Mermaid Avenue

Sacramento is certainly home to some unique and inventive gatherings. First, there was a Zombie Walk. Then there was a Santa convention. And now, this Saturday, a group of Sacramento residents will further embrace the DIY spirit and throw the city’s first-ever Mermaid Parade. Ex-Romeo Void singer Debora Iyall is scheduled to serve as the parade’s grand marshal and DJ Shaun Slaughter and Heidi Ho will appear as King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, respectively.

Sponsored by Phono Select, Magic Salon, Dimond Makeup and Strut Threads, the parade is open to all people, sea creatures, mermen and mermaids. Those who previously registered for the parade are eligible for a best costume contest, which will judge adult and child contestants on creativity, workmanship and attitude.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. in front of Rio City Cafe, 1110 Front Street, then passes by Dive Bar (which has its own mermaid tank above the bar), and ends at the Front Street boardwalk stage in Old Sacramento. That’s where judges will determine the winner of the costume contest. Marine fun continues for those who navigate to the Crest Theatre for the Trash Film Orgy’s midnight screening of Humanoids From the Deep. Classically trashy, the film is an aquatic monster movie with sexually explicit horror scenes and campy acting. There will also be special discounts, prizes and costume contests at the screening event. Participants should prepare for hot weather, but hope for the event to be a cool new Sacramento tradition.