The USS Hornet 4th of July celebration promises to be a full day of music, food, and fun. This year’s live music lineup features Nashville Honeymoon’s special brand of California Honkytonk, with modernized versions of ’50s and ’60s country songs, perfect for dancing and singing along. They’ll play in the Hangar Bay, with a large dance floor with plenty of room to show off your moves.
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The many food and beverage options—including two no-host bars—will be offered at multiple stations around the Hangar Bay. Dance a bit, grab a bite, and then check out the rest of the Hornet [2].
The entire museum will be open to explore, from the great aircraft and spacecraft collection to restored spaces and educational exhibits. Don’t miss the F-14 Tomcat just like those in Top Gun—and all the ship’s areas and exhibits below deck where sailors worked and lived from World War II to the ship’s decommissioning in 1970. There is something for everyone.
There will also be FREE Island Tours (normally $12) and special short below-deck tours for $5 (also normally $12). Plenty of docents will be on hand to answer all of your questions about this amazing ship.
The F-8 Crusader cockpit also will be open so you can sit inside, try the controls, and get your picture taken. And don’t miss the breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and the Berkeley hills from the flight deck.
There won’t be fireworks on the ship, so plan to spend the day on the USS Hornet and then head over to your favorite fireworks spot afterwards. The Independence Day celebration starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m.
Admission is FREE for museum members. Non-member prices: $35 for adults; $25 for seniors, military, and students; $20 for ages 7-17. Kids under age 7 are free. The USS Hornet is offering a special family membership deal—$90 for a family of four (two adults, two kids ages 7-17).
Tickets and/or new memberships may be purchased online [3].
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum [4] is located at 707 West Hornet Avenue, on Alameda Point. Plenty of free parking is available adjacent to the ship’s pier.