San Francisco Fleet Week Association

What San Francisco Fleet Week Association does

The San Francisco Fleet Week Association (SFFWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 1981 that produces the annual San Francisco Fleet Week civic event every October, recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2015 as the model for fleet weeks nationwide. The organization coordinates a multi-day program of public-facing events across San Francisco waterfront venues (Marina Green, Piers 30/32, the Embarcadero, Golden Gate Park Band Shell), serving Bay Area residents, visiting active-duty military personnel, veterans, first responders, students, and corporate sponsors. Its portfolio includes the Air Show (featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the only fully choreographed commercial airliner performance in the U.S., performed by a United Airlines Boeing 777), the West Coast's largest Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest at Pier 30/32, free Ship Tours at multiple piers, the Service & Readiness Expo, a STEM Center, a Career Fair, the free Neighborhood Concert Series, the High School Band Challenge, and the Honor Our Fallen Concert. Supporting programs include the Liberty Guide mobile app for visiting service members and the Center for Humanitarian Assistance, a civilian-military training and education program on disaster response.

The organization's core technology is an event production and management platform coordinated with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army, California National Guard, and multiple civilian agencies (Cal OES, SFDEM, SFFD, SFPD), supplemented by a mobile app for the Liberty Guide and AttendStar-based ticketing for the Air Show. Revenue is generated through four streams: ticket sales for the Air Show (the only paid component), corporate sponsorship across Presenting, Chalet, and Program tiers (United Airlines as Presenting Sponsor; RSM, Citi, Andreessen-Horowitz, CrowdStrike, Jefferies, Google, Verizon, Samsung among major sponsors), tax-deductible donations as a 501(c)(3), and concession fundraising during Fleet Fest. Most events are free to the public, with monetization concentrated in the Air Show and corporate partnerships.

Name

San Francisco Fleet Week Association

Legal name

San Francisco Fleet Week Association

Website

https://fleetweeksf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The San Francisco Fleet Week Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces the annual San Francisco Fleet Week civic event each October, featuring the Air Show with the Blue Angels, Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest, and STEM programs, serving Bay Area residents, military personnel, veterans, and corporate sponsors across iconic waterfront venues.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue from selling Air Show tickets to the public for the flagship aviation event featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and United Airlines 777 performance
2. Corporate Sponsorship: Sponsorship revenue from Air Show sponsors, Air Show Chalet sponsors, and Program sponsors including United, RSM, Citi, Andreessen-Horowitz, CrowdStrike, Jefferies, Google, Verizon, Samsung, and others
3. Donations: Tax-deductible donations as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting youth music programs, K9 heroes, disaster response training, and community events
4. Concession Fundraising: Food, beverage, and merchandise sales during Fleet Fest and other public events

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

San Francisco Fleet Week Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes and produces an annual multi-day civic event every October in San Francisco. The flagship event showcases the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army through an Air Show featuring the Blue Angels, a Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest, public Ship Tours, a Service & Readiness Expo, STEM Center, Career Fair, and a free Neighborhood Concert Series. The organization also operates humanitarian assistance training programs and youth music education initiatives.

Product overview

San Francisco Fleet Week Association organizes a multi-day annual event featuring military celebrations, educational programs, and community engagement activities. The core portfolio includes the Air Show (featuring Blue Angels and United 777), Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest, Ship Tours, Service & Readiness Expo, STEM Center, Neighborhood Concert Series, High School Band Challenge, Honor Our Fallen Concert, and Career Fair. Supporting programs include the Liberty Guide mobile app (offering discounts), the Center for Humanitarian Assistance (training program), and K9 Heroes. These events are held primarily in October over Italian Heritage Weekend at venues across San Francisco including Marina Green, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 30/32, and the Embarcadero.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fleet Week Air Show: The signature air show event featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the United Airlines Boeing 777, held at Marina Green Park.
• Fleet Fest
• Service & Readiness Expo
• STEM Center
• Center for Humanitarian Assistance

Products and services

• San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show An annual air show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron and the only fully choreographed commercial airline act in the United States (the United Airlines Boeing 777). Held at Marina Green Park over San Francisco Bay, with ticketed access.
• Parade of Ships The largest Parade of Ships on the West Coast, with ships sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and passing the reviewing stand at Marina Green. Free public viewing.
• Fleet Fest A dynamic free festival at Pier 30/32 featuring live music, food vendors, entertainment, ship tours, and interactive exhibits on military readiness and STEM education.
• Ship Tours Free public tours of visiting U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard vessels at various piers along the Embarcadero (Piers 15/17, 19, 35, and 45), on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Service & Readiness Expo

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $200 million in annual economic benefit to San Francisco
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• U.S. NavycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1981Primary military partner providing ships for Parade of Ships, Blue Angels for Air Show, and personnel for ship tours. Navy Region Southwest and Third Fleet coordinate port visits and logistics. Established since Fleet Week's founding in 1981.
• U.S. Marine CorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides 1st Marine Division Band for concerts and ceremonies, exhibits at Fleet Fest, and participates in career fair and STEM education programs.
• U.S. Coast GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in ship tours, provides search and rescue demonstrations, and coordinates with SF Police Marine Unit for waterway safety during Fleet Week.
• U.S. ArmycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in career fair, provides Army Reserve medical and logistics exhibits at Service & Readiness Expo, and supports STEM education programs.
• California National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCyber, Civil Support and Maritime units participate in disaster preparedness exhibits. Joint civilian-military training is a core Fleet Week mission pillar.
• Navy Region SouthwestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Navy command coordinating ship visits and logistics for San Francisco Fleet Week.
• Third FleetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerU.S. Navy Pacific Fleet command supporting Fleet Week operations and planning.
• Expeditionary Strike GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinates amphibious and expeditionary vessel visits for Fleet Week.
• Blue AngelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerU.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron providing headline air show performances at Fleet Week.
• Canada (Military)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational allied military participation in Fleet Week events and ceremonies.
• California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinates state and federal resources during major emergencies. Exhibits at Humanitarian Village demonstrating emergency response coordination.
• San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (SFDEM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity agency managing emergency preparedness exhibits and coordinating with military disaster response teams.
• San Francisco Fire DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in Service & Readiness Expo, leads Parade of Ships with fire boat, promotes NERT training.
• San Francisco Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine Unit enforces waterway safety during Fleet Week. Participates in security planning and coordination.
• Air Show NetworkcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProduces the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show, books performers including Blue Angels, manages ticket sales through AttendStar, and handles Air Show logistics and sponsorship.
• United AirlinesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Presenting Sponsor. United Boeing 777 is the only commercial airliner in the United States to perform a fully choreographed act at an air show.
• Academy of Art UniversityminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting Fleet Week events and programs.
• Port of San FranciscocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides pier facilities for Fleet Fest, Ship Tours, and other waterfront events during Fleet Week.
• Grant for the ArtsminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting cultural programming during Fleet Week.
• RSM US LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Chalet Sponsor providing executive hospitality during the air show.
• CitiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Chalet Sponsor providing executive hospitality during the air show.
• Andreessen HorowitzminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Chalet Sponsor supporting Fleet Week.
• CrowdStrikeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Chalet Sponsor supporting Fleet Week.
• JefferiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Chalet Sponsor supporting Fleet Week.
• GoogleminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting Fleet Week.
• VerizoncoreGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor and STEM Center presenter, supporting STEM education programs at Fleet Week.
• SamsungminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting Fleet Week.
• PG&EminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting Fleet Week.
• FirstNetminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting emergency communications during Fleet Week.
• KPIX (CBS San Francisco)minorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor and media partner covering Fleet Week.
• Hotel CazaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Sponsor and featured hotel partner in Liberty Guide for visiting service members.
• Cal FirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAir Show Sponsor and emergency response partner for humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness programs.
• USO Northern CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeteran support organization partnering for military hospitality and community engagement programs.
• Navy League of the United StatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational military advocacy organization supporting Fleet Week mission and programs.
• Marines Memorial ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSan Francisco veteran and military service organization hosting Honor Our Fallen Concert.
• Vets in TechminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAir Show Chalet Sponsor supporting veteran technology employment.
• BuildSubmarines.comminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Program Sponsor supporting submarine industry recruitment at Fleet Week.
• San Francisco Public WorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity agency supporting Fleet Week logistics and city operations.
• SF Recreation and Parks DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity agency co-sponsoring Neighborhood Concert Series and providing venues including Golden Gate Park Band Shell.
• SF Office of Economic and Workforce DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity agency supporting small business engagement and Liberty Guide program.
• SF Office of Small BusinessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity agency connecting local businesses to Fleet Week opportunities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Chicago Air and Water Show: The largest civilian-produced air show in the United States, held annually on Chicago's lakefront. Most directly comparable peer on the air show component — same spectator experience model, free general admission with premium ticketing, and corporate sponsor-funded nonprofit producer structure.
• MCAS Miramar Air Show: Annual Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show featuring military flight demonstrations. Directly comparable peer for the military air show programming and DoD performer relationship model.
• New York Fleet Week: Annual NYC Fleet Week event featuring Navy and Marine Corps ship visits, air demonstrations, and community events. The most directly comparable peer to SFFW in format, audience, and federal partnership model, though typically smaller in scale and economic impact.
• Point Mugu Air Show: Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu Air Show featuring Navy flight demonstration teams. Directly comparable peer in format, military-civilian integration, and Southern California coastal venue.
• Boston Fleet Week: Boston's Fleet Week event featuring ship visits, harbor demonstrations, and community programs. Directly comparable peer operating the same civilian-military celebration model in another major Northeast port city.
• Seattle Fleet Week: Seattle-area Fleet Week event featuring visiting Navy ships, Blue Angels performances, and community engagement. Directly comparable peer operating a similar event-driven, donation-and-sponsorship-funded nonprofit model in a Pacific Northwest port city.
• San Diego Fleet Week: San Diego's annual Fleet Week event honoring the sea services with ship tours, air show, and military/community events. Directly comparable peer given the same Navy-heavy programming, port city setting, and West Coast Navy operational footprint.
• Hampton Roads Fleet Week: Norfolk/Hampton Roads Fleet Week held in the home of the Atlantic Fleet. Directly comparable peer in event format, with even denser Navy operational tie-in given proximity to Naval Station Norfolk.
• California International Airshow: California-based nonprofit air show (historically held at Moffett Field and Salinas) featuring military and civilian flight demonstrations. Directly comparable peer as a California nonprofit air show producer with similar sponsor-funded operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Tournament of Roses (Rose Parade): Producer of the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, a 130+ year civic tradition in Pasadena. Comparable as a large-scale, single-day civic event nonprofit with massive sponsor base, broadcast reach, and economic impact — though focused on parade and sports rather than military aviation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FleetWeekSF
• TikToktiktok.com/@fleetweeksf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/san-francisco-fleet-week-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Fleet Week Association