Fleet Week New York
Late May, from the Wednesday before Memorial Day to the following Tuesday
Approximate window. The organisers publish the exact days a few months ahead.
What it is
Fleet Week New York brings United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard ships into the harbour for a week around Memorial Day. It opens with a parade of ships up the Hudson past the Statue of Liberty, and for several days afterwards the public can board the visiting vessels for free, watch military demonstrations along the waterfront and meet the crews. It has run in the city since 1984.
What to expect
The parade of ships on the opening morning is the picture everyone wants and it is best seen from the Hudson River Park piers or from Staten Island. Ship tours are free but need photo identification and involve a security queue and a lot of steep ladders. Demonstrations happen across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island, and the schedule changes daily, so the official site is the only source worth planning from.
Getting there
For the Manhattan piers take the 7 to Hudson Yards or the A, C and E to 34th Street and walk west. For the parade of ships the free Staten Island Ferry gives the closest view without a ticket. Brooklyn events centre on the Sunset Park and Red Hook terminals, reachable on the R to 59th Street.
Best tours and tickets
Curated from Viator. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
NYC: Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour with 6 Flavorful Dishes
Frequently asked questions
Is Fleet Week free?
Do you need identification to board a ship?
When exactly does it happen?
Where do you watch the parade of ships?
Sources: fleetweeknewyork.com
