2012 MERMAID PARADE - SATURDAY, JUNE 23RD, 2PM! 30TH ANNIVERSARY!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2012 PARADE!

The Parade Seeks Volunteers, please email mpvolunteers@gmail.com

Coney Island USA is pleased to present the 10th Annual Mermaid Parade Ball, the official after-party of the Mermaid Parade, held at The New York Aquarium (Oceanic Deck and Aqua Theater), Surf Ave. & West 8th Street, 7pm - 11:30pm, 21 and over. Details to be announced.

Parade Route

View Mermaid Parade Route in a larger map

* 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 can park on West 10th Street
* At the Boardwalk, the marchers and push-pull floats will turn west and head towards West 15th Street
* At West 15th Street, the Parade will disband

PUSH PULL FLOATS AND MARCHERS will register at Surf Avenue and West 21st Street.
MOTORIZED FLOATS AND ANTIQUE CARS will register at Surf Ave. Side at West 19th and West 20th street.

Because West 21st Street is much narrower than our old staging area (West 10th Street), you will NOT be able to PULL YOUR TRUCK OR VEHICLE to unload materials for assembling your push-pull cart or costume. But, DON’T WORRY- you will be able to assemble your cart in a secure location with vehicle access on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Street. You may then push you cart onto West 21st Street.

About The Mermaid Parade:
A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, the Mermaid Parade is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events. The parade is proud to have some incredible sponsors. Click here for answers to common questions.

Founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, the not-for-profit arts organization that also produces the Coney island Circus Sideshow, the Mermaid Parade pays homage to Coney Island's forgotten Mardi Gras which lasted from 1903 to 1954, and draws from a host of other sources resulting in a wonderful and wacky event that is unique to Coney Island.

The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air and the beginning of summer, as well as the history and mythology of Coney Island, Coney Island pride, and artistic self-expression. The Parade is characterized by participants dressed in hand-made costumes as Mermaids, Neptunes, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, Coney Island post card or amusement ride, as well as antique cars, marching bands, drill teams, and the odd yacht pulled on flatbed.

Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings, riding in the Parade and assisting in the opening of the Ocean for the summer swimming season by marching down the Beach from the Boardwalk, cutting through Ribbons representing the seasons, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. In the past, David Byrne, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby, David Johansen and Harvey Keitel have graced our shores, presiding over the assembled masses.

The Parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, a post-parade gathering where costumed parade participants can get together with each other and parade spectators to listen to live music, enjoy cocktails and watch burlesque and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City's hottest performers.

Come on out and join us on one of Coney Island's best days of the summer! We can't wait to see you there!