Fleet Week, Blue Angels Ready for Action
San Francisco Fleet Week 2023 is October 2 through 9.
- San Francisco Fleet Week 2023 is October 2 through 9 Now that the federal government shutdown was averted at the last minute, San Francisco Fleet Week 2023 is a go. That means the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back in town—much to the delight of air show fans and the dismay of those who don’t appreciate the thunderous roar of F/A-18 Super Hornet engines. Alameda Post – the Blue Angels fly in formation Photo US Navy / Blue Angels. Non-Endorsement Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. The air show officially takes place Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8, with the Blue Angels performing from 3 to 4 p.m. on those days. They usually do some practice flights on Thursday afternoon as well—and if you’re a truly devoted fan, there are numerous opportunities to see the planes take off, fly practice maneuvers, and land again at Oakland Airport’s North Field. Meanwhile, airport officials have warned people who live nearby that they are likely to “experience an unusual level of aircraft activity and noise.” Obviously, there’s nothing they can really do about that, but they will give you fair warning if you sign up for their community advisory notification list. Call the Noise Hotline at 510-563-6463. Alameda Post – a man in a Blue Angels uniform signs a child’s Blue Angels book Photo US Navy / Blue Angels. Non-Endorsement Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Best way to watch the air show Buy a ticket. Rhythmix Cultural Works – Words That Made the Difference For those who can afford it, buying tickets to the show gives you amazing views. A $395 “Flight Deck” ticket will get you a seat at an umbrella table, including a buffet and beverages, with optional waterfront seating for the show. For a more affordable $125, you can get those same views in “premium box seats” on the waterfront without the buffet and free drinks. All of these tickets are limited and tend to sell out fairly quickly. Tickets are available online. Take an air show cruise on the bay. Red and White Fleet tickets are already sold out for Saturday, but Friday and Sunday tickets are still available at $99 for adults (21+), including two drink tickets; $65 for youth (ages 5-20); and children under 5 are free. Departure times are 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. from Pier 43½. Blue & Gold Fleet air show cruise tickets are $99 for adults, $85 for military and seniors, $65 for children (ages 5-12); and children under 5 are free. Cruises depart at 1:30 p.m. from Pier 39. The San Francisco Belle, an old school riverboat-style ferry, offers a two-hour cruise that includes a buffet lunch with free champagne and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are $125 for adults, $110 for children (ages 4-12), and children under 4 are free. Friday is waitlisted, but tickets for Saturday and Sunday are still available. Cruises depart at 1:30 from Pier 3, Hornblower Landing. Related Articles Donut Fun Run 2024 Save the Date Cruise all day on the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, one of the few remaining liberty ships used to transport troops during World War II. The all-day cruise, which boards at 9 a.m. at Pier 35 and returns at 5 p.m., sails around San Francisco Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge for amazing views of the San Francisco waterfront, the visiting Navy ships, and the air show. Food and drink are complimentary, starting with coffee and donuts upon boarding. Tickets are $165 for general passengers (age 17+), $100 for youth (ages 5-16), and children under age 5 are free. Family tickets for up to two adults and two youth are $440. Purchase tickets for Saturday or Sunday online (links are separate for each day). Take the ferry from Alameda and watch from a pier. The San Francisco Bay Ferry is a great way to see the air show—on board and in town. The normal weekday schedule will be in effect Monday through Friday, October 2-6, but extra departures will be available on Saturday and Sunday, October 7-8. The expanded Fleet Week 2023 schedule is online. If you want to see the whole show from a mid-bay pier, take a ferry leaving Alameda’s Main Street station by 11:55 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday to allow time to walk to the pier of your choice and stake out a spot. But if you just want to see the Blue Angels, you can leave Alameda later, up to 1:15 p.m.—and if you’re willing to take a chance, leave at 2:10 p.m. and watch the Blue Angels fly overhead past the ferry and then zoom over the Bay Bridge. You’ll have time to watch the rest of their maneuvers from the waterfront at the Ferry Building and get some good views as they circle Alcatraz and then fly back to buzz a few skyscrapers in the Financial District. Parade of Ships and Ship Tours The annual Parade of Ships along the waterfront is always a sight to behold, with water spouting in the air and crowds cheering as the fleet passes by. The parade is on Friday, October 6, from 11 a.m. to noon. Stand anywhere along the waterfront to watch. Be a sponsor for Alameda Pride 2024 Meanwhile, individual ship tours are available all week at Pier 35 and Pier 30-32. (No tours on Friday.) All ship tours are free but some items are prohibited—no backpacks, weapons of any kind, pets including service animals, or vapes are allowed. Please note that there are also no holding areas for backpacks or strollers, so plan ahead.
