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 to the holiday weekend.
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What is Fleet Week?
Fleet Week is a seven-day celebration honoring the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Thousands of military personnel will participate in this time-honored celebration of the sea services, which is celebrating its 37th year in NYC. This year, a ship from Canada will join the week-long celebration.
The theme for 2025 is "Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence," which celebrates the rich history of the sea services, honoring service members from the past, present, and future.
When is Fleet Week NYC?
The 37th annual Fleet Week in NYC will take place from May 21 to May 27, 2025.
Where is Fleet Week NYC?
A range of New York venues host the weeklong itinerary of events for Fleet Week, including Pier 88 South, Pier 90 North, Pier 86, and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Plus, Homeport Pier in Staten Island. Here's the full event calendar.
Can you go on ships during Fleet Week?
Absolutely! Ship tours are free, and you can explore the ships all week long at the following locations:
Manhattan, Pier 88 South
• San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, USS New York (LPD 21) from Norfolk, Virginia
Tours are availalbe on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, from 9am-4pm
Manhattan, Pier 90 North
• Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina
• Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434) from Halifax, Canada
Tours are availalbe on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, from 9am-4pm
Manhattan, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86
• Five U.S. Naval Academy YPs from Annapolis, Maryland
Tours are available on Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, from 10am-4pm
Homeport Pier, Staten Island
• Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) from Norfolk, Virginia
• Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109) from Bayonne, New Jersey
Tours are available Thursday, May 22-Monday, May 26 from 9am-4pm
Note
Canadian Navy Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434) will not be available for tours.
What is the Parade of Ships?
On Wednesday, May 21, the boats cruise into NYC, and it's a sight to see. This year, except to see two U.S. Navy ships, two U.S. Coast guard cutters, five U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats, and a Canadian ship 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. Wear comfortable clothing; no short skirts, no high heels, and no open-toed shoes.
Budget about 30 minutes per ship tour.
