Off the Grid's Guide to Fleet Week
Between October 5-13, 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.
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 Marines’ Memorial Theatre from 6pm to 8pm. The concert will 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, 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-2pm, 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. Check out the venues and performers for 2025 here.
Planes and Boats
Air Show
You can watch the air show held between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz with fans from across the globe. The shows take place each day from 11:30am to 4pm. 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
At Piers 15, 17, 19, 30, 32, and 35, 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. Tours run from 11am to 12pm. 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. The show takes place from 11am to 12pm. 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.
Other Fun Events
Humanitarian Assistance Village
An open-air exhibition collaboration between military and civilian agencies. Learn how to prepare for disasters, meet rescue teams, climb on military equipment, and talk with a sailor. The event is free and open from 10am to 5pm on the Marina Green.
Stem Center
Fun, interactive exhibits in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) innovation. Career counselors from the Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, California National Guard and civilian agencies will be there to discuss STEM-related job opportunities. The event is free and open from 10am to 5pm on the Marina Green.