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New York City’s harbor is about to get a whole lot saltier. The 37th annual Fleet Week kicks off Wednesday, May 21, with the can’t-miss Parade of Ships sailing up the Hudson, ushering in a week of free events, ship tours, military demonstrations and brass-filled concerts across the five boroughs and beyond.
The morning flotilla will feature two U.S. Navy ships, two U.S. Coast Guard cutters, five Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats—and for a little international flair, a Canadian and German ship or two. Expect to spot the spectacle from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge between 7:45am and 11am.
“This year marks the 250th birthday of the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, in a release. “Fleet Week New York reminds us that behind every uniform is a story—of family, of sacrifice, and of service to something greater than self.”
Starting Thursday, you can hop aboard the USS New York at Pier 88, USCGC Calhoun at Pier 90 or a whole flotilla docked at Staten Island’s Homeport Pier, including the USS Oak Hill, USCGC Sturgeon Bay and more. Ship tours are free, but arrive early—lines close before posted end times. Bring an ID, wear flat shoes and leave the open-toed sandals at home.
Not into boats? Catch the Navy Band Northeast Brass Band playing Times Square Friday to Sunday evenings, and again on Memorial Day at Bryant Park. Bonus: The Marine Corps Band joins the party Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Silent Drill Teams from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will be putting on sharp, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it performances throughout the week in Times Square.
Beyond Manhattan, Eisenhower Park hosts helicopter landings and Navy demos on Saturday, while Liberty State Park in Jersey City gets its own airshow and bandstand on Sunday. There’s even a Top Gun screening aboard the Intrepid Friday night.
Fleet Week wraps up Monday, May 27, with Memorial Day parades from Queens to Yonkers and Staten Island to the Bronx, honoring those who served. For a full list of events and pier locations, check out our Fleet Week calendar—and get ready to salute!