NYC News
Mermaid Parade Returns to Coney Island for 43rd Year
June 16, 2025, 2:43.01 am ET
Photo: Cititour.com
Coney Island’s most iconic tradition makes its splashy return on Saturday, June 21, 2025, as Coney Island USA presents the 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade. This beloved spectacle draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to celebrate creativity, community, and the official start of summer in New York City.
Founded in 1983 and produced by the nonprofit arts group Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation’s largest art parade—a vibrant procession of costumed mermaids, sea creatures, marching bands, and whimsical floats inspired by the historic Coney Island Mardi Gras parades. Participants from across the five boroughs and beyond take part in this open celebration of self-expression and Coney Island pride.
The parade begins at 1pm, rain or shine, at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, heading east to West 10th Street, where it moves onto the boardwalk and continues to Steeplechase Plaza beneath the iconic Parachute Jump. Afterward, a procession to the beach leads to the official opening ceremony of the summer swimming season.
Want the best view? Watch from Surf Avenue for antique cars and motorized floats, or head to the boardwalk for close-up views of marchers and push-pull floats. An ADA viewing area will be available on Surf Avenue between West 12th and West 10th Streets. VIP judges’ seating is available by becoming a CIUSA member, and yes—bribes are part of the tradition.
To register to march or become a judge, visit coneyisland.com/mermaidparade
See video of the 2024 Mermaid Parade here
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