SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Fleet Week, or at least what’s left of it, is now full steam ahead with the event’s signature Air Show set to take flight Friday. While the event’s usual headliners, the Blue Angels, are grounded due to the government shutdown, the Canadian Snowbirds are set to headline the show above San Francisco Bay.
While the Fleet Week Air Show is set to go ahead without U.S. Military participation, several other Fleet Week events have now been canceled.
It may not be business as usual this Fleet Week, but for fans of the annual event, there is still plenty to do. Here’s KRON4’s guide to what’s happening — and what’s not.
Parade of Ships — Canceled
Fleet Week’s traditional kickoff event, the Parade of Ships under the Golden Gate Bridge, will not take place this year due to the government shutdown. Traditionally, the largest such parade on the West Coast, the Parade of Ships would normally see the fleet sail into the Bay, led by the San Francisco Fire Department’s fire boats, shooting jets of water into the air to celebrate the Fleet’s arrival.
What to do instead — Tour the Colombian Navy tall ship ARC Gloria
While there will be no Parade of Ships, you could pay a visit to the majestic Colombian Navy tall ship, the ARC Gloria. The elegant three-masted vessel is anchored along the SF Embarcadero Pier 15/17 and will be open for tours through Oct. 13.
WATCH: Step aboard the ARC Gloria
All ship tours are free of charge.
Honor Our Fallen Concert — Canceled
The special performance by the United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band will not take place this year due to the ongoing government shutdown.
What to do instead — High School Band Challenge, Neighborhood Concert Series
According to the Fleet Week website, the High School Band Challenge and Neighborhood Concert Series will go ahead as planned.
The High School Band Challenges takes place Monday, Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell. It features select Bay Area high school bands competing for prize money to support their school music programs.
Check the Fleet Week website for times, dates and locations on the Neighborhood Concert Series: Neighborhood Concert Series – San Francisco Fleet Week
Fleet Week Air Show
While there will be no Blue Angels, there will still be a Fleet Week Air Show this year. Headlined by the Canadian Snowbirds, the Air Show will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. KRON4 got an exclusive preview of what to expect in this year’s Air Show from another of the scheduled participants, the Patriots Jet Team.
WATCH: Patriots Jet Team gearing up for Fleet Week Air Show
Fleet Week Air Show lineup and schedule:
- Opening Ceremonies — 12:15 p.m.
- United Airlines 777 Demo — 12:25 p.m.
- Jack Aces P-51 Demo Team — 12:37 p.m.
- Patriots Jet Team — 12:52 p.m.
- Acemaker T-33 — 1:37 p.m.
- Jack Aces P-51 Demo Team — 2:09 p.m.
- Randy Howell/Cory Lovell — 2:26 p.m.
- United Airlines 777 Demo — 2:36 p.m.
- Canadian Snowbirds — 2:48 p.m.
USS Hornet tours
Across the Bay in Alameda, you could also take a tour of the USS Hornet. The former U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is now a museum and will be welcoming visitors aboard during Fleet Week.
WATCH: Tour the USS Hornet
KRON4 got an exclusive preview, which you can watch in the player above.
