ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Blue Angels are set to perform in Annapolis on May 20 in one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.
But this year’s security changes at the Naval Academy also mean changes to how locals can enjoy the performance. The Blue Angels show is part of Commissioning Week, a weeklong series of events marking the graduating and commissioning of the senior class at the United States Naval Academy. The week includes the graduation ceremony, the Herndon Monument Climb, the color parade, and several other events to celebrate Academy graduates, as well as the Blue Angels show.
The Blue Angels’ performance is expected to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Rehearsal is the day before on Tuesday, May 19, at 2 p.m.
Following updated security protocols, there will be no general public access to the United States Naval Academy or Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis during the show. Current restricted access policies will remain in effect throughout Commissioning Week to include the Blue Angels show and the Herndon Climb.
This means that access is limited to individuals with a valid CAC, DoD ID, DBIDS credential, or an approved SECNAV 5512/1.
Here’s more information for those authorized to enter:
- Guests must be accompanied at all times by an authorized sponsor
- CAC/DoD ID holders may escort up to 10 U.S. citizen guests
- DBIDS holders (with escort privileges) may escort up to 5 U.S. citizen guests
- Escorts and guests must travel in the same vehicle
- Pedestrian groups may not exceed 10 individuals
- All guests 18+ must carry valid photo ID (REAL ID, U.S. passport, or enhanced driver’s license)
- Foreign national access requires advance approval through the Visitor Control Center (VCC). SECNAV 5512/1 must be submitted at least 10 days in advance and biometric submission is mandatory.
“As we prepare to celebrate Commissioning Week 2026, safety and security remain our top priorities for our midshipmen, personnel, and visitors,” the Naval Academy wrote in its Facebook post.
While the public won’t be able to view the Blue Angels show from the yard at the Naval Academy, there are plenty of places around Annapolis that offer great viewing opportunities.
Downtown Annapolis, the city dock, and Jonas Green Park are all good viewing locations. You can also watch from a boat on the Severn River, with the best spots being near the Route 50 bridge. Make sure to check for local boatway closures to plan accordingly, and note that you might have to anchor several hours before the show begins — on the 20th, the restricted show in the Severn River is closed to all unauthorized traffic and will open again around 4 p.m.
According to a release by the City of Annapolis, the Naval Academy Bridge (MD Rt. 450) will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on rehearsal day, May 19, and again on May 20. The bridge will close again at 1:45 p.m. until the completion of the rehearsal and the show (approximately 4 p.m.). Vehicles entering and leaving Annapolis should use alternate routes and should expect heavy traffic near the academy and on Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue.
Anyone traveling to Annapolis to see the show should explore alternate routes to enter the city and note that parking will be limited.
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