Every year, hundreds of thousands of merpersons and fellow sea critters gather in Coney Island for the annual Mermaid Parade. This year, the Mermaid Parade is held on Saturday, June 17th, 2023, but whatever year you happen to read this on, know it’s the Saturday before Father’s Day. Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade is, in my humble opinion, the best day of the year. After having gone to over five Mermaid Parades, here’s everything you need to know if you plan to go, too.
What Is The Mermaid Parade?
The Mermaid Parade’s first year was in 1983, and it was created by Dick Zigun. Dick Zigun is sometimes deemed the “Mayor of Coney Island,” despite never actually running for office. The Mermaid Parade is considered the nation’s largest art parade, with its record-breaking year attracting over 800,000 visitors (2019). In sum, it’s a day where creatives from all around the country and globe gather in Coney Island to wear their most nautical getups and celebrate seaside mythology and good vibes.
What Time Does It Start?
The actual parade typically starts around 1PM, but many visitors arrive much earlier than that. I try to get there around 11AM, and by that point, there are already plenty of mermaids out. It’s safe to say you can arrive as early as you want.
How Long Does It Last?
The Mermaid Parade itself is only about 30 minutes to an hour, but festivities continue on for the entire day. There are almost always after parties, usually by the Coney Island murals where there are plenty of vendors selling food and drinks and live DJs. This year, the official afterparty of the Mermaid Parade is at Coney Island Brewery, deemed the Mermaid Ball. It begins at 5PM and will continue on throughout the night, with live performances, burlesque dancers, and, of course, plenty of good brews and bites. Admission is $25.
What Should I Wear?
Well, that’s totally up to you! While I strongly encourage everyone to dress up and get as creative as possible, some folks choose to show up in their everyday clothing. Costumes are beyond creative; you’ll see anything from Ursulas to jellyfish to mermaids covered in plastic with climate changing warnings to lobsters to actual mermaids. People really go ALL out, so I feel like it’s silly to go and NOT dress up.
How Much Does It Cost?
The best thing about the Mermaid Parade aside from how magical the day is, is that it’s completely free to go.
How Can I Be In The Parade?
I highly recommend doing this research well before parade day. Visit the official Coney Island website to learn more about how to be in a float. Last year, I was in the Coney Island Brewery float, and because I made that connection, I will have the honor of joining them again this year.
What Is There To Eat?
Coney Island has so many great options for food. Here’s a full list of everywhere I’d recommend grabbing a bite:
- Nathan’s Hotdogs: It goes without saying that Nathan’s is the most famous place to eat at in Coney Island, and it really is worth it. However, the lines are astronomical on a normal day, so be fully prepared to wait at least an hour.
- Salt & Sizzle: For a salty snack, be sure to stop by Luna Park’s newest restaurant Salt & Sizzle. The open-air eatery with oceanfront views offers a wide variety of sandwiches, nostalgic snacks, fun cocktails, and frozen drinks. Conveniently located right on the boardwalk, Salt & Sizzle is a great spot to snag a seat (and a bite) during the actual parade.
- Georgian Corner: Looking for a hidden gem in chaotic Coney Island? Georgian Corner it is! Located about a 15-minute walk from the beach, Georgian Corner is a new restaurant (opened in October 2022), serving up some legitimate Georgian cuisine. Don’t skip out on their homemade imeruli cheese. The prices are beyond affordable, and it’s owned by Georgian-born Sophia, so your support goes to a migrant woman AND a new restaurant opening.
- Paul’s Daughter: Every year, it’s a requirement for me to visit Paul’s Daughter. As mentioned above, the Mermaid Parade is always the day before Father’s Day, and my dad just so happens to be named Paul. It’s a tradition for me to snap a photo of me in my mermaid gear in front of Paul’s Daughter and turn it into a card for my dad each year. Traditions aside, Paul’s Daughter has one of the best lobster rolls in NYC!
- Coney Island Brewery: Did you really go to the Mermaid Parade if you didn’t get a Mermaid Pilsner from Coney Island Brewery? While they do have a full menu of bar snacks, Coney Island Brewery is best known for, well, beer. Their bathrooms are appropriately labeled as “Mermaids” and “Mermen!”
- Footprints Cafe: Looking for some Caribbean fare while in Coney Island? Footprints Cafe it is. I will say, the service is not the best, but it’s worth the wait for that rasta pasta (a spicy, creamy penne) served with fall-off-the-bone oxtail.
- Food Trucks: Every year at the Mermaid Parade, tons of food trucks line up all around Coney Island, but primarily within the area of the Coney Island murals. They can get pricey, but there are always a lot of good options.
How Do I Get There?
The best way to get to the Mermaid Parade is by taking the New York City subway. The closest subway lines are the N Q F D lines at Coney Island- Stillwell Av, or the F Q line to 8 St-NY Aquarium. I would NOT recommend taking your own vehicle, as parking is extremely limited. I also would NOT recommend taking a taxi or Uber because prices are surcharged (and Coney Island is quite far for most people).
Is There Anything Else To Do Other Than The Parade?
Yes! The Mermaid Parade is hardly just the “parade.” In fact, the parade only lasts about 30 or so minutes. The Mermaid Parade is an all-day party. As mentioned above, there’s always some type of afterparty. The Coney Island murals change every year and are super fun to walk around and enjoy. There are always plenty of food trucks that are only there for the day, as well as vendors selling anything from coffee to sunglasses (I bought awesome sunglasses from Made By Ayo in 2022). Of course, there’s infamous Luna Park, where you can ride the Wonder Wheel. And let us not forget; Coney Island is an actual beach, so enjoy it!
If the crowds are overwhelming and you still want to be in a beachy part of NYC, head on over to Brighton Beach. It’s right next to Coney Island and they are best known for their Russian food.
Anything else you want to know about the Mermaid Parade? Have you ever been to Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade? Comment below!