Inspired by the Coney Island Mardi Gras parades of old, the Mermaid Parade was transformed by its participants into a new kind of community celebration. By the late 1980s, it was at the top of every list of “must-do” things in New York, and is, without question, the official opening of summer in the city.

The best way to see the parade is to be a part of it, so for first time ever, we’ll be marching in the parade together as a group. This is your chance to show off your best sea creature inspired constume and join in the fun! All marchers are encouraged to dress to be as loud and outrageous as possible - please add some pink flair in honor of Women of Culture! Here’s some inspiration - and check out the parade’s FAQ page here

The Parade starts on West 21st and Surf Avenue. It rolls east to West 10th Street, where the marchers and push-pull floats proceed to the Boardwalk and continue their march to Steeplechase Plaza, under the Parachute Jump, where the Parade will disband and we can get food, head to the beach and/or join in the official procession to open the ocean for the season around 5pm.* The full parade route is about 1 mile, though you are not obligated to stay to the end. The parade is very casual and you can always leave early if you get tired.

All tickets for marchers include the registration and fee to march with the group (registration is required in order to march) - you’ll also receive an invite to our what’s app group upon registration so we can start sharing costume ideas and inspiration in advance.

IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MARCH IN THE PARADE but would like to be a spectator: you can sign up for the lunch only option, which includes 1 lunch entree + tax/tip only. ZhuZhu Lemmons will be your point of contact, though we’ll all re-convene for a late lunch at Zula.

(No food included in the ticket for marchers but you can still join for lunch)

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Tickets for marchers (lunch NOT included): Non-member tickets: $45 early bird through 6/15; $50 thereafter Basic Art-full Member tickets: $40 early bird through 6/15; $45 thereafter

Tickets for spectators/non-marchers (lunch only): Non-member tickets: $40 early bird through 6/15; $45 thereafter Basic Art-full Member tickets: $35 early bird through 6/15; $40 thereafter

*Premier Members save 20% with discount code

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Full Schedule:

11:30 am | Marchers meet at registration area in the parking lot on Surf Ave. btw. 21st & 22nd streets 3050 West 21st St. | Brooklyn, NY

12 pm | Non-marchers meet at meet at the Coney Island/Stillwell Ave subway station (D,F,N,Q), outside the Dunkin Donuts 1243 Surf Ave.

3 pm | Optional late lunch/drinks at Zula - not included in ticket price 3052 W 21st St.

(you can of course leave earlier if tired - no obligation to stay to the end)

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*After the parade, usually around 5pm, there’s a procession led from the Judge’s stands at 19th Street and Surf Avenue, through Maimonides Park Parking lot, to the beach. Marchers and spectators are welcome to join. Marchers can join the procession from the end of the parade route under the Parachute Jump. On the beach, the official beach ceremony will take place, and the ocean will be opened for the summer swimming season.

3050 West 21st Street Map
347-843-5182