SEP
12
Brawl In The Barrell Hall
USS Hornet – Sea, Air and Space Museum sits out on the pier at the old Naval Air Station in Alameda, with the ship permanently moored along the waterfront. Getting in means walking up a gangway onto the hangar deck, which is a huge, open, industrial space where a lot of events happen, surrounded by aircraft and exhibits. Lighting is functional, sound bounces around a bit, and it feels very much like being on a working carrier that happens to be a museum.
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There is plenty of free parking in the lot right in front of the pier, and once on board most of the visit involves walking, stairs, and the occasional steep ladder.
Event setups vary, but the ship layout stays the same. Swing dance nights like South Seas Swing usually take over part of the hangar deck, with a band, basic bar and food options, and room for dancing among the displays. Talks such as the Battle of Philippine Sea speaker series are typically seated programs with a projector or mic setup, and people often wander the nearby exhibits before or after. Physical events like the Operation Charlie workout use the flight deck, which is fully exposed to wind, fog, and sun, so layers help, especially for early morning start times. The museum is largely self-guided, so it is easy to peel off from an event and explore, but accessibility is limited for wheelchairs and strollers, and the narrow hatches and raised thresholds can be a challenge.
The ship itself is the former aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-12), a World War II vessel that later recovered the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 astronauts, and it is now a National Historic Landmark permanently tied up at Pier 3 in Alameda.
Location and Directions
Nearby upcoming events
Recent Performers
Nearby Venues
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Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal
Alameda, CA 94501, USA0.4 miles away
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Radium Runway
2151 Ferry Point, Alameda, CA0.6 miles away
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Encinal Swim Center
230 Central Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA0.8 miles away