Fun Things to Do During Commissioning Week 2025

Commissioning Week is fast approaching, and it’s an exciting time of reflection, celebration, and new beginnings at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)! Taking place from May 14th to May 23rd, 2025, this week marks the culmination of years of hard work for the Class of 2025. As we prepare to send the new graduates off into their roles as leaders in the Fleet and the Corps, families and friends from all over will gather to take part in this memorable event. If you’re lucky enough to be in Annapolis for this special week, there’s no shortage of things to do, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned veteran of Commissioning Week festivities.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best events and activities for families to enjoy together during Commissioning Week 2025:

Uniquely USNA Events

There are too many events to cover in one post, but the good news is that the full schedule is available online. Be sure to check it for the latest updates on event times, gate hours, and shuttle services. In the meantime, here are some highlights that you won’t want to miss!

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025: See the Legendary Herndon Climb

Come to the Herndon Monument across from the USNA Chapel at 8:00 a.m. to see the Class of 2028 etch their journey in history, as they ascend the grease-covered obelisk in pyramid formation using teamwork to retrieve the dixie cap and replace it with an upperclassman’s cover. This annual tradition makes them “plebes no more” and is a must-see USNA event!

Friday, May 16th, 2025: Fuel Up and Take a USNA Tour

Arrive early to the Yard and kick off your time with a cup of coffee from the 1845 Coffee Gatehouse, open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Midshipmen Store’s 1845 Coffee shop is also a great spot, with hours from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays. After you’re caffeinated and ready for the day, head over to the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to grab souvenirs or REAL Navy gear at the USNA Gift Shop and head out on an official United States Naval Academy tour. These fascinating walking tours help you familiarize yourself with the historic campus before the crowds arrive! Afterward, enjoy a leisurely, uniquely Yard-inspired lunch at the Alley Restaurant, nestled in the famous Naval Academy Club.

Saturday, May 17th, 2025: Explore the Yard

This morning, enjoy your coffee at the 1845 Gatehouse or the Midshipmen Store, which are open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. respectively (the Midshipmen Store is open to eligible patrons). Afterward, take in the beautiful campus with a stroll around the Yard, and make sure to stop by the Visitor Center, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offers the inspiring “The Call to Serve” film, as well as some excellent exhibits on midshipmen life. If you haven’t taken one recently, tours are an option while you’re here as well! Then at 6:00 p.m., head over to Radford Terrace for the USNA Band’s Armed Forces Day Concert. This free outdoor concert is a great way to enjoy the evening and soak in the patriotic vibes.

Sunday, May 18th, 2025: Take in the History

Start your Sunday by attending the Morning Colors ceremony at 8:00 a.m. at T-Court. It’s a moving experience and one of the best ways to honor our military tradition. There are also several religious services occurring throughout the morning as well. Later, head to the Naval Academy Club for a special Baccalaureate Sunday Brunch, served from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular event, and will be open for members on April 7th and non-members on May 5th! From 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., enjoy a Chapel Walkway Concert at the Zimmerman Bandstand by the USNA Band. If you’re interested in history, don’t miss the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, which is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays and features fascinating exhibits like the Japanese surrender table from WWII, a collection of ships made from bones, and the original “Don’t Give Up The Ship” flag.

Monday, May 19th, 2025: Enjoy Some Eats

Take the time to enjoy the wide variety of food available on the Yard! Check out the food trucks parked on the Yard throughout the week. From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visit the Yard Patrol Craft Static Displays at the Farragut Seawall. Then head to Annapolis (affectionately named Naptown) to check out some of the great restaurants that are in strolling distance - or venture further out! If you're in the mood for more sightseeing, you can walk the Annapolis Harbor area, and don’t forget to visit the U.S. Naval Academy Museum or check out the USNA Gift Shop for some new Navy gear you can wear proudly around town!

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025: Listen to the Music

One of the most thrilling events during Commissioning Week is the Blue Angels flyover! From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., watch as the iconic Blue Angels take to the skies over the Severn River for their circle and arrival. Don’t miss the rehearsal session at 2:00 p.m. Later in the evening, attend the Commissioning Week Glee Club Concert at the Main Chapel from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It’s a wonderful way to experience the musical talents of the midshipmen and enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025: Watch the Formation

On Wednesday, catch the USNA Drum and Bugle Corps Concert at 12:30 p.m. at Radford Terrace, and at 1:00 p.m., see the Naval Academy Band Blues & Gold Concert at Hospital Point. The Blue Angels return for another stunning flight demonstration over the Severn River at 2:00 p.m. The day concludes with a powerful Organ Concert at 4:00 p.m. at the Main Chapel, performed by the celebrated USNA Director of Chapel Music and Chapel Organist Monte Maxwell.

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025: See a Parade

Come watch the Color Parade at 11:00 a.m. at Worden Field. This is a time-honored tradition and a highlight of the week, so don’t miss it! You can fuel up with light breakfast items at the Alley’s outside patio prior to the parade, and also enjoy more shopping, dining, and other events throughout the day as the excitement builds toward graduation.

Friday, May 23rd, 2025: Attend Graduation

It’s the big day! On May 23rd, the Class of 2025 will process at 9:00 a.m. before their graduation ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (this event is invite-only). The Blue Angels will fly overhead at 10:04 a.m. with heart-pounding precision. After this comes the Graduation Photo/Swearing-in Ceremony from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., where a graduate can be “sworn in” by a military loved one to celebrate this life-changing milestone.

Saturday, May 24th, 2025: Sign Off

As the week wraps up, take one last trip to the 1845 Coffee Gatehouse to fuel up for the journey home. You’ll want to grab any final souvenirs and say goodbye to the friends and midshipmen you’ve enjoyed visiting during the week. Reflect on a year full of memories, and plan to return next year!

Come Back Soon!

Remember, your presence at the USNA during Commissioning Week makes a difference. Every purchase, United States Naval Academy tour, and Yard meal helps support the midshipmen’s extracurricular activities, including the arts, music, theater, and club sports. Be sure to book your tours and reservations now for the whole family - it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Go Navy!

On The Yard