Ahoy, sailors, seafarers, and city explorers! Fleet Week New York City is setting sail once again, and it’s one party you don’t want to miss. With thousands of sailors and marines cruising into town, NYC transforms into a vibrant celebration of honor, camaraderie, and inclusion. And no surprise here, Fleet Week has become a must-attend event for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating diversity and welcoming everyone with open arms.
If you’re planning your gay getaway or just looking for a unique urban adventure, Fleet Week is the perfect time to visit. Not sure where to start? Here are the top five experiences you have to check out during this epic week.
1. Watch the Iconic Ship Parade
Get ready to drop your anchor along the Hudson because the Parade of Ships is an entrance as extra as a Broadway curtain call. Think U.S. Navy ships, Coast Guard cutters, and even a Canadian vessel majestically gliding down the river. If Lady Gaga’s meat dress at the MTV awards could sail, this would be the nautical version.
The parade kicks off early in the morning (typically 7:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.) on May 21, running from Battery Park to just south of the George Washington Bridge. Prime your picnic baskets with bubbles and snacks because this is the backdrop of your Instagram dreams. Oh, and don’t miss your chance to wave at those sailors lining the decks and overflowing with charm.
2. Free Musical Performances by Sailors and Marines
Sailors in uniform performing live music? Yes, please! Fleet Week comes with a playlist of free concerts scattered across the city. Head to Times Square, Bryant Park, or the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where talents like The U.S. Navy Band give you groove-worthy moments, sailor selfies are mandatory, and gay travel dreams come true.
Think high-energy performances, mixed crowds of naval uniforms, locals, and fellow tourists, all united by the universal language of dancing and clapping along. Who said sailors can only tie knots? They can untie some too… on the dance floor.
3. Bar Hopping in the East Village
When the sun sets, the sailors come out to play, and there’s no better time for an East Village bar crawl. If Fleet Week is the party, the East Village is its disco ball. Picture streets packed with charming sailors ready for some fun and plenty of cocktails.
Hotspots like The Boiler Room and The Cock are forever queer faves, drawing a lively crowd and buzzing Fleet Week energy. Leather lovers, don’t miss the Eagle Beer Blast rooftop on Sunday! Think leather, military uniforms, and the kind of vibe that makes every drink taste better. Bring your A-game because the stories you’ll bring home might just last a lifetime.
4. Tour the Spectacular Ships
Love ships but prefer to explore them docked (less seasick, more selfies)? Fleet Week lets you tour several epic vessels stationed throughout NYC. This year’s star lineup includes:
- USS New York (Pier 88, Manhattan) – Tour May 23-24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- HMCS Frédérick Rolette (Pier 90, Manhattan) – If you’re curious about Canada’s LGBTQ+ sailor scene, this is the ship for you!
- USS Oak Hill (Staten Island) – Hop on board May 22-26 to admire this majestic Whidbey Island-class ship.
This is your chance to channel your inner Jack Dawson, minus the iceberg. These tours are free, open to the public, and prime opportunities for unforgettable maritime moments.
5. Movie Night on the USS Intrepid
Raise your rainbow flags because Fleet Week’s movie night takes cinema magic to the next level. Picture it: the USS Intrepid’s rooftop, a starry sky, and Top Gun playing on the big screen. Oh, and did we mention you’re surrounded by men in uniform?
Catch Tom Cruise and his iconic volleyball scene with the most breathtaking view of NYC serving as your theater backdrop. Bring your blankets, grab some snacks, and brace yourself for one of the gayest, most fabulous movie nights of all time. It’s an absolute must for any Fleet Week itinerary.
Bonus – Memorial Day Observance at Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
Fleet Week wouldn’t be complete without reflection. Make your way to Riverside Park (89th St) on Memorial Day (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) for the solemn wreath-laying ceremony. It’s a heartfelt tribute to our fallen heroes and a reminder of the community we stand to honor.
All Hands on Deck for Fleet Week Fun!
Whether you’re picnicking along the Hudson, dancing with sailors, touring ships, or just soaking in the vibrant city vibes, Fleet Week New York City is a can’t-miss celebration of pride, patriotism, and pure fun. Mark those calendars, grab those rainbow flags, and prepare for selfies, sailor charm, and memories that’ll last forever.
Who knows? You just might find your own sailor to keep the party going.
Photos by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick P. Evenson; U.S. Navy photos by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Travis Simmons/Released; 2nd Class Abe McNatt/Released; 1st Class Patrick A. Gordon/Released; Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan and Flickr user jbetac used under the Creative Commons Attribution license and courtesy of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
About The Author
Derek Cullen is a travel writer and adventure tour leader from Dublin, Ireland. On his blog No Hanging Around he shares his adventures, including across the United States. Derek may be best known for his solo bicycle ride across the African continent in 2014. Depending on the time of year he is either leading overland tours through Africa or travelling around the world in on search of new experiences.