Local Culture

Coney Island Summer

Things to do in one of New York’s greatest treasures

by Josh Kurp   |   Jun 15, 2010

Coney Island Summer

Photo: Nadia Chaudhury

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Everyone knows of Coney Island, but whenever I ask a fellow New Yorker the last time they went to the former-Rabbit Island, the typical answer is, “Oh, I haven’t been yet.” Well, why? It’s not as far away as it seems (last stop on the Q, but only an hour from Union Square) and with every passing summer, Coney Island is becoming less of its former glory—meaning this might be your final year to enjoy the place the Warriors once called home.

Here are some of Coney Island’s summer 2010 highlights:

  • -“King Neptune Lou Reed, Queen Mermaid Laurie Anderson.” That sentence alone is reason enough to go to this year’s Mermaid Parade on June 19 at 2 p.m., beginning at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue. The former-Velvet Underground singer and his wife are the leaders of the nation’s largest art parade. Even if you don’t like parades, you’ll probably enjoy the ocean-themed floats or the post-parade party, featuring raffles, live music, and burlesque acts.
  • After the parade festivities, head over to MCU Park (1904 Surf Ave.) to watch the first game of the season for the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Mets Short-Season A team. Former-Met Wally Backman is now the team’s manager, and many guys who played for the Cyclones have played with the big boys in Queens, including current 1B Ike Davis. It’s baseball on the beach with cheap tickets and cheap beer. What’s not to like?
  • How Joey Chestnut isn’t a household name is beyond me. He’s the American hero whose taken down Takeru Kobayashi three straight years at Nathan’s Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, after Japan’s finest eater won the event six years in a row. Be at the corner of Surf and Stillwell at noon for the re-match and bring your patriotism (and Tums if you’re apart of the contest).
  • Who doesn’t love free music, especially when the music is being played Matt and Kim, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Surfer Blood, and Wye Oak, among many others? They’re all apart of this year’s Siren Fest, presented by the Village Voice, and held on July 17 from noon-9 p.m.
  • Every Saturday night until mid-September is the Coney Island Film Society’s “Sci-Fi Summer.” Held at the Coney Island Museum (1208 Surf Ave.), here are just some of the films that will be screened: King Kong vs. Gorilla (July 3), The Brother from Another Planet (August 7), and Brazil (August 28).

If you feel like going on a weekday afternoon to avoid the crowds, there’s still plenty of fun to be had:

  • Besides Nathan’s (1310 Surf Ave.), there are many other food options, including a slice from Pizza on the Run (2932 Stillwell Ave.), surprisingly tasty chicken from Popeye’s (3004 Stillwell Ave.), Denny’s soft-serve ice cream (1212 Surf Ave.), and tacos from the Grill House on the boardwalk. Speaking of the boardwalk, you can find any sort of greasy, delicious food there, including fried Oreos and funnel cake. Plus, there’s always the Shoot the Freak game. Time will only tell if you’ll feel worse eating all that food or shooting a fake freak.
  • Luna Park (1000 Surf Ave.), Coney Island’s amusement park, was originally built in 1903 and stayed open until 1944, when a pair of fires destroyed nearly everything. This year, though, Luna is back, and includes such rides as the Brooklyn Flyer (which invites you to “swing across the sky!”), Wonder Wheel, and the Tickler (I’ll let your imagination run wild with that one). Tickets range from $26-$34 for four- and six-hour unlimited ride wristbands. And if rides are your thing, you probably already know about the Cyclone.
  • I’ve often said, “No one should go through childhood without seeing an elephant.” If your child hasn’t already fulfilled that goal and can’t afford a trip to India, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are here to help with their Coney Island Illuscination. Featuring escape artists, the Kung Fu Kings, and, yes, Asian elephants, this circus will be in town until early-September, with tickets ranging from $10-$50.
  • And, of course, you could just lounge on the beach all day.

One more thing: If you go on even a relatively busy day, you’ll quickly find how tough it is to use the bathroom, especially for women. The lines are ridiculous, but because Coney is so far away from anything (again, last stop on the Q), you know you should go before leaving. My tip: Find the Beer Garden on the boardwalk and look for the portable toilets. Luxurious, no, but at least you won’t be waiting in line for hours.

Five Song Encore

1. “Coney Island Baby” by Lou Reed

2. “Coney Island” by Death Cab by Cutie

3.“Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby” by the Quadraphonics

4. “Bone to Bone (Coney Island White Fish Boy)” by Aerosmith

5. “Coney Island” by Good Old War