The best Fleet Week events and parties in NYC for 2024

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.

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

For World War II buffs and folks who like checking out fighter ships and planes, this museum on a real aircraft carrier The Intrepid docked at Pier 86 is a chance for an upclose look at the nuts and bolts of our not-so-distant history.

The Intrepid Museum serves as a primary destination during Fleet Week with activities all weekend long. Here's what's on the schedule: 

— Friday, May 24

Free movie night on the flight deck featuring Top Gun: Maverick.

— Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26

Throughout the weekend, enjoy musical performances and explore a variety of displays, activities, and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research and many more.

— Monday, May 27

The Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Times Square becomes a hub for Fleet Week fun. Here’s what to see:

Wednesday, May 22
— 6-9pm: Once a Marine Always a Marine Formation. Soliders and veterans will come together to celebrate their heritage. The Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Platoon will perform. (Father Duffy Square)

Thursday, May 23
— 10am-5pm: Navy Dive Tank in Times Square. See U.S. Navy diving demos. (43-44 St. Plaza)
— 6:30-10pm: Navy Ceremonial Guard Performances every 30 minutes. (43-44 St. Plaza)

Friday, May 24
— 10am-5pm: Navy Dive Tank in Times Square. See U.S. Navy diving demos. (43-44 St. Plaza)
— 7:30-9:30pm: Band Concert. Navy Band Northeast “Brass Band” will play from 7:30-7:50pm, followed by the U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band from 8-9:15pm. (43-44 St. Plaza)

Saturday, May 25
— 10am-5pm: Navy Dive Tank in Times Square. See sea-service diving demos. (43-44 St. Plaza)
— 7:30-9:30pm: Band Concert. Navy Band Northeast “Brass Band” will play from 7:307:50pm, followed by the U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band from 8-9:15pm. (43-44 St. Plaza)

Sunday, May 26
— 4-5:30pm: Band Concert. Marine Corps Band will play from 4-4:30pm, followed by the U.S. Fleet Forces Rock Band from 4:30-5:30 pm. (43-44 St. Plaza)

Looking for a lover in uniform? Well, thousands of them will descend upon New York City during Fleet Week. And the ones who are single and ready to mingle will be at this Fleet Week singles mixer on Friday, May 24 hosted by Single and the City at The Dean in Midtown (214 W 39th Street Unit #5).   

Here's what to expect: A chance to meet servicemembers in uniform, music from a DJ, a professional photographer, music, dancing, and an ice breaker with a chance to win prizes.

Fleet Week has been a tradition in New York City for 36 years, but Sex and the City brought it into the zeitgeist in the episode titled "Anchors Away." As Carrie Bradshaw says, "Fleet Week is that one week a year when the U.S. Naval ships dock, and our fair city is made even fairer with cute, sweet American sailors looking for fun."

Carrie and her crew met some sailors at a party, and you can live out your own Sex and the City fantasy at this event. "Here is your opportunity to cross hooking up with a Fleet Week sailor off of your "to-do" list," event organizers say. "At the minimum at least come out and share a drink or two with one of our admirable servicemen and women."

More than 150 people usually attend the 21+ Fleet Week mixer. While the majority of attendees are women looking for men, even planners say the dating scene is becoming more diverse.

We'll leave you with the wise words of Samantha Jones: "We have to show them a good time. It’s our patriotic duty as women of New York."

Get a front-row seat to witness ships from the US Navy, Coast Guard, and more on Memorial Day. As an expert guide narrates, the 2.5-hour tour will visit landmarks of the harbor, including the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Army Terminal, The Staten Island Navy Pier at Staten Island, and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

On this tour from Classic Harbor Line and Turnstile Tours, you'll hear stories from the Revolutionary War to today, with special emphasis on the role of the port in World War II. While cruising on a classic yacht, you'll visit historic military sites, monuments, and fortifications.

The Classic Harbor Line Military History Tour of New York Harbor will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Tickets cost $116/person.

Every year, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Riverside Park becomes the site for a Memorial Day Observance. Representatives from the New York Council and other military and veterans support organizations participate in this annual ceremony to honor all who have served and sacrificed. The monument is located at Riverside Drive and 89th Street and the event is free and open to the public.

Though event details haven't been announced for 2024, the event typically runs from 10am to noon.