Fleet Week on the Battleship IOWA
LA Fleet Week 2026 is Southern California’s largest Memorial Day weekend event, celebrating the U.S. military services and honoring those who have served.
From May 19 to 25, there will be tall ships, big ships, live music, military talent, cooking competitions, and plenty of food, drinks, and patriotic pride on the LA Waterfront. This annual event is free and a wonderful mix of heritage and high-energy fun for the whole family!
Fleet Week activities, including performances by the Navy and Marine bands, commence May 19 and occur throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties before shifting from May 22 -25 to the LA Fleet Week Expo taking place on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro.
2026 Events Schedule
May 21 | Welcome Party
Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
Location: Downtown San Pedro
LA Fleet Week kicks off with a welcome party in downtown San Pedro with an evening featuring food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and performances by the U.S. Navy Band and local groups.
May 22- 24 | Battleship IOWA Tours
Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Location: 250 S. Harbor Blvd.
The battleship IOWA served during WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. During LA Fleet Week, the ship opens its tours to guests with tours of its vast interior. Learn about the history of the battleship, the wars it's seen, and more with a ticket for $29.
May 22 - 25 | Festival of Sail
Time: 9 AM - 5 PM
Location: LA Waterfront
Friday will kick off Fleet Week’s Festival of Sail. Presented by the Los Angeles Maritime Institute, it not only allows visitors to tour tall ships, but also offers sailing opportunities, historic reenactors, crafts and scout maritime demonstrations. Festival of Sail takes place at the West Harbor Promenade located just south of the LA Maritime Museum (Berth 84, San Pedro).
One of the main attractions of the weekend is the opportunity to tour active-duty military ships docked in San Pedro’s Outer Harbor. Visitors can access these ships via shuttle services from the main event area near the Battleship Iowa Museum. Ship tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and all adults must present a valid government-issued ID to board. Though ships to be featured cannot be announced in advance for security reasons, they are always fascinating to behold. Last year’s featured vessel was the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.
May 22 - 25 | Fleet Week Expo
Time: 10 AM - 6 PM
Location: 250 S. Harbor Blvd.
The Fleet Week Expo opens on the LA Waterfront (600 E Fifth St, San Pedro), located next to the Battleship IOWA (250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro). The Expo, open Friday-Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM, will have a dizzying array of hands-on displays and equipment demonstrations as well as plenty of food and entertainment.
Some highlights include:
- Military Has Talent | May 22, 10 AM - 12:30 PM: Watch as military personnel show off their powerful vocals, hidden talents, and top performances on the main stage at the expo.
- Galley Wars | May 23, 12 PM - 2:30 PM: Members from every branch of the military show off their culinary skills in a cooking competition presented by FOX Entertainment.
- Aerial Demonstrations | May 23, 10 AM & 25, 4 PM: Pilots in planes and helicopters will be showing off their tricks in their aircraft twice over the course of the weekend.
- Dodgeball Tournament | May 24, 10:30 AM - 1 PM: Cheer on your favorite team at a highly competitive dodgeball competition.
May 25 | Memorial Day Observance and Closing Ceremony
Time: 5 PM - 6 PM
Location: 250 S. Harbor Blvd.
As the event concludes on Memorial Day, a solemn ceremony will be held to honor those who have given their lives in the defense of the country. This observance will take place on the LA Fleet Week Expo main stage, adjacent to the Battleship Iowa, providing a meaningful end to a weekend of celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t make it to San Pedro?
LA Fleet Week takes over more than just San Pedro in Southern California, including Hollywood, Wilmington, and even Disneyland. Swing by these locations and catch military personnel out in full uniform!
Which events require tickets?
The expo is free to attend, and its events occur throughout the weekend. The tour of the IOWA is the only event that requires a ticket to be purchased, which can be purchased here.
What items are prohibited at the expo?
The following are not permitted:
- No large bags (oversized purses, backpacks, diaper bags, camera bags)
- No weapons
- No food, drinks, or coolers
- No pets
- No fireworks, explosives, or flammable liquids
- No skateboards, roller blades, scooters, or bikes
- No drugs or drug paraphernalia
- No drones
Please also note that while there is no dress code for the events, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended, and violent, obscene, explicit, or suggestive clothing is not permitted.
Is there food at the expo?
Yes, there will be food and drink vendors.
Do I need my ID?
If you are taking a tour on a naval ship, you will be required to present a form of valid identification.
Where to Stay Nearby
Nearby Accommodation
- Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel | 601 S Palos Verdes St
- All Star Inn | 527 W 4th St
- Vagabond Inn San Pedro | 215 S Gaffey St
The Fleet Week can bring quite a crowd to the shoreline of San Pedro, so hotels can fill up (as can parking spots and sidewalks). If you want a place to find a little retreat outside of the popular event, drive across the Vincent Thomas Bridge to nearby Long Beach, which offers both a sweet escape and proximity to the events.
Long Beach Hotels
- Hotel Maya | 700 Queensway Dr
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach | 200 S Pine Ave
- Residence Inn by Marriott Long Beach Downtown | 600 Queensway Dr
- Hilton Long Beach | 701 W Ocean Blvd
Let us help you plan your stay at Long Beach!
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