Fleet Week

San Francisco has been hosting Fleet Week since 1981! Taking place every October, Fleet Week brings many community events, the parade of ships, concerts all over the city, and of course the 3 day air show at Marina Green.

While the air show is the star of the Fleet Week show, there are other cool events around the city the week of October 2nd. The Neighborhood Concert Series takes the Navy and Marine Corps bands to various locations throughout San Francisco to play and interact with the public.

You can tour destroyers, cruisers, amphibious carriers, and cutters along the Embarcardo for free during Fleet Week.

The air show featuring the Blue Angels takes place between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz from Friday, October 6th through Sunday, October 8th. The show runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day and is free to attend. Even if you can’t head down to Marina Green to see the show, there is no doubt you will hear and see the Blue Angels from Thursday (practice day) through Sunday if you are in the city.

Here is your perfect Fleet Week plan if you don’t want to pay to attend:

  • Pack up a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks for the afternoon.

  • Head to Marina Green early. The shows start at 10 am each day. You can see the show from multiple areas in the city (especially if you have a rooftop), but Marina Green is really the place to be. They have music, food trucks, bar tents, and an announcer throughout the show.

  • If you didn’t buy snacks in advance, there is a Safeway right across from Marina Green.

  • Find the perfect spot between the food trucks and DJ to call home base for the 6-hour air show.

If a ticketed viewing party is more your speed you still have some options, but they will sell out.

  • You can buy VIP tickets from the Fleet Week Website. Treat yourself to a luxurious day and watch the show in a club-like setting in the Flight Deck Club. Full buffet and complimentary beverages. Mingle and relax under umbrella tables or move to waterfront seating for the show.

  • Watch the Blue Angels from the Bay on the San Francisco Belle Cruise. Tickets include a lunch buffet, cocktails, and possibly the best views of the action.

  • The Aquarium of the Bay has a private viewing party on their bay front terrace on October 7th. Tickets include lunch, beverages, and admission to the Aquarium of the Bay.

Whatever plan you choose for the day, you will have fun and see a fantastic air show (as long as Karl stays away).