Fleet Week will return to the Port of Los Angeles from May 23 to 26 as part of a multi-day celebration honoring the U.S. military.
L.A. port officials announced Monday that this year’s LA Fleet Week will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Merchant Marines, all established in 1775. Visitors will be able to view the arrival of active-duty military ships and take free public tours throughout the weekend.
The popular Fleet Week Expo at the Battleship Iowa will feature military and first-responder displays. Multiple daily aircraft flyovers are planned, as well as live entertainment, food trucks and a Sailor’s Bar.
Ship tours will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis in the outer harbor through Memorial Day, officials said.
Free shuttles will run from the Expo area in front of the Battleship Iowa and from Berth 55 at 22nd and Miner streets.
Two welcome parties are scheduled for May 22 and May 23 — one on Mesa Street between 5th and 6th streets in downtown San Pedro, and another at the historic Banning Museum.
Fox Entertainment will present the Galley Wars, a food competition, on May 24. Five teams will cook their best burger, side dish and dessert for a panel of four esteemed local judges in front of a live audience, according to organizers. Fleet Week will also feature the first of several qualifying rounds of “Military Has Talent,” a singing competition that will culminate in a final sing-off on May 26.
Visitors can participate in tall ship sailing fun with the Los Angeles Maritime Institute during their Festival of Sail at LA Fleet Week, in association with the Sherry Griswold Foundation. Tickets will be available at lamitopsail.org for four sailing excursions.
Officials said the West Harbor will also host their annual After Party at West Harbor Town Square, located at 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard on May 24-25. Attendees can enjoy live music, local food and drink options from the San Pedro Fish Market, Miller Butler, Catalina Tea Bar and San Pedro Brewing Company’s beer garden, according to organizers.
As part of the celebrations, organizers will host so-called neighborhood activations and military band performances across the city.