In celebration of the summer solstice the folks down in Coney Island are gearing up for their annual Mermaid Parade, a freakishly fun event featuring classic cars and an array of homemade costumes. An occasional painted nipple is often seen, as are a number of B-list celebrities. This is a rare opportunity to appreciate peoples' (sometimes questionable) tastes and creativity, and listen to groovin' music as the sun bakes your head and the sweat rolls down your back. Topping off the event is the Mermaid Ball, which begins as the parade winds down. Local bands, DJs and burlesque shows keep the crowd entertained into the night while booze flows at quite reasonable prices. Costumes are encouraged, and many oblige, so be prepared to meet several creatures of the seas as you down a few cold ones in honor of King Neptune.

June 24. Surf Avenue, Coney Island, 718-372-5159; 2, free. Mermaid Parade Ball. Velocity, 3015 Stillwell Avenue (betw. Surf Avenue & The Bowery), 6, $ 10.