Fleet Week in New York 2026

Fleet Week in New York is the annual, week-long tradition which usually takes place at the end of May and promotes the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. During Fleet Week, large naval vessels dock at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal on the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan for a week. You can admire these  ships from the piers and take guided tours. Next Fleet Week will be held from July 3rd to July 8th. Wave to the sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard members, as well as see military demonstrations and air shows!

2026 Fleet Week will be held exceptionally in July as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations

What to do during Fleet Week in New York?

Fleet Week in New York offers various military demonstrations and activities, including the possibility to tour vessels in active service. Fleet Week events are free to the public. It’s also a great occasion to see service members who can be spotted throughout the city in their uniforms.

Ship tours

Are you a fan of technological innovations or just want to see an impressive large military ship up close? Then you should definitely go and visit one of the ships! It’s great for children too and there are lots of things to do onboard.

Most ships are at Manhattan’s West Side piers, primarily Pier 86, Pier 88 and Pier 90 in Hell’s Kitchen. The boats will be accessible from Thursday until Tuesday, typically from 08:00 to 17:00.

Intrepid Museum

You could also visit the Intrepid Museum during Fleet Week. The American military and maritime history museum hosts special Fleet Week programming. You’ll need to purchase tickets to visit the museum.

Parade of ships

There is also a parade of ships which marks the official beginning of Fleet Week. Early in the morning on the first day of Fleet Week, the parade enters the New York Harbor from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.The best viewing spots of the parade of ships are from along the New York Harbor or Battery Park and Hudson River Park in the south and west side of Manhattan. Memorial Day always falls during Fleet Week.

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Eric’s Tip: “I advise you to seek out the ships early, especially if you want to visit one. Prepare to wait in line and go through a security check. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID! Since the queues can be very long, it is possible people are stopped from queueing before the official closure time of the ship, so that everyone in line gets a chance to do the tour. You can’t buy any food on any of the boats. There are enough places to choose from at the various piers.”

When is Fleet Week in New York?

The event lasts a week and is usually around the same time of the year.  In 2026 Fleet Week will be held from July 3rd to July 8th. The boats will then be accessible Thursday until Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Memorial Day typically falls during Fleet Week. Memorial Day is the day when all of the men and women who died serving in the army are honoured. In 2026, Fleet Week in New York is celebrated together with 4th of July as part of “Sail4th250” to mark the USA’s 250th anniversary.

Sail4th 250 in New York

To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the world’s most unique and tall ships will return to New York. During the six-day celebration, from July 3rd to the 8th, ships will be open to the public and parades and performances will take place.

Fleet Week’s History

The very first Fleet Week was organised in 1935 as part of the California Pacific International Exposition. It was the time between the First and Second World War, President Roosevelt wanted to respond to the global conflicts by increasing the U.S. Navy, just like Germany and Japan did. During the first Fleet Week in San Diego, there was a big turnout of military ships and aircrafts. The first Fleet Week in New York was held in 1982.