San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced the return of a number of large events and activities to San Francisco’s waterfront, including this upcoming weekend’s Fourth of July fireworks show and the return of Fleet Week in the fall. Mayor Breed also reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 so the City can continue its reopening and hosting these exciting events and activities. 

“Activities along the waterfront are such an important part of our City’s economy and soul. Whether your kids are running around the Exploratorium or you’re enjoying Fleet Week with friends, our waterfront has something to offer for everyone,” said Mayor Breed. “Although today is a celebration of our hard work throughout the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for every San Franciscan to get vaccinated, so we can continue to attend these large gatherings. If you plan to join us for fireworks this weekend and are not vaccinated, please get tested. We are so close to ending this pandemic!”

In addition to this weekend’s fireworks show, the Exploratorium museum reopens to the public today; the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA)’s San Francisco Bay Ferry service is returning today with more weekday routes than ever before; the SS Jeremiah O’Brien reopens to the public tomorrow; and San Francisco Fleet Week announced its fall return from October 3-11, 2021. This fall, the Port of San Francisco will begin activating public open spaces all along the waterfront with events and activities including cultural events, art installations and exhibitions, retail markets, food and beverage concessions, and more.

“The Port of San Francisco is proud to welcome back large events to the waterfront and eager to have local residents and visitors return,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “The waterfront has something for everyone with more exciting opportunities on the horizon.”

Fourth of July Fireworks Show

San Francisco is proud to host the Bay Area’s only fireworks celebration and looks forward to welcoming guests from all over to the waterfront. The fireworks are often viewable from many spots throughout the City, but especially along the northern waterfront between Aquatic Park and Pier 39.

The state strongly recommends that anyone planning to attend Fourth of July fireworks in-person, as well as any other outdoor gatherings with large crowds, be fully vaccinated, obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending the event, or wear a well-fitted face covering.

You can visit sf.gov/2021fireworks for more information about the event, and sf.gov/getvaccinated for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

People who are not yet fully vaccinated are encouraged to celebrate the holiday safely by holding outdoor gatherings and continuing to wear face coverings when close to people outside their household.

The Exploratorium

The Exploratorium re-opens today, welcoming back visitors for the first time in 15 months.  The world-renowned Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory that provides guests with tool to explore the world through science, art, and human perception. The Exploratorium will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The Exploratorium will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The museum will also reopen for its popular, adults-only (18+) After Dark events every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. beginning July 1.

"We're thrilled to be opening our doors and welcoming the community back to the Exploratorium," said Phoebe White, Managing Director. "We’re so proud to be part of the San Francisco community, and thrilled to see the progress we have made against the pandemic. We're looking forward to a truly celebratory summer on the waterfront."

San Francisco Bay Ferry Service

Starting today, San Francisco Bay Ferry is increasing ferry service to and from San Francisco for visitors and commuters alike. San Francisco Bay Ferry will operate a record number of
136 weekday transbay departures on five routes, and new ferry service from the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon ferry terminal will offer direct 20-minute trips between the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal at Alameda Point and Downtown San Francisco. 

WETA’s Pandemic Recovery Program is an effort to incentivize the return of riders to the system; to accommodate expected changes in travel patterns; and to attract a new, diversified ridership base. The Recovery Program also includes lower fares on all routes for one year. These lower fares go into effect alongside the new schedules on July 1.

SS Jeremiah O’Brien

Tomorrow, July 2, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien will re-open to the public ahead of the Fourth of July celebration. A living museum on the National Register of Historic Places and a National Historic Landmark, he SS Jeremiah O'Brien is one of two remaining fully functional Liberty ships launched during World War II. Moored at Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf, she is a premier
San Francisco attraction.

San Francisco Fleet Week

San Francisco Fleet Week is slated to return this year from October 3-11 with the return of the Air Show, the Parade of Ships, the humanitarian village and joint military and civilian disaster planning exercises.

San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual event that began in 1981 with a celebration of America’s Sea services led by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein. Fleet Week takes place in early October each year to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, and to enhance cooperation and the sharing of knowledge between civilian and military humanitarian assistance personnel.

As one of the largest events of its kind in the nation, San Francisco Fleet Week has become a significant and integral part of San Francisco’s culture and economy. The event attracts millions of visitors and generates over $10 million in annual revenue for the City each year. In addition, San Francisco Fleet Week has been recognized by the United States Department of Defense as a model for fleet week events across the nation. 

“San Francisco Fleet Week is an enduring community event,” said Lewis Loeven, Executive Director of the San Francisco Fleet Week Association. “Planning has begun and we are pleased to say that the Blue Angels have confirmed their participation, as has United Airlines, who we thank for their commitment to one of our City’s greatest events. We could not be more pleased at the enthusiasm the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have shown towards reinvigorating Fleet Week in the wake of last year’s pandemic.”

“The Navy is excited to join the Coast Guard and Marine Corps in San Francisco for Fleet Week in October,” said United States Navy Rear Adm. Michael Baze, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3. “Thanks to the hospitality of Mayor Breed, the Fleet Week Association, and the people of San Francisco, we’ll be bringing ships, the Blue Angels, our world-class bands and, most importantly, your Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, who are looking forward to spending time with you. We’ll also continue our vital disaster recovery training with your local experts – the Department of Emergency Management, the Port, San Francisco Police, Fire, UCSF, and so many others. It is always timely and critical training but even more so as we move from the pandemic into wildfire season.”

Port of San Francisco Public Space Activation

This fall, the Port of San Francisco will begin working with a diverse group of experienced partners selected through this spring’s request for qualifications to safely develop, promote and launch events and activities along waterfront parks and open spaces. This initiative will add to the re-opening of the more than 500 businesses located along the waterfront by drawing more people out to explore and reconnect. The Port envisions interim activities and events that will draw visitors to the waterfront, increase foot traffic and complement neighboring businesses.  Temporary, activities and events may include, but are not limited to: cultural events, athletic showcases, art installations and exhibitions, food and beverage concessions, and retail markets.   Activation sites include Heron’s Head Park, Crane Cove Park, and Pier 30-32.

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