Fleet Week 2025 in NYC: The Complete Guide
Hello NYC Lover!
The annual celebration of the nation’s men and women in uniform at sea is back this May for the 37th time! You can look forward to tons of exciting events and the best part? Most of it is free! Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Fleet Week in New York City.
Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid
Key Facts – Fleet Week 2025
When: May 21 to May 27
Where: New York Passenger Ship Terminal on the Hudson River, West Side of Manhattan (between 41st and 54th Street)
What: Air shows, military demonstrations, and naval ships to explore
Map of Hell’s Kitchen / Hudson River Piers
What Is Fleet Week?
Fleet Week is a special time when we honor and celebrate the brave service of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. During this week, many military ships dock at the terminals along the Hudson River between 41st and 54th Street, welcoming visitors onboard.
Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid From Hudson River Park
Activities During Fleet Week
There’s so much to see and do during this exciting week in May! And you don’t have to be a hardcore military or ship enthusiast to be wowed by everything happening on the Hudson River. The massive naval vessels alone are absolute showstoppers!
Our top pick: Spend the weekend at the Intrepid Museum at Pier 86. They offer an amazing program for both adults and kids - and it’s free! Quick note: If you want to go inside the museum, you’ll need to pay the regular entrance fee.
Here’s what you can expect:
Friday, May 23 | 7 PM: Top Gun Movie Night
Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26 | 10 AM – 6 PM: Activities & Performances
Monday, May 26 | 10 AM: Memorial Day Ceremony
At the movie night you are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and blankets. Enjoy a free outdoor screening on a giant inflatable screen set up on the flight deck. It’s a movie night under the stars! ✨
Seating is first-come, first-served, and space is limited, so be sure to arrive early! Last year there were 1,500 people on deck, so you’ll probably get in but expect a long line and quite some waiting time.
Light concessions will be available for purchase, but you’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. (Please note: Alcohol is not permitted.)
Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the movie will begin at sunset. There is no re-entry once you leave, so plan accordingly!
Insider tip:
The best spots to watch the Parade of Ships - entering New York Harbor from the south on May 21st - are Battery Park or Hudson River Park. While exact times haven’t been confirmed yet, the parade usually runs from around 7:45 AM to 11:00 AM. Whichever spot you choose, don’t forget to wave to the sailors! 😉
Hudson River Park
If you're visiting the piers in the morning and are craving a delicious late breakfast afterwards, give one of these 3 must-try brunch spots in Manhattan a try - you’ll thank us later!
And now, the last but most important question: Pumps or Sneakers?
If you're planning on touring the ships Sneakers are definitely the way to go. 😊
