The festival begins at noon, when land parade participants can touch up costumes and visit the festival vendors.

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

Artist Greg Corbino will lead a puppet-making project before the parade.

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

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!

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, but you must sign a waiver 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.