Our 2026 Convention is May 15th - 17th
May 15th - 17th, 2026
The best mermaid event on the West Coast; Three days of splashy fun for fish folk of all ages !
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The California Mermaid Convention
A Shellibration of Everything Mermaid
Join our California Mermaid Convention community during a three-day mermaid extravaganza! Bring old friends, and meet new ones during the longest-running mermaid event on the West Coast. From swim play, to costuming, shopping and entertainment, the convention has something for everyone. All ages and families welcome - Visit our ticketing page for adult and children's tickets
Meetings, Workshops and Lectures
Join some of the biggest fish in the industry to ask questions, hear behind the scenes secrets and take courses to expand your mermaid knowledge and portfolio. All of our lectures are free to attend with our Main Entry ticket, and our workshops cover a wide range of topics and subjects! Visit our Workshop Page for our new programing
Vendor Specials
We are proud to offer exclusive merchandise for our convention. We love featuring handmade items, and supporting small businesses! And if you have something to sell, apply to Become a Vendor here
Share your journey!
Post to your Social Media
Want to let everyone know you are attending the California Mermaid Convention? Download our adorable graphic and use your favorite text editor on your phone to add your Merfolk Name and Social Media Handles.
Post away! We can't wait to follow you on your journey!
ten reasons you have to attend the california mermaid convention!
What Do Others Say?
“The California Mermaid Convention in Rancho Cordova is quintessentially quirky, refreshingly inclusive, and daringly bold. They push the boundaries of the unexpected and novel, drawing the attention of worldwide mermaid hobbyists, seasoned performers, and mesmerized journalists alike, while still providing a relaxed and welcoming experience for all visitors. This event is a rising star in Rancho Cordova that brings pure magic to the community, driving meaningful economic impact and showing us all what’s possible when good people with zany ideas decide to follow their wildest dreams. We are deeply honored to partner with the CMC team and look forward to a spectacular event year after year. We can’t wait to see what they dream up next.” - Visit Rancho Cordova (Local Travel & Tourism Organization)
Yes, an entire convention about MERMAIDS!
Tired of wearing your tail alone in your tub? Tired of singing Part of Your World alone? Ready to take a group 'shellfie'? You can swim to Sacramento and make some new finned-friends!
There are so many amazing things happening as part of this convention, so we thought we would share 10 reasons why you won't want to miss this magically aquatic event in Sacramento, California May 16th - 18th, 2025!
2. Everyone is welcome!
The Merfolk Community is a very diverse and inclusive one. You can celebrate with all ages, orientations, backgrounds etc. Mers from all over the country and internationally come to swim, network and just have fun for the weekend. The event also has a strict Code of Coduct, so you can definitely feel safe and supported. Whether you are a Professional Mermaid or are just dipping your fins in for the first time, everyone is welcome here!
4. The Promenade of Mermaids will be marching!
Over a Decade of Nautical Fun!
At the Promenade of Mermaids, you'll see all manner of nautical denizens here: mermaids, pirates, steam-punk walruses in wheelchairs, dogs dressed like lobsters (these are all real examples, by the way). Accompanied by live music, crowds gather to watch this under sea parade as it marches and dances through the historic Old Town Sacramento, which is full of adorable shops and great restaurants.
5. The chance for kids to swim with mermaids!
Have a little one who's dreaming of playing and swimming with a real mermaid? Look no further! There are multiple swim sessions with a variety of merfolk on Saturday. Learn more about Children's Activities' and Events
6. Completely free to the public events!
Some of our events are completely free! A Main Entry ticket purchase gives you access to vendors, open group swims, live entertainment, lectures and panels but the The Promenade of Mermaids parade with vendors is completely FREE.
You can also gain free entry by volunteering to help out at an event! Visit our volunteer page for more info.
7. Water performance workshops & photoshoots!
Ready to learn how to be an actual mermaid and do it safely? The convention offers a few different workshops where you will be trained by Professional Mermaids! These lovely and talented leaders of the industry work everything from private parties to jobs in the tv & film industry.
After your workshop, you could show off your skills for your personal underwater photoshoot!
8. Mermaid and nautical vendors!
Need some new thingamabobs? Maybe a new mermaid crown? How about your own pet silicone sea-horse? This is the place to get them. The event hosts a ton of vendors, who will be showcasing swimmable fabric tails, mermaid art, nautical jewelry and other magical, shimmery wares! Just try not to become a hoarder like Ariel......
10. The event benefits a local charity every year!
This year we will be supporting The American River Parkway Foundation whose mission is to support the preservation and enjoyment of the American River Parkway by fostering environmental education, stewardship and volunteer opportunities. We love giving back to the communities that helped build the convention!