LA Fleet Week to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

The Battleship IOWA partners with America250 for special events and museum opening during 2026 festivities.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:23pm

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Los Angeles Fleet Week, the annual Memorial Day weekend celebration of the U.S. Navy, will take on added significance in 2026 as it coincides with the opening of the new National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA. The museum opening and Fleet Week events will serve as the flagship kickoff for America's 250th anniversary celebrations in Los Angeles, launching a broader season of patriotic programming leading into the city's Fourth of July celebrations.

Why it matters

The partnership between the Battleship IOWA and the America250 national organization will help shine a light on America's maritime history and the role of the Surface Navy in securing the nation's freedom and prosperity. The museum opening and enhanced Fleet Week festivities will provide meaningful ways for the community to connect with this legacy as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The details

The National Museum of the Surface Navy will be the first museum in the U.S. dedicated to honoring the men and women of the Surface Navy. Through immersive exhibits and experiences, the museum will convey the camaraderie, purpose, and responsibility of serving at sea. Fleet Week, which draws tens of thousands of visitors annually, will feature ship tours, military demonstrations, STEM programming, live entertainment, and community events honoring service members. As part of the America250 initiative, the 2026 LA Fleet Week will serve as the flagship kickoff event for the national birthday bash in Los Angeles.

  • The National Museum of the Surface Navy will officially open on Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25, 2026, coinciding with LA Fleet Week.
  • LA Fleet Week takes place over the Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25, 2026.

The players

Battleship IOWA

A World War II battleship that serves as the centerpiece for LA Fleet Week festivities along the Los Angeles waterfront.

America250

A national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Jonathan Williams

CEO of Pacific Battleship Center, the organization that operates the Battleship IOWA.

Jen Condon

Executive Vice President at America250.

Tim McOsker

Los Angeles City Councilmember.

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What they’re saying

“America's 250th anniversary is an opportunity to honor the service and innovation that have helped secure our nation's freedom and prosperity.”

— Jen Condon, Executive Vice President

“We are excited to welcome thousands of Angelenos to LA Fleet Week and Battleship IOWA at America's Port as we celebrate America's 250th birthday.”

— Jonathan Williams, CEO

What’s next

Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker said there are discussions about moving the traditional Fourth of July fireworks show from Cabrillo Beach to West Harbor, the town's new waterfront development, to create more visibility for the celebrations and combine them with the 250th anniversary events.

The takeaway

The partnership between the Battleship IOWA and America250 will help bring the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations to life in Los Angeles, using the historic battleship and the annual LA Fleet Week festivities as a platform to honor America's maritime history and the service of the Surface Navy in securing freedom and prosperity.