History is being made on the Texas waterfront! Today, Wednesday, April 15, marks the official kickoff of the first-ever Fleet Week Houston. Running through April 22, this eight-day celebration brings three massive military vessels, over 1,000 active-duty servicemembers, and high-octane events to the Houston Ship Channel and surrounding communities.
Whether you're a maritime enthusiast or just looking for a unique family outing, here is everything you need to know about the ships, the spectacles, and the celebrations.
The Main Attraction: The Ships
Four major vessels are docking along the Houston Ship Channel for public tours. This is a rare chance to step aboard some of the military's most advanced technology:
- USS Kearsarge (LHD-3): A massive amphibious assault ship.
- USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS-21) & USS St. Louis (LCS-19): Sleek, fast Littoral Combat Ships.
- USCGC Edgar Culbertson (WPC-1137): A powerful U.S. Coast Guard cutter.
Pro-Tip: If you want to tour the ships, head to POST Houston downtown on April 18 or 19. It serves as the official launch point for shuttle buses taking visitors directly to the Port.
Can’t-Miss Event Highlights
The Kickoff (Today!)
- April 15 – Parade of Ships: Grab your binoculars and head to Seawolf Park in Galveston. Watch the majestic procession as these vessels enter the Houston Ship Channel, welcomed by 1,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
Music & Aviation
- April 16 – Fleet Week on the Plaza: A free concert at Avenida Houston (Downtown) featuring Houston’s own The Suffers and the Navy Band Southeast. Expect food trucks, games, and great photo ops.
- April 18-19 – Aviation Exhibit: Visit the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport to see static displays of modern Navy and Marine Corps aircraft alongside historic warbirds.
Community Celebrations
- April 18 – East End Block Party: A traditional carne asada on the Navigation Esplanade featuring Lucha Libre wrestling and world-class BBQ from local pit masters.
- April 19 – Sylvan Beach Exhibition: Head to La Porte for high-action military demonstrations and interactive displays showcasing elite military capabilities.
- April 20 – Seabrook Street Festival: A veteran-focused celebration on Main Street capped off by a massive Fleet Week Drone Show.
How to Get Involved
Fleet Week isn't just about the ships; it's about the people. You'll see servicemembers at ballgames, museums, and parks all week long.
- Stay Updated: For the full daily schedule, visit fleetweekhouston.com.
