Thousands celebrate Memorial Day at final day of 2026 LA Fleet Week

Thousands descended onto the San Pedro waterfront to wrap up L.A. Fleet Week on Monday.

From ship tours to a thrilling soccer match, there was still plenty to enjoy and explore on the festival’s final day, as well as the curtain-closer for Memorial Day weekend.

Monday’s activities concluded a week of festivities in downtown San Pedro and in other Los Angeles-area neighborhoods where the 10th annual Fleet Week brought together service members and civilians with special events, concerts and community gatherings.

The main expo was buzzing all day with people interacting with military equipment and vehicles, having conversations with U.S. sailors and Marines, watching demonstrations by the Los Angeles Fire Department Air Operations team and more.

A large crowd formed for the final event of the day, the Memorial Day observance and closing ceremony. The ceremony included an invocation and benediction, posting of the colors and national anthem played by the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, a moment of silence, and a speech by Gary L. Littrell, a retired U.S. Army Command sergeant major and one of only 61 living recipients of the Medal of Honor.

For many families, Fleet Week being one of the largest and free Memorial Day events in the region is a big appeal.

Vincent Kim of West Covina and his family were taking pictures and hopping onto the military tanks. Kim’s 13-year-old son, William, said his favorite part was seeing the battleship USS Iowa.

“It’s been fantastic getting to have a firsthand experience of everything,” Kim said. “This is great for the boys. They’re so excited.”

The main stage at the expo drew crowds as people watched the finale of the popular “Military Has Talent” competition, a performance by the Orange County-based band 323, and for the first time a FIFA mini-soccer tournament.

Similar to Sunday’s dodgeball match, the soccer tournament had teams made up of service members, as well as other military organizations, such as the South Bay Young Marines and the battleship USS Iowa. There were five teams in total that competed on Monday that brought high-energy and sportsmanship to the event, which was sponsored by FIFA to build excitement around the World Cup coming to Los Angeles from June 11 through July 19.

Lt. j.g. Ashley Lamperd of the U.S. Coast Guard was one of the service members participating in the tournament.

“This is really cool with the World Cup coming up,” Lamperd said. “It’s cool to see some soccer out here. And there’s been a good turnout too.”

Lamperd said this was her first L.A .Fleet Week.

“I’ve enjoyed seeing so many people come out to support, especially during Memorial Weekend,” she said. “Seeing everyone come together and intermingling with other branches, I love that. It’s all good fun.”

As people cheered on the teams around the court, the tournament ended with a dramatic win by the Port Coppers, made up of members of the Los Angeles Police Department, who were wearing matching shirts.

Attendees also had an opportunity to play some soccer themselves at FIFA’s activation booth with soccer skee ball.

There were plenty of other booths and vendors as well, including the popular In-N-Out Burger booth. Other organizations such as the Queen Mary, the Port of Long Beach, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the LAPD, Cal Fire, and Pasadena police were also present.

Every year, Fleet Week brings thousands of people to the San Pedro waterfront over the weekend. While many have attended over the years, just as many people were attending for the first time.

This was the first time that San Pedro residents Francisco and Bella Guzman attended with their young daughter.

“It was exciting to get to experience and tour the ship,” said Francisco Guzman after the family finished their tour of the USS Essex. “Being able to get close and even see the helicopter was a highlight for me. It’s a great time to come together with your family.”

The family was headed to the main expo next.

“We definitely recommend people come check it out,” Bella Guzman said. “It’s a nice experience.”

Fleet Week brought excitement to many people on Memorial Day, but it also served as a moment of reflection for those who have served or have lost a family member that served the country.

For Long Beach resident Arcelia Tapia, she likes finding different events to attend on Memorial Day, and this was her first time attending Fleet Week.

“I wasn’t sure where to go this year and then I saw this,” she said. “I didn’t know it was free, but it was a good surprise.

“I’m a veteran, so Memorial Day is extra special because I know that there’s a lot of people that didn’t make it,” added Tapia, who served in the Army. “People are missing out on having their family members and loved ones with them because they chose to join the military. I’m grateful for that, and I take time today in remembrance of them.”