Coney Island is home to several iconic attractions, from the Cyclone roller coaster to the original Nathan’s Hot Dogs—more than enough to fill up a fun summer’s day. Once a year, a special attraction descends, coaxing thousands of guests to gather along Surf Avenue leading toward the boardwalk to watch and participate in the historic Mermaid Parade. Founded in 1983 by Dick Zigun, the parade has served as the unofficial kickoff to the summer for over four decades; its procession culminates in a beach ceremony marking the opening of the ocean for the start of the summer swimming season. As it takes place during Pride Month, it has subsequently become an unofficial celebration of the queer community.
The parade famously continues rain or shine, and though it has faced financial difficulties over the years—including 2026—its loyal supporters always find a way to ensure that the show goes on. Luckily, after crowdfunding over $40,000 this year, Saturday’s weather could not have been more idyllic. The event kicked off at 1 p.m. sharp with a procession of fire trucks, with FDNY personnel hanging from the tops and spritzing onlookers with cool water from their hoses. They rallied the crowd’s cheers before eventually giving way to this year’s King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, Jesse Malin and Rickie Lee Jones. (In one epic Coney Island x Bravo crossover, former Real Housewife of New York Carole Radziwill was crowned queen in 2013.)
The parade marchers dressed in a sea of fishnets, glitter, metallic scales, and neon wigs, but the crowd similarly brought their nautical A-game. On the train ride over—from a child’s pirate costume to a woman’s handmade kelp fringe dress—it was clear who would be staying on the Stillwell Avenue–bound F train until the very last stop. The spectators, meanwhile, were a perfect mix of first-timers and lifers, with both groups taking their dedication to the theme very, very seriously.
Olivia, a 25-year-old from Phoenix, asked her mom to make her flapper-inspired chartreuse dress three months prior. “She got really into historical sewing, and so she learned how to craft her own patterns,” she said. “I found a picture of a 1920s-style dress, and she’s been sewing sequins rapidly.” Likewise, Lara, a 49-year-old who lives in Chelsea, has attended the Mermaid Parade for over 20 years. This year’s outfit was a combination of old and new: The baby blue pleated pants and sequined dress were vintage, but she ordered the teal wig online. (The rest of hers are currently in storage.) Planning for her look, she said, starts as soon as Halloween is over; for her, the two events are “neck and neck.” As for the thing she most looks forward to every year? The incredible people watching, of course.
Photographed by Amir Hamja
