The event, the largest art parade in the United States, is held each year in June and celebrates the arrival of the summer season.

Created and produced by the non-profit arts organization Coney Island USA, the 40th annual parade was held on June 18, 2022.

Its intent is to celebrate self-expression, boost pride in Coney Island, and give New York artists a place to display their artwork.

[5] After the last participant passes the reviewing stand, parade founder Dick Zigun leads the procession to the beach for a ceremony representing the opening of the ocean for the summer swimming season.

The organizers of the parade claim to encourage bribery, to give participants a more equal chance to win the various costume contests which are also part of the day's entertainment.