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The Ultimate 2026 Annapolis Commissioning Week & Blue Angels Guide
Blue Angels & Commissioning Week 2026: Your Annapolis Guide
Commissioning Week is one of the biggest, proudest, busiest weeks of the year in Annapolis. Here is what to know about the Blue Angels, the major public events, bridge closures, boating rules, Yard access, parking, and where to watch.
Updated for the USNA Class of 2026 schedule. Always confirm day-of details with USNA and the City of Annapolis before heading out.Important 2026 Yard access note
General public pedestrian visitation to the U.S. Naval Academy resumed ahead of Commissioning Week, but the Trusted Traveler program remains suspended and visitors should expect enhanced screening, delays, and possible temporary access controls for major events. Bring an accepted photo ID, enter through Gate 1 or Gate 8, and check the official USNA access updates before you go.
Commissioning Week 2026 at a glance
The official Visitor Guide lists Commissioning Week as May 16-22, 2026, with several major public-facing traditions happening around that window. Here are the dates most Annapolis locals and visitors will want on their calendar.
Herndon Climb
8:00 AM at the Herndon Monument in front of the Chapel. The Class of 2029 plebes work together to cap the monument and mark the end of plebe year.
Blue Angels rehearsal
Circle and arrival are expected late morning, with the flight rehearsal at 2:00 PM over the Severn River.
Blue Angels show
The official flight demonstration is scheduled for 2:00 PM over the Severn River. Plan for heavy crowds by land and by water.
Color Parade
11:00 AM on Worden Field. This is the final formal parade of the spring semester and one of the prettiest traditions of the week.
Graduation & fly-by
Graduation is scheduled for 10:00 AM at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with the Blue Angels graduation fly-by scheduled for 10:04 AM.
Visitors, tours & traditions
Expect special hours for the Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Midshipmen Store, dining, tours, and shuttles on the Yard.
Blue Angels schedule, bridge closures, and what to expect
The roar over the Severn is the moment everyone talks about, but the best Blue Angels experience starts with a plan. Weather can affect the routine, road closures can shift traffic quickly, and boating rules are enforced.
Local tip: Tuesday's rehearsal can feel almost as exciting as the official Wednesday show, and some locals prefer it because the crowds can be a little more manageable. Wednesday still brings the full event energy downtown, so pick the vibe that works best for your group.
Watching by boat: amazing views, serious rules
Watching from the water is unforgettable, but Blue Angels days are not casual boating days. The Severn River gets crowded, choppy, and heavily patrolled. Have an experienced, sober captain, keep a sharp eye on temporary markers, and follow directions from the Coast Guard, DNR, Annapolis Harbormaster, Annapolis Police, and Annapolis Fire Rescue.
- Do not anchor in the temporary channel. It will be marked with red and green buoys, and anchored boats in that channel will be moved.
- Stay outside the red restricted zones. The flight box and no-anchoring areas are enforced for safety.
- Plan your timing. On practice day, the restricted zone closes much earlier because of the morning arrival and rehearsal window.
- Use the right communication. The Annapolis Harbormaster operates on VHF 17 for local maritime updates.
- Pack for sun and time on anchor. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, life jackets, and patience.
- Good anchoring areas: Look outside the restricted zone near Greenbury Point by Carr Creek or closer to the Route 50 Bridge.
Best places to watch from land
No boat? No problem. Annapolis has plenty of land-based viewing spots, but you will want to settle in early, bring water, and build in extra time for walking, security, and parking.
USNA Yard and Hospital Point
Iconic close-up views, when access is permitted. Bring accepted ID, expect screening, and give yourself plenty of time to get through the gate.
City Dock and downtown Annapolis
Big-event energy, restaurants, shops, and crowds. Great for atmosphere, not great for last-minute parking.
Eastport and Spa Creek
Street-end parks, the Eastport Bridge area, and waterfront edges can offer a more relaxed neighborhood feel. Arrive early and be respectful of residents.
Jonas Green Park and the WWII Memorial area
Excellent river perspective near the Naval Academy Bridge. Just remember the Route 450 bridge closes during key show windows.
Waterfront restaurants
Restaurants with patios and water views fill quickly. Call ahead for reservations and confirm their Blue Angels day plan.
Elevated views
Local guides often point to garage rooftops and community watch parties, including family-friendly options. Confirm access and event details before you go.
Parking, shuttles, and traffic
Downtown will be busy, especially for the Blue Angels and graduation. The City of Annapolis recommends planning ahead, reserving garage parking where possible, and using shuttles instead of circling for street parking.
- City garages: Mills Hillman, Gott's, Knighton, and Park Place are key options for downtown access.
- Free downtown shuttle: Knighton and Park Place are good options for connecting to the free downtown Magenta shuttle.
- Street parking: Expect limited availability and strict enforcement of meters, two-hour zones, Residential Permit Zones, and red curbs.
- Graduation Friday: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium parking is reserved for graduation attendees on Friday, May 22.
Stadium shuttle note: USNA's transportation information lists paid parking at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium with a free shuttle to Alumni Hall during parts of Commissioning Week. The official Visitor Guide also lists shuttle service from the stadium to the Yard, plus on-Yard electric shuttle stops at locations such as Alumni Hall, Preble Hall, Dahlgren Hall, Visitor Center, Soccer Facility, and Hospital Point during select event windows.
Getting onto the Yard
The U.S. Naval Academy is beautiful during Commissioning Week, but it is still an active federal installation. Plan for security and bring the right ID.
Accepted ID for adults
Visitors 18 and older should bring a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, or an Enhanced Driver's License from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington.
Pedestrian gates
General public pedestrian access is expected through Gate 1, near the Visitor Control Center, and Gate 8. Build in extra time for screening.
Children and guests
Visitors under 18 without a valid ID must be escorted by a responsible adult with an accepted form of identification.
Security changes
Trusted Traveler remains suspended, foreign national general public visitation remains restricted, and temporary access controls may happen during major events.
Visitor Center, tours, shopping, and dining
The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at 52 King George Street is the best place to start. Guided walking tours are available during Commissioning Week, and the official guide recommends buying tour tickets in advance through Naval Academy Tourism.
The official Visitor Guide also lists special hours for the Visitor Center and Gift Shop, Midshipmen Store, 1845 Coffee, The Alley Restaurant, Drydock, and food trucks on the Yard.
Commissioning Week highlights by day
This is not the full official schedule, which includes many ticketed, private, and midshipman/family-specific events. It is the quick local version for planning around town.
Herndon Climb
8:00 AM at Herndon Monument. A beloved USNA tradition and a very Annapolis kind of spectacle.
Commissioning Week begins
The official Class of 2026 Visitor Guide lists Commissioning Week as May 16-22, with special visitor services, tours, dining, shopping, and events on the Yard.
Baccalaureate Brunch
The Alley Restaurant lists a Class of 2026 Baccalaureate Brunch from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Reservations are required.
Blue Angels rehearsal
Expect Blue Angels activity late morning and the flight rehearsal at 2:00 PM. Water restrictions and bridge closures begin earlier in the day.
Blue Angels flight demonstration
The official show begins around 2:00 PM over the Severn River. Arrive early, especially if you are heading downtown or out by boat.
Color Parade
11:00 AM on Worden Field, with Halsey Field House as the inclement weather location.
Graduation and commissioning
Graduation begins at 10:00 AM at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with the Blue Angels fly-by scheduled for 10:04 AM. Expect heavy traffic around the stadium until early afternoon.
A few local survival tips
- Arrive earlier than feels necessary. This is not the week to test your luck with traffic or parking.
- Bring ear protection for kids. The jets are thrilling, and they are loud.
- Make dining reservations now. Waterfront spots and downtown patios fill fast.
- Keep your plans flexible. Weather, security, and temporary closures can change the day quickly.
- Hydrate and wear sunscreen. A long day near the water can sneak up on you.
- Be kind to visitors. Annapolis gets crowded, but the city is at its best when we help people find their way.
Thinking about calling Annapolis home?
Commissioning Week is one of those moments that shows off the very best of this town: the water, the walkability, the traditions, and the community pride. If the week has you daydreaming about life in Annapolis year-round, The Jen Holden Group would be happy to help you explore the neighborhoods, waterfront communities, and hidden gems that make this place so special.
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