Mermaid Parade day hits Coney Island every June like a wave you never saw coming: sequins on the boardwalk, glitter on the subway, and a whole neighborhood that remembers, for one afternoon, exactly what it is.
What the Mermaid Parade actually is
The Mermaid Parade is the nation’s largest art parade and one of New York City’s greatest summer events. It takes place on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice each year, and its purpose is to celebrate self-expression, boost pride in Coney Island, and give New York artists a place to show their work. There are no ethnic, religious, or commercial aims.
The event was created by Dick Zigun, former Artistic Director of Coney Island USA, a nonprofit arts organization. Founded in 1983, it pays tribute to a century of Coney Island creativity and community pageantry. The parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi Gras-style events that were popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954.
The event typically attracts about 3,000 participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators from all 5 boroughs of New York City. Much of what defines the event comes directly from the people who take part in it: artists building floats by hand, families returning year after year in homemade costumes, and performers treating the parade route like an open-air stage.
The parade route and schedule
The parade starts at 1pm, rain or shine, at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue. It moves east to West 10th Street, where marchers and push-pull floats continue to the Boardwalk and then to Steeplechase Plaza, under the Parachute Jump, where the parade disbands.
The parade typically wraps up around 4pm and is followed by a procession to the beach. Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid preside over the parade. They open the summer swimming season by marching to the beach, cutting ribbons that represent each season, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic.
Many people watch the parade on the boardwalk, but the boardwalk only features marchers and push-pull floats. Watching from Surf Avenue allows you to see antique cars and motorized floats as well. The judges’ stand sits on Surf Avenue between West 15th and 16th Streets, and there is an ADA viewing area between West 10th and 12th Streets.
The best viewing spots and tips
Arrive before the crowds. For the best chance of getting a good spot, show up by 11am. If you choose to watch from Surf Avenue for the full experience, crowds can get as thick as those in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Plan your exit in advance.
If you think you may not want to stay for the entire parade, stand on the north side of Surf Avenue, the non-beach side. Getting to the subway or crossing Surf Avenue can be difficult because of the crowds. For the most comfortable experience, bring water, sunscreen, and shoes that work on pavement and sand.
If you want a premium seat, you can become a Coney Island USA member at the parade judge level and secure a spot in the judges’ stands. The Mermaid Parade is known for marine costumes and occasional nudity, as it is legal in New York State for women to be topless in public. Parents should keep that in mind when deciding what is appropriate for young children.
Expert perspective
The Mermaid Parade brings together people from every culture, every age, every background. Everyone is there to celebrate the beginning of summer. It is an inclusive parade, and we do not turn anybody down. There is a real sense of camaraderie on that day. It feels like a large, joyful family reunion on the boardwalk. The creativity on display, the handmade costumes, the floats built from scratch, all of it reflects what makes Brooklyn, and Coney Island in particular, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Industry perspective, community arts and cultural events professionals in Brooklyn, New York
How to get there by subway
Skip the car entirely. The Mermaid Parade is Coney Island’s busiest day of the year, and many streets close starting at 10am and do not reopen until after 6pm. Given the large crowds and limited parking, public transportation is the recommended option. The D, F, N, and Q subway lines all stop at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, which is a short walk from the parade route.
If you do come by car, note that many parking lots on the beach side of Surf Avenue require you to park before streets close at 10am. Most visitors find that the subway is faster and far less stressful on parade day. Factor in extra travel time, as trains will be full.
How to march in the Mermaid Parade
There is a registration fee to march, but watching the parade is free. Check-in and registration for floats, antique cars, and marchers takes place in the parking lot on Surf Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets from 10am to 1pm. There are sections in the parade for vehicles of all kinds, for floats, for groups, and for individuals. There are also family-friendly and artsy categories.
Marchers can pause at the judges’ stand on Surf Avenue between West 15th and 16th Streets for an opportunity to have their costumes reviewed. Judges look for the best mermaid costume, Neptune costume, float, music group, marching group, and sea creature. The organizers encourage bribery, to give participants a more equal chance at the costume contest. Creative bribes for the judges are part of the tradition.
The Mermaid Parade is worth every minute
The Mermaid Parade delivers something rare in this city: a public event that belongs to the people who show up. Unlike many large-scale events across New York City, the Mermaid Parade feels closely tied to its surroundings. The boardwalk, beach, and amusement rides are part of what gives the event its identity. The parade promotes diversity and body positivity by encouraging inclusive participation from all ages, body types, and backgrounds.
Plan to stay the full afternoon. After the Mermaid Parade ends, walk to the beach, grab food on the boardwalk, and let Brooklyn do the rest. Stop by Coney Island USA’s headquarters at 1208 Surf Avenue before or after the Mermaid Parade to see the famous Coney Island Circus Sideshow. This is one of those New York City days you will talk about for years. Come ready for the Mermaid Parade, and come ready for everything Coney Island throws at you.
Discover more about Mermaid Parade
- Mermaid Parade – Wikipedia
- Coney Island Mermaid Parade event listing, NYC Tourism and Conventions
- The Mermaid Parade continues a defining Coney Island tradition, Brooklyn FC
