There are few places where showing up dressed in a scaly tail and sea shell bra earns you compliments instead of confused looks–but fortunately, Coney Island is one of them.
The 44th annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns this weekend on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Bringing a colorful wave of glitter, fishnets, body paint, DIY sea creature costumes, and delightfully unhinged creativity back to Brooklyn’s iconic boardwalk, it’s officially the largest art parade in the country.
Though the legendary event was in troubled waters earlier this year due to funding challenges, a massive community fundraising effort successfully saved it from shipwreck. Now, hundreds of thousands of attendees are getting ready to make a splash.
If you’re looking for a merman, a place to show off your creativity, or just want to witness a beloved NYC tradition that has drawn crowds for over four decades, here’s everything you need to know for this weekend.
What to expect at the 2026 Mermaid Parade
Consistently one of Brooklyn’s biggest summer attractions, the parade draws inspiration from old-school Coney Island Mardi Gras events.
It serves as the unofficial opening of the NYC summer season, showcasing incredible DIY art, entrepreneurial spirit, and community pride. This year, spectators can expect to see:
- The Music: High-energy marching bands keeping the boardwalk grooving
- Mermaid Parade Royalty: The crowning of the annual Queen Mermaid and King Neptune
- The Marchers: Hundreds of fantastical sea creatures, mer-folk, and dancing groups
- The Wheels: Classic antique cars, push-pull floats, and massive motorized floats
The 2026 Coney Island Mermaid Parade route
The parade kicks off at 1 pm (pro-tip: get there early to claim a spot!).
- The Start: The route begins at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue
- The Turn: Floats and marchers will head east toward West 10th Street
- The Boardwalk: The parade will then hit the Boardwalk, continuing on to Steeplechase Plaza under the historic Parachute Jump, where the main parade disbands
- The Beach Ceremony: Around 4 pm, a procession will be led from the Judge’s stands (Surf Ave between W 15th and W 16th St) down to the beach–marchers and spectators are welcome to join
💡 Need a visual? You can view the live Google Maps route here.
The best spots to watch the parade
Coney Island USA warns that the event can get as crowded as Times Square on New Year’s Eve, so strategy is key:
- Surf Avenue: Best for seeing everything. This is where you’ll get the full view of antique cars and motorized floats alongside the marchers
- The Boardwalk: Best for ocean breezes. Note that this section features a limited view, as large motorized vehicles and cars cannot fit on the boardwalk (you’ll only see marchers and push-pull floats)
- Leaving Early? If you don’t plan to stay for the full day, stay on the North side of Surf Avenue so you don’t get trapped by the parade route when trying to get to the subway
Can you still march in the parade?
Yes! While advance online registration is closed, day-of registration is still open.
If you want to march, head to the Parade check-in at W 21st St and Surf Ave starting at 10 am. Keep in mind that day-of registration is cash only.
Event Details
- Where: Coney Island, Brooklyn (Surf Ave & The Boardwalk)
- When: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Time: Starts at 1 pm
After all, no event says “summer has arrived” quite like thousands of New Yorkers voluntarily dressing as mermaids, pirates, octopuses, and whatever lives at the bottom of the Gowanus Canal.
