The Ultimate Annapolis Guide to Commissioning Week 2025

Commissioning Week is one of the most exciting (and busiest) times of the year in Annapolis!

The United States Naval Academy Commissioning Week is a major, week-long celebration each May that marks the graduation and commissioning of the Naval Academy’s senior class. This year, it takes place from May 14 to May 23. Festivities are enjoyed by midshipmen, their families, and the entire city of Annapolis!

If you’re looking for the full lineup of events happening at the Naval Academy, you can find all the details [using this link]. But if you just want the highlights — the can’t-miss moments, best viewing spots, and a few insider tips — we’ve pulled together a quick guide to help you navigate the week like a local. Whether you’re planning to catch the Herndon Climb, watch the Blue Angels soar over the Severn, or just keep your visiting guests entertained, we’ve got you covered.

Herndon Climb (May 14)

The Herndon Monument Climb marks the end of plebe year at the Naval Academy. Every May, freshmen team up to build a human pyramid and swap out a “dixie cup” hat from the top of a 21-foot monument — all while it’s covered in about 200 pounds of vegetable shortening. Once they do it, they’re officially recognized as fourth-class midshipmen. The Iron Company, the top group from Sea Trials, gets the honor of leading the charge. (Fun fact: all those shoes you’ll see them toss aside beforehand? They get donated to charity!)

Tips:
- Arrive early for a good spot.
- Get comfortable. Wear your comfy shoes or bring a camping chair. The class of 2027 accomplished their goal in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds last year. The fastest time? Class of 1972: 1 minute, 30 seconds (without any grease) The longest? Class of 1998: 4 hours, 5 minutes, 17 seconds (dixie cup was glued and taped)
- Prepare for any weather: this is a rain or shine event
- Want to see what it is like? Check out our reel from last year’s climb

Blue Angels

There’s nothing like hearing that first rumble and seeing those jets streak across the Severn. Whether you’re watching from a boat, a rooftop, or your favorite waterfront spot, the energy around town is electric. Here’s what you need to know to catch all the action:

Schedule
- May 20
  - 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Blue Angels Circle & Arrival
  - 2:00 pm: Flight Rehearsal
- May 21
  - 2:00 pm: Blue Angels Flight Demonstration
Events
- Rooftop Watch Party with Discoveries: The Library at the Mall (May 21)
- Hospital Point on The Yard (May 21)
  - Food Trucks and Live Music
- Manresa
Best places to watch
- Restaurants with a view:
- Maryland World War II Memorial overlooking the Route 450 bridge
- By Boat (Information from City of Annapolis Website)
  - Practice Day: May 20, 2025
    - Around 10:30 am: The restricted zone in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic.
    - Around 2:00 pm: Practice air show begins.
    - Around 4:00 pm: Once the all-clear is given, the Severn River will be open to all vessel traffic.
  - Show Day: May 21, 2025
    - Around 1:30 pm: The restricted zone in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic.
    - Around 2:00 pm: Air show begins.
    - Around 4:00 pm: Once the all-clear is given, the Severn River will be open to all vessel traffic.
  - There will be a temporary channel in place marked with red and green buoys. This channel MUST be kept clear of anchored boats throughout the duration of the shows. You will be moved if you are anchored in this zone.
  - See the map below which will show the temporary zones that will be in place for a few days during the event.
  - Anchoring is only allowed outside of these red restricted zones. The best places to anchor are off of Greenbury Point by Carr Creek, or on the other side of the flight box, closer to the Rt. 50 Bridge.

Have Friends & Family Visiting? Here’s how to keep them entertained –

When friends and family come to town, getting out on the water is a must. Watermark Cruises is a go-to for a reason — their harbor tours and scenic cruises are an easy way to show off the beauty of the Bay without a lot of planning. It’s a relaxed, classic Annapolis experience.

Chesapeake Pirates is a hit if you’ve got younger visitors (or just young-at-heart guests). Their interactive pirate adventures are a blast for kids and make for some unforgettable family memories — bonus points for all the photo ops.

For a quieter, more historic outing, the William Paca House and Garden is a hidden gem right in the heart of downtown. A stroll through the beautifully restored 18th-century garden feels like stepping back in time — and it’s a great way to sneak in a little history while enjoying the outdoors.

And if you want to show your guests a spookier side of Annapolis, you can’t beat a ghost tour. Annapolis Ghost Tours offers walking tours that blend history and hauntings — it’s a fun way to see the city in a whole new light (and maybe hear a few stories you’ve never heard before).

Whether it’s your first Commissioning Week or you’ve been here long enough to know the sound of the Blue Angels’ engines by heart, there’s always something a little magical about this time of year in Annapolis. From the traditions at the Yard to the celebrations around town, it’s a week that reminds us just how special our city is. Bookmark this guide, plan ahead, and most importantly, take a minute to soak it all in.