The Ultimate Annapolis Guide to Commissioning Week 2026

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

What is it? 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 13 to May 22. 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, check out the official Commissioning Week website. 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.

Access to the Yard

Please be mindful of recent restrictions at the Naval Academy. As of now, general public visitation has reopened ahead of Commissioning Week, but be sure to check the USNA base access page for the latest updates before heading out.

General public pedestrian access is permitted through Gate 1 (recommended) or Gate 8, though Trusted Traveler remains suspended and visitors should expect increased security, possible delays, screening and temporary restrictions. Visitors 18 and older must show a valid 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. Visitors under 18 without a valid ID must be escorted by a responsible adult with an accepted form of identification. All visitors will go through bag checks and magnetometer screening, and random personnel and vehicle searches may be conducted at all gates and throughout the installation.

Herndon Climb (May 13 at 8 AM)

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. (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 2028 accomplished their goal in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 31 seconds 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

Blue Angels (May 19 and 20)

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 19
    • 11 AM – 1 PM: Blue Angels Circle & Arrival
    • 2 PM: Flight Rehearsal
  • May 20
    • 2 PM: Blue Angels Flight Demonstration
• Events
  • Rooftop Watch Party with Discoveries: The Library at the Mall (May 20)
  • Blue Angels Paddle (May 20)
• Best places to watch
  • Restaurants with a view:
    • Bread & Butter
    • Carrol’s Creek Cafe
    • Chart House Prime
    • Choptank
    • Severn Inn
  • Maryland World War II Memorial overlooking the Route 450 bridge
  • Eastport has some great spots overlooking Spa Creek. Get there early and have a picnic. Just be mindful of the neighbors.
  • The Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park is hands down the best spot, but you need to get there early early to get a parking spot.
  • If you want to set up and head downtown, just a heads up that’s it’s going to be PACKED! People heading into Annapolis to watch the Blue Angels are encouraged to park in one of the city’s four garages and use the new Magenta shuttle to get downtown if needed.
  • By Boat (Information from City of Annapolis Website)
    • Practice Day: May 19, 2026
      • Around 10:30 AM: The restricted zone in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic.
      • Around 2 PM: Practice air show begins.
      • Around 4 PM: Once the all-clear is given, the Severn River will be open to all vessel traffic.
    • Show Day: May 20, 2026
      • Around 1:30 PM: The restricted zone in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic.
      • Around 2 PM: Air show begins.
      • Around 4 PM: Once the all-clear is given, the Severn River will be open to all traffic.
    • A temporary channel marked by red and green buoys will be in place during the shows and must remain open at all times. Boats may not anchor in this area, and any vessel anchored there will be required to move.
    • The map below outlines the temporary zones that will be in effect for several days during the event. Anchoring is permitted only outside the red restricted areas. Recommended anchoring spots include the area off Greenbury Point near Carr Creek or the opposite side of the flight box, closer to the Route 50 Bridge.

Color Parade (May 21 at 11 AM)

The U.S. Naval Academy will hold its annual Color Parade on Worden Field, celebrating the achievements of the midshipmen and marking one of the final milestones for the graduating First Class. The time-honored event will recognize the top-performing company.

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 & Crawls 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.