Between October 7-14, San Francisco Fleet Week will be hosting concerts, air shows, and other events across the city. The tradition began in 1981 and takes place every October to honor the contributions of men and women in the United States Armed Forces. If you drive to any of the events, SF Fleet Week recommends reserving a parking spot. Before we get into the fun stuff, make sure to read up on the organization’s rules regarding boat safety, ship visits, and tours.
Planes and Boats
Air Show
Between October 11-13, you can watch the air show held between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz with fans from across the globe. It’s the only show in the US where you can see a commercial airliner, the United 777, performing stunts. You can also see the US Navy Blue Angels. Grab a mush-o-roni pizza from Square Pie Guys in Ghirardelli Square and walk over to Fisherman’s Wharf to watch the show.
Ship Tours
Everyday during the event, you can hop on board a collection of carriers and cruisers at the Port of San Francisco to see a slice of the daily life of Navy and Coast Guard sailors. The event is free, but since there’s no reservations, you’ll want to get there early. If you want to grab a bite after your tour, the Ferry Building has you covered. You’ll find some of our favorites like El Porteño Empanadas, Señor Sisig, Cholita Linda, and Lunette Cambodia.
Parade of Ships
Along the San Francisco Waterfront, you can watch the largest Parade of Ships on the West Coast as they sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Pop a picnic at Marina Green to watch. Make sure to get there at the start so you don’t miss the SF Fire Department leading the parade with fire boats spraying water jets. (Date and time to be announced) Checkout The Tipsy Pig for some of our favorite brunch in the city. We recommend the duck confit hash and Dutch pancake.
Music
Honor Our Fallen Concert
Across from city hall, the United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band will be performing a free concert at The Herbst Theatre to honor the service members who defended their country during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts (date and time to be announced). If you’re looking to grab a bite before the show, grab a table at Mensho — we think it’s one of the most creative ramen spots in the bay with options like duck matcha and spicy lamb miso cumin.
High School Band Challenge
On Monday (October 14), high school bands will face off at Golden Gate Park Bandshell for a chance to win prize money for their school music programs. The free event takes place from 10am-3pm, so bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the free concert. A brief 14-minute walk from the concert space is San Tung, our recommendation for lunch with amazing handmade noodles and classic Chinese dishes.
Neighborhood Concert Series
This concert series welcomes the Navy and Marine Corps bands into neighborhoods across the city. Keep an eye out for the 2024 concert schedule coming soon to see if they’re performing near you.
Other Fun Events
K9 Heroes
On Saturday (10/12) at Duboce Park, there will be a celebration of dogs with jobs. Watch the K9 heroes demonstrate abilities like search and rescue; therapy tasks; drug and food detection; law enforcement; and bomb detection. The free event takes place between 10am-2pm. A short walk from the park you’ll find Palmyra, a Middle Eastern restaurant, with delicious shawarma.
Veterans Art Exhibit
At the historic War Memorial Veterans Building (301 Van Ness Avenue), you can find art made by Academy of Art University veteran students, the Veteran Home of California, and Yountville. Only a six minute walk from the event, you’ll find one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in SF at The Bird. Their approach to the fried chicken sandwich isn’t to burn your tastebuds off like other places, the chicken is well-seasoned and only moderately spicy, but the real star of the show is their slaw made with celery and tart apple.
