NYC Fleet Week 2025
One of the most beloved New York City traditions is Fleet Week! Fleet Week is a citywide salute to the sea services. For one whole week, New York honors the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and everyone who protects our harbours. During NYC Fleet Week, active military ships deployed overseas come to dock throughout the five boroughs. Once docked, the service men and women onboard can explore the Big Apple. Some may even put their photos on our giant Welcome to Times Square billboard. It is only $150 for the entire day!
When is NYC Fleet Week 2025? Fleet Week 2025 will be celebrate in New York City May 21-27.
History of Fleet Week
Fleek Week can trace its roots back to 1935. The first Fleet Week, however, was held in California, not New York City. FDR was president, and was intent on expanding the United States Navy. During the opening 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, to match the patriotism in the air, the US Marine Corp led a parade across the Cabrillo Bridge and FDR gave an address. Over 100 warships arrived in San Diego carrying more than 55,000 enlisted men. Those aboard the ships got to enjoy the Exposition, while San Diego locals were able to hop aboard and explore the ships as guests.
The Fleet Week tradition would reach New York City in 1982. New Yorkers, however, like to be the trendsetters, so it’s important ships are documented visiting New York Harbour in a celebratory manner as early as 1898. So perhaps one could make an argument that Fleek Week began in New York city. Historians, however, claim 1982 was the first “official” New York City Fleet Week.
Parade of Ships
One of the best things to do for New York City Fleet Week is to watch the Parade of Ships. The Parade of Ships is an opening ceremony of sorts. All the active ships docking throughout the five boroughs will enter New York Harbour in style. They will enter under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, go past the Statue of Liberty, up the Hudson River, before turning around to dock in their respective ports.
The start time for the Parade of Ships is roughly 8am, and festivities will end as late as 4 pm. This year, we will celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday, so celebrations will be especially meaningful. This year, 6 active Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard ships will participate in Fleet Week celebrations in New York City, but keep your eyes open for other boats taking part. FDNY Fireboats such as Fireboat 343 will most likely be outside spraying their hoses like giant watery fireworks.
What to Do in NYC During Fleet Week
Among the most popular things to do in New York City during Fleet Week is to tour the visiting ships. In 2025, ships will be docked in Manhattan at Pier 86, Pier 88, and Pier 90, as well as Homeport Pier in Staten Island. It is absolutely free to visit these ships and speak with the crew, but do know this is so popular you may need to wait in line and arrive earlier in the day. Lines may close at least an hour before closing.
Another must-do for Fleet Week is to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. All week, The Intrepid will be hosting special programming. For example, Friday May 23 they will be showing a free screening of “Top Gun” on the Flight Deck, and Monday May 26 will feature a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m.
Timed Square hosts several Fleet Week events. Wednesday May 21 there will be a Silent Drill Platoon performance from 6:00 pm-6:30 pm. This will take place in Father Duffy Square, directly underneath the Welcome to Times Square billboard. You can be a part of all the action by having your photo or video on the Welcome to Times Square billboard during Fleet Week. You can also honor a serviceman or woman or in your life on the billboard. It will make any visit to NYC truly special.