Fleet Week festivities began ramping up across San Francisco today, kicking off a packed schedule of at least 50 events spread across the city before the end of the weekend.

From free music and ship tours to the iconic “angels in the sky,” the city is gearing up for more than a million visitors. With so much activity underway, city leaders are working to ensure crowds can navigate the celebrations without gridlock.

The festivities got an early started Tuesday as the First Marine Division Brass Quintet opened a series of free concerts at Salesforce Park in downtown San Francisco, drawing a receptive lunchtime audience in the sunny weather. For some performers, the event is personal.

“I’m a Bay Area native, originally,” said Staff Sgt. Alexandra Worley, a flutist and assistant conductor. “So it’s great to come back to San Francisco. And it’s great to see all the sights. And see the pride of the Bay.”

The performance is just one of 50 that Navy and Marine musicians will put on over the next five days. Fleet Week organizers expect a strong rebound from last year’s events, when the U.S. Navy and Marines were absent due to a congressional budget standoff.

To prevent a transportation meltdown similar to the gridlock seen during the July 4 fireworks display, city leaders are implementing strict traffic management plans.

Starting Friday, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will geofence a large portion of the waterfront, barring autonomous vehicles from picking up or dropping off passengers in the area. Driverless taxis will also be restricted from entering the Presidio under the plan.

“We’re always trying to improve,” Mayor Daniel Lurie said. “And so we’re working with the AV companies. SFMTA has added lines to make sure that traffic is not so congested.”

Traditional taxis, rideshares, and private vehicles will still be permitted along the waterfront, alongside all public transportation. The autonomous vehicle restrictions will remain in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

City resident Brennan Chapman is already putting together his weekend plans to watch the Blue Angels, and he agrees with keeping autonomous vehicles away from the waterfront crowds.

“I think it will probably help with traffic,” Chapman said. “I think, especially when the crowds get bigger and bigger, Waymos have a harder time trying to figure out what to do, and they just sort of stop.”