Fleet Week San Diego will return October 30–November 9, 2025, bringing a full slate of events to honor the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, while celebrating the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps. San Diego, home to the largest concentration of these service members in the country, has hosted Fleet Week since 1997, when community and business leaders created it as a way for the city to show its support and appreciation for the naval services. Over the years, the event has grown into one of the region’s signature annual celebrations, produced by the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation, a nonprofit that donates proceeds beyond expenses to charities supporting military families.
This year’s public events will include the Boot Camp Challenge on October 18, a three-mile race through the famed Marine Corps Recruit Training Area featuring obstacles, live music, and motivation from more than 60 Marine Corps Drill Instructors. On October 31, the Enlisted Recognition Luncheon will honor more than 300 distinguished enlisted guests at the San Diego Zoo. The public is invited to Naval Base San Diego on November 1 for Meet the Fleet, a rare opportunity to meet active-duty sailors and Marines. November 2 will feature the Military & Veteran Appreciation Concert at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion, with combined performances by Navy Band Southwest and Marine Band San Diego, as well as a pin presentation for Vietnam veterans who have not previously been honored.
From November 7–9, Broadway Pier will host Military Ship Tours, giving visitors the chance to explore U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels. These tours are free, first-come, first-served, and require valid government-issued photo ID. The same weekend, the Innovation Zone will showcase the latest high-tech equipment used in military and civilian applications, highlighting San Diego’s research institutions and its role in the high-tech economy. On November 8, the Veterans and Military Boat Parade will sail through San Diego Bay, with decorated boats representing each branch of the armed forces and trophies awarded in multiple categories.
Fleet Week San Diego remains a vibrant tradition, offering the public a chance to celebrate service members, explore military life and technology, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities along the waterfront. From hands-on challenges to awe-inspiring ship tours, the 2025 lineup continues the mission to honor, celebrate, and thank those who serve, while connecting the community with the people and traditions that define San Diego as a proud, pro-military city.
