Coney Island USA

04/22/2025

On Saturday, June 21, folks from across the country and around the world will gather in Brooklyn to kick-off NYC’s summer season — at Coney Island USA’s Annual Mermaid Parade. Becoming a member at the Parade Judge level puts you in the center of the fun. You’ll get to experience the immersive spectacle of the country’s largest art parade and witness the creative artistry of the participants. Fantastic sea-creatures, mer-folk, mechanized floats, marching bands, dancers, and more await you.

If you've been a Judge before, you already know that the best way to see the Parade is from the Judges' Reviewing Stand, with premier seating and amenities, sponsored food and beverages, swag bags, and the coveted, limited edition "Parade Judge" tee shirts.

More importantly, your membership will support Coney Island USA, South Brooklyn’s most unique non-profit arts organization, dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of Coney Island. We're currently leading the fight against the proposed "Coney" casino project, which would devastate the historic amusement district, negatively impact the local community, and put an end to the beloved Mermaid Parade. Your membership ensures the future of Coney Island and the unique community we call home.

Since 1980, Coney Island USA has been amusing the masses with innovative and cutting-edge artistic programs, including the world-famous Coney Island Circus Sideshow; the award-winning Coney Island Film Festival; Burlesque At the Beach, NYC’s longest-running burlesque series; and the Coney Island Museum, working to preserve Coney Island's historic legacy. Now more than ever, we need your support to fight the crooked politicians and developers and save Coney Island!

Remember, as a member you'll also enjoy free admission* to the Sideshow and Museum all season long, as well as discounts** in the Gift Shop, our way of saying “thank you” for being a loyal supporter. As “one of us,” you can take pride in knowing that you’ll be a valued participant in the mayhem and merriment that has defined the Mermaid Parade for 43 years.

Become a member today to secure your place on the reviewing stand and join CIUSA as we pay homage to the freaks, geeks, and mermaids that have helped make Coney Island the People’s Playground!

Click here to become a Judge today!



The Team At Coney Island USA

Greetings fromConey Island USA!The Nonprofit Arts Organization dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of Coney Island.Located in the landmarked building at 1208 Surf Avenue, in the heart of South Brooklyn's amusement district.Home to the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island....

04/03/2025

Coney Island USA Presents
The 43nd Annual Mermaid Parade
Saturday, June 21, 2025

Since 1983, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors from across the country — and around the world — have headed to the Coney Island shore for Coney Island USA’s annual Mermaid Parade.

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.

Link for marching registration in comments!

Register for the Mermaid Parade The 43nd Annual Mermaid ParadeSaturday, June 21, 2025 Learn more about marching hereBecome a Mermaid Parade Judge hereDay-of registration opens at 10am on Parade day and is CASH ONLY. We recommend registering in advance.Day-of registration is at the same location as P...

03/30/2025

Many thanks to our friends at the Coney Island Polar Bear club for their generous donation!

Each year the Polar Bears host the New Year's Day Plunge. The money that's raised from that event goes right back to the Coney Island community, and we're one of the lucky recipients.

Of course, a huge thank you to the folks who brave the elements and register to take the plunge each New Year's Day!

03/27/2025

Check out the incredible poster created by local artist Donald David for this year's Congress of Curious Peoples and Sideshow Hootenanny.

Stay tuned for voting information for the Sideshow Hall of Fame.

Tickets are already on sale for the weekend. Link in bio.

03/21/2025

It's always an honor and a thrill to have the Coney Island Circus Sideshow entertain at the Materials for the Arts gala fundraiser.

Here we are having fun with the 2023 Mermaid Parade Queen and the Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner, Laurie Cumbo!

Now, more than ever, Arts organizations need your support!

Please consider making a donation to Coney Island USA and Materials for the Arts.

Photo by

03/14/2025

Here we go again...the Department of City Planning is hosting a Public Hearing on March 19 at 10:00 AM about the street demapping.

If you can make it in person, we encourage you to do so. If not, please submit your comments via email.

Thank you for your continued support!

03/09/2025

Reminder...the public hearing is tomorrow.
We hope to see you there.
For information on viewing, if you can't attend, visit coneyisland.com/casino

03/03/2025

Our landmarked building, as seen in Anora, the big winner at the Oscars!
Congratulations to director, Sean Baker, and everyone involved with the film!

We hope that this is an inspiration for more great Coney Island art!

02/28/2025

Ahoy Friends!
Registration for the Mermaid Parade goes live tomorrow!
We know you've been planning your costumes, marching groups, floats, and of course, bribes since last year...and we can't wait to see what you've come up with!
The 43rd Mermaid Parade is on June 21! Who's gonna celebrate the start of the summer with us?

02/27/2025

Here we go again...They make the promises, we provide the facts.

02/26/2025

More facts.
How exactly would you like to be a part of making our Mermaid Parade grow if you haven't even reached out to introduce yourself?

02/25/2025

Do something good for yourself. You deserve it!

Crazy times call for self care, and The Brides got ya covered!

Free meditation and yoga, March 2 and 9, at 3:00 in the Shooting Gallery.

Limited to 25 friends, sign up sheet will be in the bar.

Freaks Bar opens at noon.