Fleet Week returns to San Francisco: Your guide to watching the Blue Angels

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Ships will parade into San Francisco Bay, and the Navy’s Blue Angels will take to the skies for San Francisco’s annual Fleet Week.

This celebration of the nation’s Navy and Coast Guard runs from Oct. 1-8, with the big air shows taking place Friday through Sunday, Oct. 5-7. Here are some highlights:

Ship Tours: Want a glimpse of day-to-day shipboard life? Free ship tours are offered Oct. 3-4 at Piers 30-32 and Pier 35 and again Oct. 6-8 at those piers as well as Piers 15, 17 and and 50. Check www.fleetweeksf.org for times, security rules.

Parade of Ships: The Parade of Ships runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, off the Marina Green, with a San Francisco Fire Department fire boat leading the procession under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Air shows: The Navy’s ever-popular Blue Angels and other pilots will perform noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday (typically about 3 p.m. for the Angels). A million people combined are expected to watch the shows, so plan your transportation and viewing spots accordingly.

(Note: Because of construction, Treasure Island viewing locations and roads will be largely inaccessible during Fleet Week.)

Viewing locations, parties: Naturally, there are thousands of great vantage points where you can watch for free. If you want an up-close spot, guaranteed waterfront seating at the Marina Green runs $55-$75; VIP club seating, $250-$275. Or you can entertain friends or clients in a “private chalet” there; rates available upon request. www.fleetweeksf.org

Restaurants with views that are welcoming Fleet Week patrons include the Presidio Social Club on the Presidio grounds and the Blue Mermaid restaurant at the Argonaut Hotel. (Look for more options as the event draws near.)

Fleet or Flight Party: A nonprofit social and philanthropic group of 200 women called the Spinsters of San Francisco will hold their ninth annual Fleet or Flight Party, a fundraiser for La Cocina business incubator. The Oct. 5 event — wear sailor or aviator attire — will run from 8 to 11 p.m. at Sabrosa in San Francisco. Tickets, $10-$45, at this Eventbrite link.

High School Band Challenge: The events continue after Sunday’s air show. On Monday, Oct. 8, the U.S. Marine Corps Band will kick off this annual event, with Bay Area high schools competing for prize money for their music programs, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golden Gate Park in the band shell (Spreckels Temple of Music).

And there’s more: For information on these and other attractions, including a K-9 police dog demonstration (Duboce Park) and a veterans art exhibit, as well as transportation and parking options, schedules, an event map and other details, go to fleetweeksf.org.

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