Commissioning Week 2024 🎓 ⚓️

The full schedule of events is here, but we’re breaking down the key details. Whether you’re joining the fun, just trying to see the Blue Angels, or trying to avoid Friday's graduation traffic, here’s what you should know.

Herndon Climb

One of the most iconic rites of passage for plebes occurs Wednesday, May 15 at 8 AM. Plebes work together to climb the Herndon Monument that’s covered in lard (yes, slippery lard) to knock off the dixie cup (a plebe hat) at the top. Afterward, they replace it with an upperclassmen’s cover (a different hat). Once the symbolic event concludes, they are plebes no more! Enter through Gate 1 and head towards the Naval Academy Chapel to watch. The 2023 time to beat was 2:31:51.

P.S. This technically isn’t part of Commissioning Week but it’s close enough and it’s awesome so we’re including it here.

Blue Angels

^{Additional contributions by: Dylan Roche}

Our fearless Scoop leader Ryan’s favorite part of the week.

You’re from Annapolis, so you know these things to be true: Old Bay goes on everything (and I mean everything), Sperrys always fit the dress code, and the Blue Angels show should be a national holiday. If you haven’t already told your kid’s school about their made-up doctor’s appointment, now’s the time.

It’s also time to start making other plans — where to watch, where you’ll park, and what happens if the weather’s bad.

🗓⏰ Worth noting: There are kinda/sorta 2 days of Blue Angels. Tuesday is technically rehearsal day and Wednesday is the real deal. But both are equally impressive and worth watching. Both start at 2 PM on their respective days and last 1–2 hours.

🌤⛅️ As far as weather: Sure, we all want a clear, sunny day because it’s just nicer that way. But sadly, weather does affect which stunts the Blue Angels can perform. If there are low clouds, they can’t do all their tricks but they can still fly. But on those perfect days when there’s not a cloud in the sky and you can see for miles, count on the best airshow you’ll ever see.

🚤 Where to watch: Our favorite way to watch is by boat, but there are specific places you can’t anchor. So be sure to get to where you’re going well before showtime. In past years, the restricted zones have closed to boat traffic at 9:30 AM. Anywhere outside the restricted zones with a clear view of the sky over Annapolis Harbor is a good spot to anchor.

If you don’t have a boat, great places include Manresa, South Annapolis Yacht Centre, Naval Academy grounds, the World War II Memorial, or City Dock. If you can get an outside seat at Pusser’s or Choptank (especially on the second floor), you’ll have a great view and all the snacks you want.

📝 One final note: Blue Angels is always a great op for pics, and we want to see yours! Be sure to tag @NaptownScoop on Instagram so we don’t miss them.

Whether you’re going or not, be aware of these road and bridge closures:

The Naval Academy Bridge (Md. Rt. 450) will close to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the times below. Use Rowe Blvd. or other alternate routes during closures.

• May 21: Closed 10:45 AM–1 PM and from 1:45 PM until approximately 4 PM.
• May 22: Closed 1:45 PM–4 PM or conclusion of flight demonstration.
• In the event of inclement weather on May 21, the Naval Academy Bridge (Md. Rt. 450) will also close from 10:45 AM until 1:00 PM on May 22.
• On May 21–22, Gate 8 will remain open to staff, faculty, residents, and high-priority case-by-case delivery vehicular traffic.
• The Severn River will also close to boating and other watercraft from the USNA Rt. 450 bridge to Spa Creek. Call U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland at 410-576-2693 for details.

Color Parade

Color Parade – a free event that’s open to the public – takes place Thursday, May 23 at 11 AM. It’s the final formal parade of the year, with the entire brigade wearing dress whites on Worden Field. The highlight is the formal presentation of the color company pennant by the superintendent, the company commander, and the “color honoree” to the newly designated spring color company. The color company, recognized for excellence in academics, athletics, and professional accomplishments, is a tradition dating back to 1867.

Graduation

Commissioning Week concludes with the Class of 2024 Graduation on Friday, May 24 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Here’s the schedule:

• 7 AM: Stadium gates open
• 9 AM: Procession begins
• 10 AM: Ceremony
• 10:04 AM: Blue Angles flyover; while graduation is invite-only and requires tickets, everyone in the area can catch a glimpse of this! Or at least hear it.

Each year, the commencement speaker is typically the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, or another high-ranking government official. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III gave the speech last year. President Biden was the year before that. It’s TBD who will take the mic this year, but we’ll update everyone once it’s announced. One thing’s for sure, you can expect added security given the likely high-profile speaker.

Parking

Everything you need to know about parking is here.

Helpful parking insights:

• The Hillman Garage is back! 150 Gorman Street
• Other garages:
  • Gott’s Court (45 Calvert Street)
  • Knighton (1A Colonial Ave.)
  • Park Place (One Park Place)
• Park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and take the shuttle to USNA
  • Families of 1/C midshipmen will receive one parking tag for free parking at the stadium during Commissioning Week.
  • All other visitors must pay the daily parking fee ($10/car).
  • No overnight parking.
  • On Graduation Day (May 24), parking is free for those with tickets, on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking gates open at 6:30 AM.
  • Enter via Gate #5 on Taylor Avenue.

Shuttle buses run to and from the stadium and USNA during the following times:

• Sunday – Wednesday: Inbound to the Yard 7 AM–5 PM. Last shuttle back to the stadium is 9 PM.
• Thursday: Same hours as above. Last shuttle back to the stadium is at 8 PM.

Traffic PSA: Some companies give their employees the day off because traffic around the stadium is so atrocious. If you can avoid the stadium and nearby area this day, you should.

Locals hot tip: Rent your home for commissioning week next year and escape the traffic. Feels early, but I once had a family book two years in advance. Make a profile on midsrent.com to easily rent your property. Speaking from experience, going on vacation is the perfect way to avoid the crowds while making some cash!

Out of Towners Guide

Last year, Ryan corralled some of the greatest dining and entertainment options. This year, I’m offering some bonus options.

Dining Guide

I interviewed LeAnn Rimes once, and she asked for dining recommendations. I carefully compiled this list that I’ll also share with you.

Favorite Seafood: Carrol’s Creek, 410 Severn Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403

Crabs with a View: The Point Crab House & Grille, 700 Mill Creek Rd, Arnold, MD 21012

Best Overall Food: Vin 909 Winecafé, 909 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403

Best Menu: Boatyard Bar & Grille (a repeat from Ryan’s list, so you know it’s good!), 400 Fourth Street, Annapolis, MD 21403

Favorite Sushi: Joss Café & Sushi Bar, 195 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Most Popular Steakhouse: Lewnes’ Steakhouse, 401 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403

Favorite Dive Bar (a term lovingly bestowed): Davis’ Pub, 400 Chester Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403

Two other items of note:

• It’s the last summer of Pusser’s and their famous Painkillers along Ego Alley. 80 Compromise St, Annapolis, MD 21401
• I hadn’t dined at Acqua Al 2 until recently, and their Italian is totally chef’s kiss. 236 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Entertainment Guide

Watermark Tours

Immerse yourself in the true Annapolis experience by taking a boat tour on the Harbor Queen around USNA. There are lots of other cruises to choose from. 1 Dock St., Annapolis, MD 21401

Capital SUP

Enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing around Annapolis! Book your rental or lessons here. 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

Ghost Tours

As someone who has frequented ghost tours in three cities, I can confidently speak to the pure joy that is Annapolis Tours & Crawls (formerly Annapolis Ghost Tours). Centuries-old Annapolis has no shortage of spooky stories during walking ghost tours and adults-only Pub Crawls.

West Annapolis Shopping

Sure, Main Street and Maryland Ave. are magnificent for shopping. Don’t forget about the hidden gem that is West Annapolis including hot spots like Wrabyn Boutique (12 Annapolis St, Annapolis, MD 21401), Revival Home & Gifts (101 Annapolis St, Annapolis, MD 21401), and Bon Vivant Antiques (104 Annapolis Street, MD 21401).

Forward Brewing

This brewery and restaurant really has something for everyone. And, we’re not just talking great local beers and food. They now offer 6-person cruises around Annapolis on their new boat, Sally IVth. Book now. 418 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403

Middleton’s Piano Bar

Please scream-sing, “Sing us a song, you’re the Piano Man” at Middleton’s upstairs piano bar with total strangers! 2 Market Space, Annapolis, MD 21401

The Chesapeake Children’s Museum

Got younger siblings or relatives in tow? The Chesapeake Children’s Museum is the perfect weather-proof activity with endless entertainment. Open daily from 10 AM–4 PM. 25 Silopanna Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403