The Coney Island Mermaid Parade Is Back This Weekend After A 2-Year Hiatus

Since 1983 the Coney Island Mermaid Parade has been a cultural hit and consistently is one of Brooklyn’s biggest attractions, bringing in upwards of 830,000 attendees some years. And this year, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the beloved Coney Island Mermaid Parade is officially making its return this Saturday, June 18!

The parade will kick off on Saturday, June 18, at 1 p.m. on West 21st Street and Surf Avenue.

It brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune ; it creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as “entertainment”; and it lets artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public.

The Mermaid Parade is a holiday invented by artists as “an American version of the summer solstice celebration.” A celebration of ancient mythology, it showcases over 3,000 creative individuals from all five boroughs and beyond, opening the summer with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit, and community pride that can’t be missed!

The parade route is as follows:

• The Parade will start at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue
• The Parade will roll east to West 10th Street
• At West 10th Street the Parade will turn south towards the boardwalk
• Cars and Motorized Floats continue down Surf Ave. passing W. 10th Street and exit the parade.
• At the Boardwalk, the marchers and push-pull floats will turn west and head towards West 17th St.
• At Steeplechase Plaza, the Parade will disband.

Attending the parade is totally free, and whether you’re participating or just watching, all are encouraged to come decked out in your most sparkly sea-inspired outfit.

For all the FAQ’s head to Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

Also published on Medium.