play to compete for prize money, hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Marine Division, which will also perform.
Honor our Fallen Concert: On Thursday, October 10 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Herbst Theatre, this special performance by the United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band gives tribute to service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Port Chicago 50: This theatrical performance recreates events of July 17, 1944 at a munitions naval base in Port Chicago, CA, 30 miles north of San Francisco. Black soldiers were pushed to quickly load dangerous munitions onto ships; an explosion rocked the base. Performances are 7pm on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12 at the Great Star Theater in Chinatown. Tickets are $20 to $40.
Silent Drill Platoon:
Fri, Oct 11: 11am at Marina Green and 4pm at Union Square
Sat, Oct 12: 11am at Marina Green and 3pm at Fleet Fest
Sun, Oct 13: 11am at Marina Green and 3pm at Fleet Fest
The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-marine unit that will flawlessly perform a unique drill exhibition without verbal commands.
Ship Tour Schedule:
Pier 27: USS Somerset (LPD 25)
Wed, Oct 9, 10am–4pm
Thu, Oct 10, 10am–4pm
Sat, Oct 12, 10am–4pm
Sun, Oct 13, 10am–4pm
Mon, Oct 14, 9am–noon
Pier 30/32: USS Tripoli (LHA 7)
Sat, Oct 12, 10am–4pm
Sun, Oct 13, 10am–4pm
Mon, Oct 14, 9am–noon
Pier 35: USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750)
Thu, Oct 10, 10am–4pm
Sat, Oct 12, 10am–4pm
Sun, Oct 13, 10am–4pm
Pier 15/17: Canadian Frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334)
Sat, Oct 12, 10am–3:30pm
Sun, Oct 13, 10am–3:30pm
See above for times/dates for the air show and the Parade of Ships