fun, free event annually in coney island to celebrate the summer! I highly recommend coming in advance and trying to view the parade from the boardwalk side, which is less crowded. bring water as it's usually sweltering and the parade runs several hours long. once you're there, you're also right by the amusement parks and the carnival games are fun and plentiful. I also recommend packing a bathing suit so you can hit the beach after the parade :) read more

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Good times and good vibes at the Mermaid Parade! Had a great time with great friends at the peak of summer in the city. It was a fun prequel to Pride weekend festivities. read more

If you ever have the opportunity to attend, attend! The costumes remind me of the parade in the Village with similar expressions of colorfulness, creativity, and joy. There are marching bands, floats, dancers, and give aways of candy and t-shirts. Well worth the trip, especially if you enjoy a fun time. Warning: some costumes are overly sexy and revealing, so keep that in mind if you are sensitive or plan to bring young children. I had a great time. read more

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The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an annual summer celebration of creativity and imagination. Many people likely connote the parade with people dressing up in sexy mermaid costumes. There is a diversity of people and costumes are on display here, including but not limited to, the cute, freakish, political, vulgar, and outlandish -- with some costumes looking like they've taken weeks or months to put together. Of the two major costume events in the New York City, the other of which is the Halloween Parade, I prefer the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. It is often too dark and too cold to fully appreciate the costumes in the Halloween Parade, while the Coney Island Mermaid Parade is generally held in temperate (if sometimes scorching) and sunny weather. As a spectator: - Arrive early to get a good view, perhaps two hours before the start of the parade. - Bring a portable chair if you can. - Take mass transit. If you're driving, drive to at least three or four stations away to find parking. - Bring drinks and snacks, and preferably hydrate the day before, as you'll get thirsty in sunny and hot weather, and there are no bathrooms on the parade route. - Bring sunscreen and an umbrella or sun hat for shade. - Bring a camera with a zoom lens. An issue in the 2019 parade was that press photographers often got in the way of taking good pictures. - Enjoy the parade through your own eyes, not through your camera. read more

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Well I went back last year only because I got to march. If you can do that, it's an OK time! Also if you come with a posse, the more people you have with you the better. But you couldn't pay me to stand in those crowds again as a spectator. Still roped in by cops, nose to nose with sticky strangers, lack of bathroom access, etc. For the people that love it I don't think they even notice these things. It's a big, colorful art parade and if it's your day of expression that stuff is just the price of admission. That's just not how I feel now, although I did when I was younger and drunker. The crowd is skeevy. The whole parade is packed, hot, filthy. Numbers of attendees get bigger every year. It's a mix of aggressive local dudes, artists, and burning man people. The costumes range from elaborate to lazy to Just Boobs. I got to hear lots of dudes loudly complaining that there weren't enough chicks showing their tits that year as they swung back their beers. Wonder why... People come from all over the city to participate in their own unique ways in a celebration that is kind of the closest we get to Mardi Gras. I have an affection for it but want nothing to do with it. read more

The Mermaid Parade - Marching 2018 - Festivals Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I had the time of my life at the parade, despite being late. The costumes were unbelievable, the majority of the attendees were warm and friendly, gathering with all walks of life to take photos with you and others. All shapes and sizes were welcome, sea creatures of every kind strolled in the sunshine, displaying their creative looks. I will surely be back next year, with another homemade creation. read more

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Every year Coney Island brings us something extra special! The day we all can't wait for. The Coney Island The Mermaid Parade!!!!!! This parade inspires thousands of creative individuals to go out, be a mermaid or be something fun! I look forward to this parade every year. I absolutely love designing my own clothes for special events and this is definitely one of them. It's great motivation for making a costume! read more

The Mermaid Parade - The Seashell Pasties Girl - Festivals Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Too bad Andrea's first time at The Mermaid Parade was a very gloomy and wet day but still there was a tremendous huge crowd of people. I love how the parade wraps up onto the Coney Island Boardwalk so beach goers can have a great time as well. read more

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What could be an incredibly unique, racy, creative parade is more like a walk of shame. I was going to say that half he participants looked like washed up drag queens heading home from a long night of drug-laced street walking in Harlem. Then I realized that half of the participants were actually washed up drag queens heading home from a long night of drug-laced street walking in Harlem. Mermaids are supposed to be the sirens and seductresses of the sea... not the flounder, carp and eels that flopped down the street in Coney Island. Apparently it costs $3 to be part of the parade. This would explain the myriad of groups that spent a combined 18 minutes on concept, design and costumes. It might also explain IROC guy. Yes, there were old dudes in old cars sadly hanging on to a last gasp of nostalgia. But then there was IROC guy, sitting alone in his fine ride from 1980-something, which is probably the last decade in which he got laid. Listen... I'm not trying to rip on the parade. I'd love for it to work. On the way out, we were on a subway car full of 20-somethings who were totally decked out for lurid festivities. Unfortunately, they were not in the parade, nor half the fun people in attendance. Maybe the organizers can do a better job defining who can participate and in what way (having a float helps). Otherwise it's not worth braving the large crowds just to see an amateurish display of bad 99 cent store Halloween costuming. read more

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The Mermaid Parade was a HUGE MESS this year!!! I checked it out for the first time because I had heard about it and friends invited me to join them. It started at 1 and went on for a few hours. In short, the extravagant costumes are really fun to see, however, watch out for the partial nudity. It's not something you take your conservative parents to fyi. People dress up as mermaids, Disney characters, mythical creatures, sea gods, and just as women with only their nipples covered. They really go all out with their outfits and it's quite a sight. The parade needs some work; the majority of it was old school cars full of regularly dressed people. I don't know what that has to do with mermaids??? For a good portion of the parade, nothing is happening which makes you think that they are unorganized and didn't plan thoroughly enough. The crowd- ohhh the crowd. It's a total mess. Way too many people. It's almost impossible to move your location, especially because of the cops who are standing in front of the people with police guards and threatening to arrest you if you move. They allow you to cross the street every 20-30 minutes. When my friends and I moved to the boardwalk where the parade continued, and we wanted to cross from one side of the parade to the other, it took half an hour! It is ridiculous. Food is a nightmare to find because it's so crowded and the lines are insane. There was an hour and a half wait for Grimaldi's and an hour wait on the Nathan's line. If you want to use a bathroom, go to the Grimaldi's bathrooms or the beach's bathrooms. The beach is also way too crowded and thus extremely dirty. If you're going to the beach day of the parade, be prepared. Also, a few of my friends didn't have service so it was difficult, if not impossible, to find them. If you can, first meet up, and then go to the parade together. All in all, it's an interesting adventure to go on with your friends but I don't think I'll be visiting Coney Island again on the day of the Mermaid Parade. read more

The Nations one and only Mermaid parade! It is almost that time of year again! It is primarily an art parade and as such I went the first year! I love the idea of an art parade especially a Mermaid parade ,( I was a Mermaid once, long story) but the 3 stars is because it is way too crowded to enjoy now. That means it is successful and fun but now it is pretty over crowded and hard to enjoy. The annual Mermaid parade is June 23rd this year! http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml The 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. From the Mermaid Parade web site about the parade- 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, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis Sliwa, Moby, David Johansen, Harvey Keitel, Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed have graced our shores, presiding over the assembled masses. read more

The Mermaid Parade - courtesy of Coneyisland.com - Festivals Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The Mermaid parade is fun to march in, not as much fun to watch. Actually, I only go if I'm in it; this year, my band (Rude Mechanical Orchestra) were "Trash on the Beach," a tribute to Thor Equities and Sodexo, who will sanitize and ruin Coney forever. Last year we won a trophy for dressing up as sharks and having JAWS as our theme. I haven't done it every year for 20 years, but I did first march in it in the 90s. It's important to go down at the end of the parade and splash in the water, which I did for the first time this year. I seemed to be the only person who didn't take off my shoes. Like most parades in New York, the Mermaid parade gets bigger every year. read more

The Mermaid Parade - Festivals Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Such a should be a fun event went so down! I was disgust with some ppl in diapers and with their boobs out, or just trashy ppl that decided just to come almost in their birth suit. It is very nice to express themselves but not in this manner. Family Friendly event became totally low and trashy with lots of perverts. read more

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It's a fun time if you've never been and a great reason to visit Coney Island. On a warm sunny day, when the temperature is not unbearable, and there is a nice cool breeze from the water, it's absolutely the thing to do that's an easy Subway ride from Manhattan. It does get over-crowded in certain areas and you have to wriggle your way into a decent spot where you can actually see something. But when the crowds get overwhelming, you can stroll a bit away from the Stillwell Ave station in either direction and enjoy the boardwalk. read more

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seaweed tinsel a sweat of street sea urchins barbed wit bawdy and sweet mermen and mermaids young old fat thin in between nipples of every hue boldly flaunted grins neptune, triton ,1/2 baked clams farfetched poetry sea graffiti tentacles the mock dignity of mermaid royalty jellyfish parasols strangely familiar raucous tattooed sailors insouciant brooklyn mardi gras read more

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A Coney Island tradition, the annual Mermaid Parade (albeit a bit bawdy) is great fun. Very hot! My DD even won a rpize as Little Mermaid 2010. read more

Event: 2013 Mermaid Parade, 1pm Pros: -The surrounding beach is MUCH better than expected (possibly post-Sandy reconstruction and great weather were to thank.) -Wonderful costumes/people watching -Part of the parade route it right by the subway stop (which has a Bank of America inside-- convenient) Cons: -The parade itself was disappointing. Most of the floats are cars/convertables and were therefore very difficult to see. -Getting food was a nightmare: not bad price-wise but insane lines, misadvertising pictures, and ridiculous lines. -Luna Park either hiked up its prices for the day or the rides are just very pricey. -Bathrooms (few and disgusting)/street litter -Beware of partial and unattractive nudity Sum: Dress-up and go-- armed with food and stamina read more

The parade itself was interesting to say the least. I give a lot of credit to the marchers to walk around like that, especially to the 300lb woman with her boobs hanging down to her knees covered only with seashells. I have no idea where these people come from. It was so packed you couldn't move an inch in either direction. Lines were so incredibly long for any food and drinks. No garbage cans on the boardwalk so the refuse really started pile up. Trying to leave was a total nightmare and I am surprised a stampede didn't happen. They really need to organize this better. read more

This year was the 30th anniversary of Coney Island's historic Mermaid Parade. We're almost the same age. You see, the mermaid parade began in the summer of 1983. I was also born in the summer of 1983. Both the Mermaid Parade and myself were born under a star that would apparently dictate that both of us be mermaid enthusiastic. I love Disney's The Little Mermaid, the idea of beautiful underwater Sirens (both the bad ones in Greek/Roman mythology and the positive fables of merwomen who guided sailors away from tumultuous waters and into safety). I love the original Little Mermaid, you know the one, where she stabs the prince and then kills herself because it's what felt right at the time (long story go look it up). I'm a fan of generally all things nautical. I'm a fierce, fiery, spitball born as an earth sign with a fondness for all things watery...but I digress. Pretty sure this is the only Mermaid Parade in the nation...in the world. Thus it's the best, obvi. The organizers and participants put all there heart and soul into putting on the very best production every year that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This year they thought they would have some trouble putting together the rest of the funds required because Hurrican Sally messed up with a lot of the things they had planned to raise money (mostly through sideshows, art exhibits and such - but locations had to close indefinitely and things had to be postponed) so they created a Kickstarter campaign to raise $100k. I donated as did many others and they raised waaaaaaay over that they needed to cover costs, license, pay people livable-wages, etc. This is truly an amazing community effort and I've gone most of the years that I could - this year my best friend had her moving day this year - I'm a good freakin' friend and so the Mermaid Parade had to take a backseat, but I assure you that I was there (flipping around in faux fins - cuz legs are required for jumping and dancing!) in spirit. 5 (THOUSAND!!!) stars for the Mermaid Parade on Mermaid Avenue {3 {3 {3. read more

OMG, that was hilarious, it was not super cool but if you don't have anything better to do - go and enjoy yourself ) read more

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SURRRRRIUSLY lacking mermaids! If I wasn't absolutely obsessed with Coney Island, I would probably give the Mermaid Parade two stars... but seeing as I've been waiting since last July to go to this event... well, I just can't bring myself to do so. I don't know what I thought, since Pride was also pretty much a let down and the Mermaid Parade is/should be equally campy, but Surf ave was narrowed down and cordioned off, and we couldn't see anything because I don't think there was much to see (sea). I saw a couple cool mermaid outfits, but nothing crazy... and was left wondering where, oh where, were all the sirens? Maybe we just couldn't see due to the weird barricading of the area - but I walked up and down Surf Ave several times and wasn't very impressed. I guess I would have appreciated some sea-colored glitter, or even some more titties than I saw (only a couple sets), or someone with a REALLY awesome outfit... but mostly I saw mandals and college co-ed sluts, and not so much for the theme of the day. Maybe I just need to know someone who knows someone? But even then, my friend went to the after party and said that it was lame. Burlesque never really impresses me personally (it's always the last girls you wanna see doing it), but my friend had never seen it and felt it was meh. Meh! *tear* read more

Same people as last year (including me standing out there in the rain). Same everything actually. Its meh now. Except it poured rain and was freezing, as opposed to last year and the sunburns. That was new. If you are a woman and you are dressed in something scandalous, sexy, or mermaidily relevant, you will be surrounded, harassed and nearly assaulted by pervs with press passes practically pissing their pants at your pulchritude. They jump in front of /block others, take your pic when you are not looking, and hold up the parade lines while they ask for your email...y'know, so they can send you copies. If you are a guy, you will be ignored, maybe a token pic if you are outrageous looking enough. Freedom of the press at its worst. I scored inflatable beach balls, fake gold coins, clown noses, enough for the whole famn damily, and cans of Coke Zero (I don't drink soda though). The Underdog Lady was there. If you watched the Howard Stern Show circa 1988, on channel 9, you remember her. The old lady who gave Marty Markowitz the finger wasn't there, far as I know. Can't have it all I guess. read more

Completely awesome experience! Can't wait to do it next year. The costumes were amazing. I loved seeing all the different participants in the parade and meeting the fellow on lookers. What a great element of Coney Island, Brooklyn and the City of New York. Definitely not your typical experience when it comes to parades. And definitely nothing like Manhattan. Looking forward to next year read more

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I've been to it several times, and this will most probably be my last. Had the best spot ever, but lack of action and vision proves how utterly pointless this whole thing is. Weather was nice, but much fewer crowd. Anyway, so the people just stood and waited, for what? A silly old man with a parrot on his head started to dance. Long pause, then the Naked Cow Girl shows up. Then, 2 guys started to dance just like in the gay pride parade. As for the topless girls; ha! not this time. Only 1 topless woman named Carolina(about 45) was there. Others had oversized pasties. Again, I ask, what's the point? Is this NYC's version of Mardi Gras? Better go to NudesAPoppin' to see some real hot topless girls. I only got 5 good shots the whole day. This "parade" has seen better days. read more

Going to be a summer tradition with my boyfriend. We went to the side show a few weeks ago and my boyfriend remembered his parents talking about this parade. We went this past weekend and it was awesome. We got there at 11 to get a good view--a little premature, but we got to see a lot of people hanging out in their costumes. We hung out in front of the side show bar, lots of interesting things going on there today! Most of the costumes are amazing, the parade lasted a whlie--but there were annoying pauses to let people cross the street to get to and from the boardwalk. Tons of girls with just pasties, and babies dressed as mermaids. so many different kinds of people, great atmosphere--will definitely come back read more

So crowded and so hot!! Remember to wear lots of sunscreen because you'll be standing around a lot - either watching the parade goers or due to grid lock because of all the weird barricades that the police put up. In terms of the parade itself - there were lots of great creative costumes and lots of women in pasties. But there were also a fair amount of parade floats that were just filled with regularly dressed people and not very interesting to watch. Parade was delayed by at least an hour. Getting food was incredibly hard as it was so crowded, so bring your own food! read more

The mermaid parade was truly a blasts but you need to be prepared for the constant crowd you can't get a break! The crowd is relentless! The Board walk is crowded everything is crowded! It is what you make it once you get past the crowd everyone is really nice people dressed in costumes are willing to take pictures and stuff. I think it was good for kids but some of the customers may be a little inappropriate for kids. Nonetheless this is a great parades for families and a great event that brings people together! read more

The Mermaid Parade - Mermaid parade fun! - Festivals Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Worth Going Once but be Prepared. Best to Go early with water, sunblock, and snacks. read more

I attended the 2011 parade, it was my first time. I had a super-blast. I took the bus and train down from Bushwick. It took almost 1 hour and 45 min to get there due to traffic and construction. We arrived at 1 PM and grabbed a Nathan's to start the day and a giant beer. We came with drinks for the day and to-go cups, so in order to save some $$ I would suggest bringing your own special tailgate pack. We met some great people and had a nice day. It was bit crowded but not unusual for a parade. Of course, the bathroom lines were ridiculous and you have to kind of claim a spot. We watched from between Cha Cha's and Ruby's and had no problem all day. Things to expect: Nudity (fun and fancy-free, all body types) read more

To put it lightly, The Mermaid Parade is a hot mess. A thinly veiled theme of sea-mythology-meets-Halloween turns Coney Island into Times Square, a fair enough excuse for public nudity and grade A attention whoring on the first weekend of summer. If you're a spectator looking to get a little weird (as opposed to full weird, which is reserved for parade participants, or ballsier sideliners than myself), getting around is a logistical nightmare. And for whatever reason, there is a ridiculous (and might I suggest questionable) amount of strollers being pushed through the crowds of people trying to set their sights on some mermaids. Still, the parade is a giant boardwalk party, and who can stay mad at a giant boardwalk party? It's a celebration of warm weather, a showcase for one of Brooklyn's most iconic neighborhoods, a liberating event for closet exhibitionists, and just a carefree Saturday to dress up like an octopus king, ride a unicycle in pantyhose, paint your naked body in purples and greens, or strap a cardboard box to your back and call yourself a sea turtle. Or maybe it's just a sweet spot to catch some sun and get a glimpse of some strange ass and titty action. Or to catch some good art. Yeah, art, that's it. It's no stretch of the imagination to consider The Mermaid Parade a distant cousin of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, not so much because of the drinking (if only booze was more accessible, but more on that later), but because boobies are pretty prominently on display. Seashelled boobies, coconutted boobies, pastied boobies, glittered boobies, straight-up naked boobies.* Think Diana Ross jiggling Lil Kim's mermaid titty at the 1999 VMAs, but without the backstage celebrity stylists on-hand, times a shit-ton, at a dirty-ass beach. However, as I've hinted at earlier, getting to this deranged parade takes some patience. First off, make sure to get off at the W 8th St. stop. If you get off at Coney Island - Stillwell Av. at the end of the F line, you will inevitably walk back towards W 8th anyway, because that's where you are permitted to cross Surf Avenue, the parade's main drag before it snakes to the shore. This route will bring you past the NY Aquarium and put you at the far end of the boardwalk, on the side closest the beach. You will still need to cross the boardwalk to get booze and food, which is a whole new hurdle for you and your crew. You're technically cutting through the parade route at this point, so you just have to wait for a break in the action when the Mermaid staff will let you. Be forewarned, getting around from one section to another may take up most of your day if you don't know what the hell you are doing. That being said, if you are coming to The Mermaid Parade, you've likely nothing else on your agenda that Saturday, so you might as well take it all in stride. Whether it's the sea creatures you've got your eye on, or the hordes of people who came to see what all the hubbub is about, this may very well be the Super Bowl of people-watching. For any New Yorker who is wired to make the most out of everything this city has to offer, The Mermaid Parade is a must-see event - even if the event ultimately suggests that one time might just be enough. *Yes, ladies, it is perfectly legal to be topless in public in NYC. The Mermaid Parade is no loophole. Look it up. I swear. read more

a shit show of my favorite kind. it's an interpretive east village halloween parade/coney island freak show where costumes run the gamut of mermaid/man, seaweed, seahorses, jellyfish, anything else "sea" inspired and, of course, quite a bit of nakedness. i *usually* love love love the parade. this year i just kinda loved it - my biggest complaint (aside from the very slow moving procession) was the frat boy party "buses" that came through bringing nothing more to the show than college kids drinking bud light on top of a bus or van that was blaring dub step. some of them had some glitter on- most of them were just trying too hard to look cool. it was almost stampede-ish when people had to wait for 45 minutes to cross the street and the police finally lifted the barricades to let people through. i would hope that next year, they allow people to cross from the boardwalk side to the subway side more often (especially in the heat and for the many people that are trying to get little ones across). potential danger! read more

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Dark imposing waves charge onto the sandy shores of Coney Island with a vehemence that matches the heavy downpour onto the pavement of Surf Avenue 3 summers ago on my first encounter with the Mermaid Parade. A throng of people, most draped in ponchos and armed with sturdy umbrellas, bravely endures the onslaught of rain pouring from the dreary June sky. Despite the downcast weather the atmosphere of the crowd, including an eclectic array of shirtless men painted with vibrant colors, ladies in elaborate costumes, girls clad in pasties and bikinis, and children in aquatic themed outfits, is exhilarating and cheerful. There is electricity in the air, and suddenly music thunders over the splatter of the shower and a procession of whimsical creatures and visual wonders commence. Each year on the first Saturday following (and welcoming) the summer solstice, Coney Island is submerged in a fanciful world where mermaids and sea gods not only come to life, they walk on land. The Mermaid Parade is an occasion that celebrates nothing and everything of great significance. It doesn't honor an historic event or national holiday; rather it is a salute to the vigor and creativity of New Yorkers. According to Coney Island USA, the event 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. Annually, men, women, and children, as well as animals are welcome to march in original outfits created solely for the event and to take part in the festivities. First introduced to the seaside district in 1983, the Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the nation. During each procession different celebrities, playing the role of King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, assist in the ceremonial proceedings. Reigning over their subjects at the head of the parade, they lead the march to the beach where they welcome summer by cutting ribbons (symbolizing the seasons), and chucking fruit into the ocean as a sacrifice to the sea gods. Past royalties which included Queen Latifah and Moby bequathed the throne to Harvey Keitel and his wife Daphna when I was there for the first time. Annually, this extravagant event lures New Yorkers down to Brooklyn to witness the display of flamboyant Mer-people and interesting floats. The mixture of Coney Island, semi nude women and men, and the beach is a combination that one finds hard to ignore. Near the late afternoon the light descent of water ceases to a halt and the multicolored arrangement of eccentric crowds migrated from the black asphalt to the damp beach, tripping over sandy dunes and the occasional sequined fin. Hums of excitement and bouts of laughter thunder over the ferocious rushing of the tide. The golden regal fish and his mermaid companion toss a pineapple into the waves, with the hope of appeasing the gods of the sea. I waded in the chilly water dotted with floating pieces of fruit, and occasionally ducked to avoid the shower of grapes and orange slices. The mass follows my leas and soon the aquatic creatures return to the sea. read more

Such a fun event! It was so exciting to attend an event that was based on the arts and creativity. I went with the mermaid theme, but I am excited to expand to other sea creatures and sea dwellers in the next years to come. Rain or shine, parade will go on. There are judges so there is an element of competition and people can get a little feisty about where you are in the parade or how loud you can be. Don't let this get you down! It is an event full of smiles and fun. read more

Somewhere it says that parade starts at 1pm, but really it's more like 1:45/2pm by the time it starts and hits the boardwalk. You can't see a damn thing unless you get there early for a spot, and no one is actually watching the parade - but rather watching it through their cell phones - arms raised - blocking the views of everyone who chooses to actually live their life in the moment. Props for the participants. I admire you all, but the crowd ruins it. read more

The mermaid Parade, like the Halloween Parade, is one of those NYC events that is fun in a kitschy way. Both a throw back (an homage as it were) to the glory days of Coney Island and an opportunity for NYCers to strut their stuff. Old cars, topless girls, sun, sand and fun. A perfect sunny afternoon...... read more

One of the best events in NYC... I go every year... well, unless it's pouring rain. Marching in it is kinda boring, but dressing up, getting drunk, and checking out everyone's outfits is not to be missed! read more

Definitely a fun time and something one should experience at least once. It really lets the community show off and in some cases show off a little too much. Had an awesome time playing "tranny or real", saw the most adorable little sea creatures (seriously the kids in the parade are soooooo cute) and got a chance to share a fun experience with old friends and be a little wacky. Let your freak flag fly Baby! The food and drinks are at a totally reasonable price and it's an awesome, free way to enjoy the beautiful weather and eclectic crowd. The only thing that sucks is that it took almost 30 minutes to CROSS THE STREET. Marching next year for sure. read more

It took me about 7 years in between attempts to go to the Mermaid Parade, but I finally made it out to the 2016 one. We stayed on the boardwalk (because booze), so we caught the tail end of it. I highly recommend doing that just so you don't have to fight your way for a good vantage point and stay in the same place for however many hours. Also, bathroom access at Ruby's. Can't say I was impressed this year as I had been by photos I always saw in previous years. A lot of people phoning it in. And why yes, I do think I could do better. But hey, worth it just to say you went. Also for the boobs. read more

Absolutely LOVED it! Doesn't get better than this. Free spirits, positive energy and wild imaginations. Hugely liberating and so so so much fun!! : ) Participating in the parade is way better than watching it. read more

This is the most amazing parade I've ever seen. Beyond the uniqueness/fringeness of it, the participants are incredibly talented in terms of their costumes, floats, dance numbers, makeup etc. A really amazing event! read more