Beachgoers and Brooklynites rejoice! The Coney Island beach is officially open for the season.
Luckily, with the sun, sand, eats, attractions and a new entertainment venue – the area’s brand new 5,000 seat open air amphitheater – all in one place, Coney certainly is the place to be (and Beach Boy) this summer.
Opening up a new attraction to kick off the start of the season as well, Luna Park is gearing up to unveil its brand new ride, Endeavor – a space-themed, high-thrill attraction which takes riders up to 60 feet in the air at 25 miles per hour and rotates at 90 degrees parallel to the ground.
“We couldn’t be more excited to kick-off the summer by offering an out-of-this-galaxy experience with Endeavor and several thrilling events,” said Valerio Ferrari, president of Central Amusement International and Zamperla USA. “With the opening of Endeavor and the exciting events planned for this season, this summer is destined to be the best one yet.”
While Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick-off to summer at the park, events and specials will be happening all summer long in the nabe.
Starting in June, patrons can enjoy Two for Tuesday – every Tuesday between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. parkgoers who purchase a four-hour unlimited wristband will get a second one for free and School’s Out – where students can redeem five grades from any 2016 report card and earn a maximum of 20 ride credits.
If you’re in the mood for some yum in the sun, visit the Boardwalk’s famous Place to Beach, offering up a slew of classic Mexican dishes and some new summer specials including: the Special Quesadilla Burger, eight ounces of Angus Beef with authentic Mexican flavors; Mexican Corn on the Cob, with paprika, Cotija Cheese and lime; Fantasy Mix Salad, available with meat, fish and grilled vegetables and a refreshing PTeaB, a frozen Granita featuring sweet-tea, vodka and lime.
Don’t forget to save some for dessert. With Coney’s Cones offering up over 24 unique and yummy flavors of gelato and sorbet, it’s easy to cool off with a sweet treat on the beach anytime. Through Memorial Day Weekend and on, the gelateria will be serving up special summer flavors for the season including Brownie, Banana Chocolate Chips, Tiramisu, Salted Caramel, Whisky Cream and Napoleon.
Additionally, according to NYC Parks, beachgoers will be able to enjoy the newly reconstructed portion of the Boardwalk between Brighton 15th Street and Coney Island Avenue along with events like the annual Mermaid Parade on June 18, rotating DJs or Salsa concerts on Saturdays beginning May 28, and a 5K with the Coney Island Alliance on July 23, and attend fun annual events like the volleyball tournament on August 6 and 7 and partake in the sand sculpting contest on August 20.
The Amphitheater’s concert series will kick off on June 25 with Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse and Ed Robinson.
“We want everyone to enjoy the beautiful sun and surf at New York City’s public beaches this summer,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver on opening the beach for the season on May 26, “but most importantly, we want you to be safe in and around open water. Obeying lifeguards, and following our important water safety tips can help prevent future tragedies, and ensure that we have a fun and safe summer.”