2024 fleet week

A Sky and Bay Full of History: Fleet Week & the Blue Angels Return to San Francisco in 2025

Every October, the San Francisco skyline transforms into a stage for one of the most thrilling spectacles in the world. The roar of jet engines, the shimmer of sunlight on the Bay, and the graceful choreography of naval vessels mark the arrival of Fleet Week—a celebration of aviation, maritime tradition, and community spirit.

For 2025, the festivities run October 5–13, with the Air Show taking center stage Friday–Sunday, October 10–12. Over these three days, the city will buzz with sky-high stunts, maritime parades, and family-friendly fun—but the highlight is always the jaw-dropping aerial performances over the Bay.

 

From Naval Tradition to Bay Area Icon

Fleet Week began in 1935 in San Diego as a U.S. Navy celebration, but it wasn’t until 1981 that San Francisco embraced it—tying the event to the Columbus Day weekend and quickly becoming one of the most celebrated Fleet Weeks in the country. The mission remains the same: to honor the armed forces, strengthen the bond between the military and the public, and showcase naval and aviation excellence.

Over the years, the event has grown to include ship tours, military demonstrations, community concerts, and, of course, the heart-pounding air show over the Bay, which can be enjoyed both from land and water.

The Blue Angels: Born to Fly

The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, established in 1946, just after World War II. The team was created to boost Navy morale, demonstrate the might of naval aviation, and inspire a sense of pride and confidence in the military among civilians. Named after the Blue Angel nightclub in New York, this elite flight demonstration team is known for precision flying, tight formations, and breathtaking maneuvers.

For 2025, the Blue Angels will once again headline the show in their F/A-18 Super Hornets, joined by their support aircraft, Fat Albert, a C-130J that is a crowd favorite in its own right. Their show is a mix of high-speed aerobatics and tight formations that can make your heart race and your jaw drop. These pilots are the Navy’s top guns, and they train relentlessly to perform at this level. The sound of their engines roaring overhead has become synonymous with San Francisco’s Fleet Week, symbolizing both power and skill.

San Francisco’s Love Affair with the Blue Angels

San Francisco’s relationship with the Blue Angels began in 1981 when the city first hosted Fleet Week. The Angels were the natural stars of the event, and they’ve been a crowd favorite ever since. Every year, locals and tourists alike flock to the city’s waterfront, rooftops, and hills to catch a glimpse of their electrifying performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, there’s nothing quite like watching these aviators carve up the sky over the Golden Gate.

2025 Air Show Schedule

Fleet Week San Francisco 2025 is happening October 5-14. The Blue Angels Air Show is scheduled for October 10–12, 2025. In previous years, the performances generally run from approximately 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the famous Blue Angels typically taking to the skies around 3 p.m. each day. It’s best to arrive early—they sometimes start as soon as 2:45 p.m. Arriving early ensures you don’t miss any of the exciting aerial demonstrations leading up to the Blue Angels’ thrilling finale.

All three days, the show closes with the Blue Angels’ amazing performance, an awe-inspiring display of speed, precision, and heart-pounding aerial maneuvers over the San Francisco Bay. Even if you’ve seen them before, you’ll never get tired of that moment when the jets roar overhead, leaving everyone craning their necks and cheering in unison.

If you’re looking for a unique and stress-free way to experience the Fleet Week parade and airshow, there’s no better option than being aboard a private skippered yacht charter on San Francisco Bay. You’ll have the best seat in the house, far from the crowds, as you watch the world-famous Navy Blue Angels soar overhead in an unforgettable display.

2025 Air Show Highlights

This year’s Fleet Week offers more than just the Blue Angels. Visitors can look forward to:

  • United Airlines 777 demo – the only U.S. air show featuring a commercial airliner performing aerial maneuvers
  • The Canadian Snowbirds – returning to San Francisco for the first time since 2017
  • Patriots Jet Team – high-energy aerobatics from a beloved Bay Area-based squadron
  • F-35 demonstrations from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps
  • Navy Growler Demo Team and a triple P-51 Mustang heritage flight

Locals know that the excitement often starts early—the Blue Angels’ practice flights in the days before the show are a treat in themselves, with the sound of their engines echoing across the Bay.

The Parade of Ships

One of Fleet Week’s most anticipated traditions is the Parade of Ships, which is the official start of Fleet Week San Francisco celebrations. At 11:00 AM, the procession begins as Navy vessels sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, in a grand maritime procession, heading toward their designated piers along the waterfront. 

The parade features a variety of ships—each with its own history, mission, and role in modern naval operations. Leading the way is the San Francisco Fire Department’s iconic fire boat, spraying graceful arcs of water into the air as a grand salute to the incoming fleet.

These ships—each with its own mission and history—can be toured during the three-day celebration, making it a fantastic experience for both kids and adults who want to step aboard and learn more about life at sea.

On shore, prime viewing spots stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge, with the Marina Green as a popular gathering point. But for those who want to skip the crowds and parking headaches—and actually feel what the fleet feels as they move through the Bay—nothing compares to being on the water. A private skippered yacht charter with Passage Nautical puts you right in the heart of the action, with unbeatable views of the parade and the thrill of cruising alongside these magnificent ships, all while learning about each one in comfort and style.

Breaking Barriers: The First Female Blue Angels Pilots

Fleet Week has always been about inspiration as much as spectacle, and the Blue Angels continue to break new ground in aviation history.

  • Major Katie Higgins Cook – From Jacksonville, Florida, made history in 2015 as the first female Blue Angels pilot, flying the C-130 “Fat Albert” support aircraft. 
  • Lieutenant Amanda Lee – From Mounds View, Minnesota, became the first female demonstration pilot in 2022, flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet in the main aerial routines.

Their achievements highlight the skill, dedication, and diversity shaping the future of naval aviation.

 

Why See Fleet Week from the Water?

While thousands gather along the shoreline, the true front-row seat is from the deck of a yacht on San Francisco Bay. From here, you can enjoy:

  • Unobstructed views of the performance zone between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz
  • A crowd-free, relaxing atmosphere with fresh air and plenty of space to move around
  • The ability to see both the air show and the Parade of Ships from one perfect vantage point 
  • The option to bring your own food and drinks—or enjoy curated catering and champagne
  • A kid-friendly environment where the whole family can have fun, learn, and make memories

Whether entertaining clients, celebrating with friends, or making unforgettable family memories, a private skippered yacht charter with Passage Nautical turns Fleet Week into your exclusive event.

Set Sail for Fleet Week 2025 – Leave the Shores of the Ordinary

Don’t just watch Fleet Week—experience it in the best seat in the city: on the Bay itself. Book your private skippered yacht charter today and make this year’s Fleet Week one your family, friends, or team will never forget

San Francisco Fleet Week 2025:

  • Dates: October 5–13, 2025
  • Air Show: October 10–12, 2025

Best Viewing: Aboard a Passage Nautical luxury yacht charter. Reserve your Passage Nautical yacht now to secure the best viewing spots on the Bay.

A Tradition That Soars

Fleet Week, with its ships, parades, and, of course, the Blue Angels, has become an integral part of San Francisco’s cultural fabric. It’s a time when the city comes together to honor the military and enjoy some of the best aviation shows in the world. So, next time you hear that familiar roar in the sky, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind the spectacle. It’s more than just an airshow—it’s a celebration of precision, bravery, and the enduring bond between a city, its bay and its skies.

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