Fireworks and Other Events

There's nothing like a fireworks show viewed from the water to conclude a great day on the bay. There's usually two shows a year: the Fourth of July, of course, and the KFOG KaBoom!, sponsored by the radio station in May.

Fleet Week, generally held in early October, is an opportunity to see Navy ships in the bay -- along with nearly every other boat that moves, it seems. The Blue Angels airshow has been a traditional highlight; they didn't participate in 2004, but they'll be back in 2005.

If you're not experienced with navigating in close quarters with hundreds of other boats, we recommend staying away from the crowded areas during all these events.

Opening Day on the Bay is in late April. Largely a holdover from places like the northeast where opening day really means something, in San Francisco it is mostly an excuse for everyone to take their boat out. There is a boat parade and the "blessing of the fleet" by a priest on a Navy ship in Racoon Strait.