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, expect 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.

On Monday, May 26, the Intrepid will host a Memorial Day ceremony at 10am. Civic and military leaders will offer remarks and conduct a special wreath-laying ceremony to honor the fallen. The ceremony will conclude with a flyover by fighter jets.

Many free outdoor movie screenings are taking place all over town this summer, but none boast an ambience quite like that of the Intrepid Museum’s Summer Movie Series. After all, you get to watch some awesome movies while hanging out on the aircraft carrier’s flight deck at sunset. How cool!

This year's films dive deep into the mysteries of the ocean, inspired by the museum’s newest exhibition, “Mysteries From the Deep: Underwater Archaeology.” The series kicks off with the annual Fleet Week screening of Top Gun on May 23.

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.”

Bryant Park is getting into the patriotic spirit for Fleet Week with musical performances and celebrations to honor our troops. Here’s what's on the claendar: 

— Wednesday, May 21st, 3:30–5pm: Midtown Music with Triad Brass
Weekly Midtown Music pop-up performances on the Upper Terrace will turn red, white, and blue to commemorate the start of Fleet Week. Bryant Park favorite Triad Brass will offer service members a jubilant New York welcome.

— Thursday, May 22nd, 12:30–2:30pm: USO Tap-A-Long hosted by Toes Tiranoff and Jon Weber
Host Toes Tiranoff and his repertoire of featured dancers will showcase swinging tunes and patriotic tributes that are bound to make your toes tap. Tap-A-Long will be held on the Upper Terrace at the base of the William Cullen Bryant Statue behind the New York Public Library.

— Monday, May 26th, 12:30–2:30pm: Hooray for the Red, White, & Blue with Isaac ben Ayala
This special piano performance celebrates our troops and those who have served. Notable composer and band leader Isaac ben Ayala will feature through traditional Americana favorites, as well as modern classics. Hooray for the Red, White, & Blue will be held on the Upper Terrace at the base of the William Cullen Bryant Statue behind the New York Public Library.

— Monday, May 26th, 3:30–5pm: Marine and Navy Band Performance
An annual performance of the Marine and Navy brass bands will commemorate Memorial Day and the tail end of Fleet Week. This performance will be held on the Upper Terrace following the piano performance earlier that day.

Get a front-row seat to witness ships from the US Navy, Coast Guard, and more on Memorial Day weekend. As an expert guide narrates, the 2.5-hour tour will visit historic military sites, monuments and fortification. Plus, you’ll get to see historic and modern fighting Navy ships up close as part of Fleet Week.

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.

The Classic Harbor Line Military History Tour of New York Harbor will be held on Friday, May 23 and Monday, May 26. Tickets cost $106 per 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.

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 to noon. 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.