The best Fleet Week events and parties in NYC for 2025

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.

Tour 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

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 up-close look at the nuts and bolts of our not-so-distant history.

The Intrepid Museum serves as a primary destination during Fleet Week. Here are a few of the events happening there: Live music with a vintage twist, virtual reality flight simulators with the U.S. Air Force, a Morse code bracelet making activity, pull-up contests, chances to meet military members, and lots more. Here's the full schedule.

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 Saturday, 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, and dancing.

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."

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.

The details haven't been announced for this year's event on Monday, May 26. But in the past, the event has run from 10am-12pm. Veterans groups typically lay wreaths at the monument. This homage ensures the memory of the fallen is kept alive, that those who serve today are honored, and that the monument and its significance are preserved for future generations.