There are certain things in life that everyone should do at least once.
Book a spontaneous flight. See the Northern Lights. Give a fake name at Starbucks.
Well, here's a new one for your list - the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Coney Island Mermaid Parade: Everything You Need to Know
If you're planning to visit New York in summer time, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade deserves your attention.
This guide covers what the Mermaid Parade is, why it's iconic and how to stay connected with a travel eSIM while you're taking it all in.
Steven Pisano / Wikimedia Commons
What Is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade?
The Mermaid Parade started in 1983 as a celebration of art, creativity and summer. It celebrates the mythology of the sea with a large helping of fun.
It's a nod to old Coney Island pageantry with a twist of camp and chaos that would make RuPaul proud.
Locals and visitors dress as mermaids, sea monsters, pirates and aquatic royalty.
Think less Disney princess, more underwater fever dream.
Official awards are given in multiple categories, from costumes and floats to music groups.
Participants parade to the judging stand, where a panel of judges reviews performances and costume creativity.
Hypnotica Studios Infinite / Wikimedia Commons
Award categories include best adult mermaid costume, best adult Neptune-themed attire, the best moving float and little mermaid and little neptune costume awards for kids.
Organised by Coney Island USA, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the area's sideshow culture, the parade has grown from a small community event into one of the largest art parades in the US.
You'll see everything from elaborate handcrafted costumes to someone wrapped in clingfilm who decided to just make a day of it.
Hypnotica Studios Infinite / Wikimedia Commons
When and Where Does the Mermaid Parade Take Place?
The parade is free to attend and happens annually, typically mid-to-late June on a Saturday afternoon. In 2025, it falls on Saturday 21st June.
It kicks off around 1pm on Surf Avenue and winds its way through to the Coney Island boardwalk, where an afterparty and costume contests usually follow.
The route is short but densely packed. You can position yourself anywhere along Surf Avenue or claim a spot on the boardwalk for the finale.
Just remember that prime viewing spots fill up quickly, so arrive early.
Why You Should See the Coney Island Mermaid Parade at Least Once
iStock / DanielBendjy
The Costumes are Outrageous
You've probably never seen handmade sea creatures, drag queens in shell bras, jellyfish hats and Greek sea gods all in one place.
Well, this is your chance.
Hypnotica Studios Infinite / Wikimedia Commons
Thousands of attendees spend months preparing their looks - the results are breathtakingly artistic and brilliantly bonkers.
The Vibe is Pure Joy
Hypnotica Studios Infinite / Wikimedia Commons
The parade is a mix of performance art, local pride and full-on party.
It's a grassroots event with no formal sponsorship. Just pure, unfiltered New York weirdness.
Expect Brooklyn quirkiness, seaside nostalgia and community spirit, with locals and first-timers celebrating side by side.
It's Family-Friendly - Albeit a Bit Wild
iStock / DanielBendjy
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is suitable for families and kids, although expect cheeky costumes.
Think retro seaside postcard kind of humour. There’s music, dancing and silliness galore.
In short, inclusiveness is the spirit of the event - you may even want to bring your dog along.
Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons
Why Is Coney Island So Famous?
Coney Island's reputation as a playground for New Yorkers dates back to the late 1800s.
Back then, rollercoasters, sideshows and seaside fun turned the area into an ultimate escape from city life.
Wikimedia Commons - Coney Island has been a playground for New Yorkers since the 1830s, when it first began drawing visitors as a seaside escape from the city.
Known for legendary rollercoasters, sideshows and as the home of Nathan's, the apparent best hot dogs in the world (they really are), Coney Island is a symbol of weird, wonderful accessible fun for all.
It’s held onto its authentic, working-class character in a world-class city.
Even in 2025, Coney Island still feels like New York for the people.
Fun Fact: Coney Island
Coney Island isn't an island anymore. It was once separated from Brooklyn by a creek. But landfill projects joined it to the mainland in the 20th century.
And the name? 'Coney' is an old word for rabbit. Dutch settlers called it 'Rabbit Island' because the place was full of bunnies. 🐇
Other Things to Do in Coney Island
Adobe Free Stock / Frances
You can't visit Coney Island without hitting some of its most iconic spots.
- Ride the Cyclone, the historic wooden rollercoaster at Coney Island's iconic fairground, Luna Park.
- Eat a Nathan's Famous hot dog at its original location, also home of the 4th of July hot dog eating contest.
- Visit the Coney Island Museum for a dose of sideshow history.
- Explore Brighton Beach, known as Little Odessa, for Eastern European food and culture.
Stay Connected During the Parade - Use an eSIM for USA Travel
Image by ivanlanzo from Pixabay
What's an eSIM and Why Use One in the USA?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card you install before you travel.
It lets you access fast, reliable mobile data without swapping physical SIMs or relying on flaky public Wi-Fi.
Airalo offers the best eSIMs for USA travel, with coverage across the States. Ideal if you’re starting at Coney Island and heading elsewhere.
Where eSIMs Help During Crowded Events
Public Wi-Fi often struggles at large events.
With an eSIM for USA travel, you can stay connected, locate your friends, check schedules and upload your mermaid selfies without lag or drama.
Check out the best eSIM for your USA trip and get it all reayd to go in advance here.
FAQs
1. What is The Coney Island Mermaid Parade?
It's a flamboyant, artistic parade held every June in Coney Island, where people dress in sea-themed costumes and celebrate creativity and community.
2. When is The Mermaid Parade in Coney Island?
It usually takes place mid-to-late June on a Saturday, starting around 1pm on Surf Avenue. In 2025, it's on Saturday 21st June.
3. Is The Mermaid Parade worth visiting?
Absolutely. It's one of New York's most unique cultural events - free, fun and unforgettable.
4. What Else Can I Do in Coney Island?
Ride the Cyclone, visit Luna Park, walk the boardwalk, eat at Nathan's Famous and explore Brighton Beach nearby.
5. Do I Need an eSIM for the USA When Visiting Coney Island?
An eSIM helps you stay connected without roaming charges. Perfect for navigation, uploads, communication and coverage at busy events like the Mermaid Parade.
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