San Francisco Fleet Week is back. Here's what to know
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Impressive. Photo: Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Love it or hate it, Fleet Week has descended on San Francisco once again.
Why it matters: The annual celebration, which began Sunday and runs until Oct. 12, brings thousands of spectators to the waterfront for one of the city's loudest and busiest weekends of the year.
- For fans, this week means prime time for Blue Angels flyovers and ship tours. For everyone else, consider this your warning to expect plenty of noise and traffic. Here's what to know.
✈️ State of play: The signature air show runs noon–4pm Friday through Sunday over the Bay, with Marina Green serving as its hub. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels headline the show, which will also include an F-22 Raptor and a United Airlines 777 demonstration.
- The Parade of Ships kicks off the weekend Friday morning along the waterfront, while free ship tours will run throughout the week at Piers 27 and 35.
🎺 Beyond the jets: Expect free military band performances at Ghirardelli Square, Union Square, Japantown and neighborhood parks all week as part of the event's free neighborhood concert series.
- Tuesday's lineup includes a 6pm 1st Marine Division Brass Band performance in Noe Valley at 3908 24th St.
- On Friday, Front Street will lean into the theme with a free 4–9pm block party featuring yacht-rock bands, oysters, bar specials and an outdoor screening of "Top Gun."
- K9 Heroes will take over Duboce Park Saturday morning from 10am–1pm with working dog demonstrations.
🚗 Reality check: If you're headed toward the waterfront this weekend, consider leaving the car at home. SFMTA is adding service on several routes, but riders should expect crowding and delays around the Marina, Fisherman's Wharf and the Presidio.
- Several roads and eastern entrances in the Presidio — including Arguello Boulevard, Presidio Boulevard, Lombard and Mason streets — will close to cars starting at noon Saturday and Sunday. Parking near Crissy Field and the Main Post is expected to fill early.
- The F-Market streetcars will turn around at Pier 39 Saturday and Sunday, while some cable car service will be replaced by buses.
- Waymo service will also be restricted around parts of the northern waterfront Friday through Sunday and won't operate inside the Presidio, per SFMTA.
👟 The bottom line: Pack comfortable shoes, give yourself extra time, prepare for a noisy week ahead and look up every now and then to catch a glimpse of the Blue Angels.