Fleet Week San Diego returns in November 2026 with two weeks of military-focused events designed to connect the public with sailors, Marines, veterans and military families. The official 2026 program runs from November 1 through November 15 and includes concerts, STEM programs, ship access, athletic events, recognition ceremonies and family activities. For visitors, the biggest public-facing period is the final weekend, when Broadway Pier hosts public ship tours from November 13 through November 15.
Looking for more to do while you are in town? Browse our San Diego festivals and events calendar and the SoCal entertainment calendar to plan the rest of your trip.
2026 Fleet Week San Diego Schedule
November 1: Navy Band Concert in Chula Vista. Fleet Week opens with a free outdoor performance by Navy Band Southwest.
November 4: National City Salute to Navy Luncheon. The 69th annual luncheon honors the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This is a special-function event rather than a general drop-in attraction.
November 6: Student STEM Day, Meet the Fleet, Enlisted Recognition Luncheon and a Marine Band concert at Jacobs Music Center. The day combines education, military recognition and live music. For more on the venue, see our San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center guide.
November 7: Meet the Fleet at 32nd Street. Visitors can get a closer look at naval vessels and meet sailors who serve aboard them.
November 8: Military & Veteran Appreciation Concert. Live performances honor service members, veterans and their families.
November 10: Fleet Week Community Breakfast aboard the USS Midway Museum. Student STEM Days and the Innovation Zone also operate on November 10, 12 and 13.
November 11: Veterans Day activities. The Fleet Week Veterans Day 5K and the Fleet Week Boat Parade make this one of the busiest public days of the celebration.
November 12: Port of San Diego Senior Leaders Seminar, focused on coordination and response around the port.
November 13 – 15: Broadway Pier and public ship tours. Navy ships and military equipment are opened for public viewing at the downtown waterfront.
November 14: Fleet Week Football Classic.
November 15: Military Family Day closes the official 2026 schedule with activities recognizing military families and children.
What to Expect at Broadway Pier
Broadway Pier is the centerpiece for visitors who want a hands-on Fleet Week experience. Public ship tours give guests an opportunity to board participating Navy vessels, view military equipment and interact with service members. The pier is located on San Diego Bay at 1000 N Harbor Drive, close to the Embarcadero, the USS Midway Museum and downtown waterfront attractions. If you have extra time, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is also on the Embarcadero.
Because ship access involves active military facilities and security procedures, visitors should expect screening and should check the official Fleet Week San Diego website shortly before arrival for the final list of participating vessels, tour hours, identification rules and prohibited items. Operational requirements can change ship availability with little notice.
Tickets, Cost and Planning
Fleet Week San Diego states that the celebration is free to the public. However, luncheons, breakfasts or limited-capacity functions may use separate registration or ticketing. For public events such as concerts, displays and ship-tour days, visitors should still verify the individual event page before traveling.
Downtown parking can be busy during ship-tour weekend and Veterans Day activities. Visitors heading to Broadway Pier should allow extra time for traffic, waterfront parking and security lines. Public transportation or rideshare can be useful alternatives when large crowds are expected.
Making a day of it downtown? Check San Diego Restaurant Week for dining ideas and our date night guide for evening plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fleet Week San Diego 2026?
Fleet Week San Diego 2026 runs from November 1 through November 15, 2026.
When are the public ship tours?
The official schedule lists Broadway Pier and public ship tours for November 13 – 15, 2026.
Is Fleet Week San Diego free?
The organizer describes Fleet Week as free to the public, although certain special functions such as luncheons and breakfasts can require separate tickets or registration.
Where is Broadway Pier?
Broadway Pier is at 1000 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, on San Diego Bay near the Embarcadero and the USS Midway Museum.
When is the Fleet Week Boat Parade?
The Fleet Week Boat Parade takes place on November 11, 2026, Veterans Day, alongside the Fleet Week Veterans Day 5K.
