The festival begins at noon, but we suggest you arrive early!

When you arrive, please sign in at the parade registration table.

Land parade assembly begins promptly at 12:45 pm, and marching begins at 1 pm.

If you can avoid driving, please do so. Local parking is extremely limited.

There is NO public parking in Kingsland Park during the Mermaid Festival. We recommend taking the train, and planning your trip accordingly. The Philipse Manor Train Station is located right by the park gates. For more frequent service, the Tarrytown Train Station is about a mile walk (20-30 min) along the riverfront. If trains don't work for your plans, we suggest carpool, taxi and rideshare.

Stay tuned for detailed parking lot suggestions and shuttle information!

We encourage wild, wacky, creative costuming! This is a family-friendly event, so please come fully clothed. We also ask that participants be mindful that costumes are secure to minimize the chance of litter or plastic pollution. And remember to wear sunscreen–mermaids burn easily!

Yes! If you want to participate in the costume contest - come dressed to dazzle. Sign up is available when you register online. There will be no day of registration for the costume contest this year.

All contestants will be contacted in advance and numbers will be assigned to each contestant or group.
Numbers can be picked up at the parade registration table on the day of the event. Contestants will need to hold or attach their assigned number to their outfit as they pass by the costume contest judges on the parade route.

Remember to keep your costumes family friendly fishy folks!

We welcome all aquatic creatures living in and on the Hudson River, from mythical marine life to real river life, plundering pirates like Sleepy Hollow’s legendary Captain Kidd, and even some shy sailors. And if your kid wants to dress up like Peppa Pig, that’s fine, too.

Everyone is welcome to march in the land parade! This year, you must register in advance to participate.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kids? YES

Grandma? YES

Dog? YES (must be leashed)

Friend from the city? YES (MTA train stop at Philipse Manor is a 5 min walk to the festival!)

Canary? NO. Mermaids don't like birds.

Wagons? Strollers and wagons are great to have on hand for younger mermaids, and can be fun to decorate. To keep everyone at the same pace, please don’t bring e-bikes and the like, apart from motorized accessibility aids.

The land parade route is a half mile loop through Kingsland Point Park on flat, dirt and grass terrain. Be mindful of occasional tree roots and other tripping hazards.

Of course! There will be plenty of room for spectators along the parade route, and you won’t want to miss the festival after! Arrive early to get a spot, and please sit outside the parade path.

Reusable water bottles! Hydration is important, and we are looking to avoid single-use plastics.

If there’s a creative way to incorporate an umbrella in your costume, consider bringing it for shade while you march.