Plan B Forum

San Francisco Fleet Week Has Arrived



Fleet Week, one of San Francisco's most popular celebrations, returns this week to provide dazzle on the water and in the skies.

From the Blue Angels buzzing overhead to the military ships at Piers 30-32 and fireworks on Saturday night, there's something for everyone. You'll be able to see the Blue Angels from many places in the city, but Mary Hickey, spokesperson for Fleet Week, said "really anywhere along the waterfront" is the best vantage point. "If you can see the water, you’re in good shape."

While it was common for Navy ships to dock in SF for public events as early as 1908, the modern incarnation of Fleet Week owes its existence to former Mayor Dianne Feinstein, the daughter of a naval reserve officer. She relaunched the event in 1981, and it's now an integral part of the city's calendar, drawing big crowds along the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf.

"Being the second-biggest weekend of the year, of course it’s a huge, huge deal for our retailers and our restaurants," said Troy Campbell, executive director of the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District. (Valentine's Day was the Wharf's most-visited weekend last year, according to a new pedestrian-counting system.) "It’s a great amphitheater for watching the Blue Angels," he added.

If you'd rather sit down for the show, the nonprofit San Francisco Fleet Week Association, which hosts the event, sells tickets for guaranteed seats on Marina Green. You can get premium box seats or VIP "Flight Deck Club" seats—which include a full buffet, wine and beer—to help raise money to cover costs.

Fleet Week officially runs from October 5th-12th, but public events don't kick off until Thursday, when ship tours are offered from 10am-2pm. The Blue Angels begin to practice that day, too, from noon-4pm. Friday sees the Parade of Ships (11-12:30pm) and the Air Show from 12:30–3pm, starting with the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team and ending with the Blue Angels from 3–4pm.

Lord Jim wrote:"Being the second-biggest weekend of the year, of course it’s a huge, huge deal for our retailers and our restaurants," said Troy Campbell, executive director of the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District.