Our 2025 Convention is May 16th - 18th
Main Entry
The California Mermaid Convention - Saturday, May 17th and 18th
Hagan Park Community Center
2197 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Main Convention and Adult Swim
Sat, May 17th 9 AM - 5 PM (pool opens at 10 AM, closes at 4 PM)
Sun, May 18th 9 AM - 4 PM (pool opens at 10 AM)
Main Entry to the California Mermaid Convention gains guests access to a variety of activities and events throughout the day, and our Adult Swim Pool! Children and their guardians may swim in our Children's Pool (more info below).
A Main Entry Ticket Includes
- Adult Swim: Swim with friends and make some new ones in our beautiful pool. While you swim, you may even want to check out a few of our poolside vendors; and test out some of their wares in the water!
-Children's Swim: Our littlest con attendees have a pool al to themselves! Every hour, a professional mermaid entertainer will splash and play with our sweet guppies. Entertainer schedule coming soon. Please note that unless they are a contracted performer, adults in mermaid tails will not be allowed in the children's pool.
- Group Photos and Flash Mob Dance: Be a part of convention history with these fantastic group activities. We will teach our Flash Mob dance to mers on site, and everyone can join in the shell-ibration!
- Vendors: We are proud to host a variety of vendors from California and beyond! From jewelry, costumes and tails, to beauty, bath and art, we have scoured the ocean to bring you the most lovely treasures the sea can offer
- Panels and Lectures: Expand your mermaid knowledge and ask questions with some of the Mermaid Industry's leading professionals. A must for any mermaid looking for discourse, enlightenment and education. See full list of Lectures below!
Our Convention is being held at the beautiful Hagan Park Community Center; guests will have access to the grounds, which include a park, playground, creeks and water features and free parking. Guests are welcome to enjoy the lush lawns and picnic, or spend time poolside in the lush grass.
Ticket FAQ
- DOES NOT include entry to photography sessions, workshops
- Adult Swim participants must be 12+ to use the adult pool between the hours of 10 AM - 4 PM.
- Children who are interested in swimming with a mermaid during the day may purchase a children's ticket, and swim with a professional mermaid entertainer.
- Wristbands must be worn at all times!
- No glass whatsoever, or oil based lubricants will be allowed in the pool area
- No glitter of any kind will be allowed on site at any time
- We have restrooms on site, as well as Food Truck Vendors
- Guests are encouraged to bring a towel or blanket to sit in the grass and relax
- We will have a free Tail Check Station on Site to store tails and gear while shopping or attending lectures or activities
Purchase Tickets
To purchase tickets for Main Entry, please visit the link below. Please note that Main Entry tickets prices will increase as we near the Convention date
Tickets* for Ages 13+ Only
- 2 Day Main Entry Adult (13+) - $95
- 1 Day Main Entry Adult - $75
- "Tail End" Ticket: Enjoy the Last Three hours of con on Sunday, May 18th - $25
For Parent or Children's Tickets - Click here
*Tickets will Raise $10 on January 1st, and $35 on April 5th
**Hotel and Ticket Packages coming soon through Visit Rancho Cordova
*No physical tickets will be used, please present receipt of purchase at the door for entry. The convention will have all ticket holder names in our system for entry
event sponsor
Goggills
What started as a silly idea, “Mermaid Goggles” has taken years of development, hard work and love. Goggills is very proud to be sharing their product with fellow merfolk, and looks forward to never losing their contacts in the water ever again!
Thank you Goggills for being an incredible Sponsor for 2025!
Adult Swim - Ages 13+
Make a Splash with your Merfriends
What could be more welcoming than a cool, aqua pool on a hot summer day? The California Mermaid Convention invites you to jump into the crystalline waters of Hagan Park Pool for some serious mermaid fun. Bring your beloved merfriends, and get ready make some new friends this Mer-MAY!
Adult Swim Info
- Pool Access included with Main Entry ticket (Please note that Non-Swimming Ticketholders will not be permitted in any pool).
- Pool open for Adult Swim from 10 AM to 4 PM on May 78th and 18th, 2025 (Ages 13+)
- Adults are welcome to swim in their tails or monofins, though they are not required to enter the pool. Tails may be available onsite for purchase from our vendors
- Lifeguards will be on site, please use good sense and caution.
- No breath-holding contests/unauthorized breath-hold instruction onsite
- Goggles are encouraged, NO large flotation devices (floaties included) will be allowed - only coast guard certified life-vests are permitted. Please remember water and sunscreen!
- Main Entry wristbands must be worn while in water and pool area
- Bathrooms to change are on site, as well as food vendors
- No glass whatsoever, glitter, or oil based lubricants will be allowed in the pool area
Lectures and Panels
As part of our general convention programming, we are pleased to offer a series of lectures, panels, premieres and classes to our guests. Unless otherwise noted, all panels are free with Main Entry, and take pace in our Poolside Lecture Tent.
Stay tuned for specific panel and lecture updates for 2025
panels
Representation Panel -
Saturday, May 17th 2025
4 PM
As long as The California Mermaid Convention stands, we will do our best to be a place where minority voices have a platform to tell their stories, be heard, and be safe.
Join our Panelists, moderator Mermaid Yuri as he hosts our Representation Panel. Panelists will discuss visibility and representation in the mermaid community and industry; and how their personal journeys have shaped their mermaid experience. At this important turning point in American history, it is of the greatest importance to discuss issues of race, gender, and sexuality in all aspects of life...including our relationship to merfolk.
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
Yuri Tajiri is excited to be back to moderate the Representation Panel for the second year.
She’s previously been seen in aquarium tanks performing at one of the only mermaid bars in the US, swimming and sunning her Creature Fins tail at fantasy events and various bodies of water, and ambiently in the mer community since California Merma
Yuri Tajiri is excited to be back to moderate the Representation Panel for the second year.
She’s previously been seen in aquarium tanks performing at one of the only mermaid bars in the US, swimming and sunning her Creature Fins tail at fantasy events and various bodies of water, and ambiently in the mer community since California Mermaid Convention twas but a twinkle in Rachel and Ashley’s respective eyes.
Merman Jax
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
Merman Jax has been a working professional in the Mermaid Community for over 10 years, being with the California Mermaid Convention since its early days as Mermaid Weekend in Sacramento. From a nation-wide Jack in the Box commercial, to guest swimming with the Dive Bar Mermaids and appearing on the Emmy award-winning Tamron Hall show to
Merman Jax has been a working professional in the Mermaid Community for over 10 years, being with the California Mermaid Convention since its early days as Mermaid Weekend in Sacramento. From a nation-wide Jack in the Box commercial, to guest swimming with the Dive Bar Mermaids and appearing on the Emmy award-winning Tamron Hall show to celebrate Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, Jax has long advocated for the LGBT+ community and People of Color. After a break from social media visibility, Jax is inspired to share some of his unknown story and some of his exciting plans for the future. As always, he is honored and grateful to be a part of The California Mermaid Convention.
Performing underwater opened up a passion he didn’t know he had. He didn’t even know there was a whole mermaid community until much later, but once he found it, he fell in love and made lots of new friends.
He loves discovering the power of creating smiles and being kind!
Memraid Aja
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
The Surreal Sirena
Aja Hruby De Coudreaux a.k.a. “Mermaid Aja” was born and raised in Oakland, California. Being an ethnically diverse, queer, tall kid had its challenges but Aja has always had a strong sense of self as well as an exterior awareness and appreciation of art, culture, and diversity. This helped develop her keen interest in and eye for histor
Aja Hruby De Coudreaux a.k.a. “Mermaid Aja” was born and raised in Oakland, California. Being an ethnically diverse, queer, tall kid had its challenges but Aja has always had a strong sense of self as well as an exterior awareness and appreciation of art, culture, and diversity. This helped develop her keen interest in and eye for historical fashion. After studying fashion design in college, she worked as a costume designer for film in Hollywood and appeared on a Stan Lee reality show as a superhero of her own creation that encouraged recycling, conservation, and creativity—things that are very important to her.
Aja sees mermaids as being “between worlds.” As a queer woman who comes from a diverse heritage, being “between worlds” feels like a familiar place. To her, mermaiding is a celebration of all that we are, and who we could be.
The Surreal Sirena
Generate excitement
The Surreal Sirena
Sura, the Surreal Sirena is a Filipina-American based in sunny San Diego, California. She began mermaiding and performed for various events in 2021 including the Escondido Renaissance Faire, Wands and Wishes, Mermaids Make Waves, and Swim Brayv where she advocates for water conservation, representation and diversity, as well as swim safet
Sura, the Surreal Sirena is a Filipina-American based in sunny San Diego, California. She began mermaiding and performed for various events in 2021 including the Escondido Renaissance Faire, Wands and Wishes, Mermaids Make Waves, and Swim Brayv where she advocates for water conservation, representation and diversity, as well as swim safety. She single-handedly runs her own business teaching both mermaiding and freediving, taking the best of both worlds and merging the two to educate all of her students about safety, proper technique, mindfulness, but most importantly to believe in one’s own amazing capabilities!
Copperheart Nix
Generate excitement
Generate excitement
Fenn has been swimming local to Sacramento for the last 6 years as the Copperheart Nix. Fenn is a budget-friendly DIY hobbyist by merfolk standards, that believes now more than ever it's important for us to engage with creative expression and play. They're a familiar, welcoming face at regional swims that is always open to new friends!
Generate excitement
Generate excitement
Generate excitement
A fan of all things dark and spooky. A water child at heart. New to mermaiding with her sharkdog but playing mermaids since childhood.
Medusirena Panel - with the Aquaticats
Sunday, May 18th 2025
2 PM
Join Marina the Fireeating Mermaid and her Aquaticats as they discuss their experiences in the underwater performance industry and beyond. This is your chance to hear from the experts, and a founder of the Mermaid Industry. Buckle up for an informative, and wacky ride!
Marina the Fireeating Mermaid
Marina the Fireeating Mermaid
Marina the Fireeating Mermaid
A trailblazer in the field of "Mermaid Performances", she's most famous for her nearly 20 years as the official Mermaid at The Wreck Bar, creating its numerous swim shows both with tails and with dance ensembles. She also teaches fitness and swim workshops to help enhance aquatic skills; making them better performers and artist in their own style.
Pohaku
Marina the Fireeating Mermaid
Marina the Fireeating Mermaid
Pōhaku got his name as a hula dancer. Later, “Prince” was added to carry on the legacy of swimshow icon MeduSirena. He started his merman journey in 2020 as a “ MeduSirena Aquanaut” and joined the Aquaticrew—a lifelong family.
Performing underwater opened up a passion he didn’t know he had. He didn’t even know there was a whole mermaid co
Pōhaku got his name as a hula dancer. Later, “Prince” was added to carry on the legacy of swimshow icon MeduSirena. He started his merman journey in 2020 as a “ MeduSirena Aquanaut” and joined the Aquaticrew—a lifelong family.
Performing underwater opened up a passion he didn’t know he had. He didn’t even know there was a whole mermaid community until much later, but once he found it, he fell in love and made lots of new friends.
He loves discovering the power of creating smiles and being kind!
Pilikia
Marina the Fireeating Mermaid
Pilikia
Janelle Smiley aka Pilikia started her mermaid experience in 2017 as a "MeduSirena Aquaticat" and had no idea what a huge impact it was going to have on her. Besides the experience of trying to test her performance art abilities while being suspended underwater she has made life long friends that support and challenge her artistic style.
LEctures
Opening Ceremony - Convention Protection Conjuration and Group Manifestation
Opening Ceremony - Convention Protection Conjuration and Group Manifestation
Opening Ceremony - Convention Protection Conjuration and Group Manifestation
Saturday, May 17th 2025 at 10 AM
Join us as Gina von Damm in a blessing for the opening State of the MerUnion address, as well as providing a Sigil for attendees to copy and take home with them.
We will manifest protection, community, joy, and give a blessing toward convention attendees and for the marginalized groups they may represent, moving forward in an increasingly uncertain world.
We will also be holding space for beloved community members that have passed away in the last year.
Gina von Damm is a solitary, eclectic witch and intuitive. She believes in sharing her gift with compassion and hope through reading the tarot. She has also founded a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAUSEplay for Hope, which brings cosplayers to children’s hospitals and charity events. Look for her volunteers in the Pirate Games Kid’s Area at Con.
Sound Bath and Energy Reset with Natasha Nirvana
Opening Ceremony - Convention Protection Conjuration and Group Manifestation
Opening Ceremony - Convention Protection Conjuration and Group Manifestation
Saturday May 17th and Sunday May 18th at 9:30 AM
Start your day at con by flowing into a gentle, immersive sound bath led by Natasha Nirvana. Using crystal singing bowls and intuitive energy work, this 30-minute offering invites you to ground, rest, and awaken your senses before diving into the magic of the convention. Let the soothing waves of sound regulate your nervous system, restore your energy, and leave you feeling both relaxed and inspired. All are welcome — just bring a mat or towel, lay back, and allow the vibrations to guide you into alignment.
Natasha Nirvana is a Reiki Master Teacher, intuitive healing practitioner, and sound healing facilitator devoted to helping others awaken their inner wisdom and live more authentically.
Through their work with Reiki, energy healing, and intuitive development, Natasha creates sacred spaces where people can reconnect with their truth, heal deeply, and embody their natural gifts.
They believe in meeting people where they are, honoring both the mystical and the practical as essential parts of the healing journey.
Her sound baths, woven with crystal singing bowls and intuitive energy work, invite participants to experience nervous system regulation, emotional attunement, and a deeper connection to the unseen magic that surrounds us. Each session is a portal inward — a journey back to the self.
Rooted in the rhythms of the earth and the sacredness of intuition, Natasha’s offerings are an invitation to remember who you are beneath the noise of the world. She is honored to bring her work to the California Mermaid Convention and looks forward to sharing this enchanted healing experience with you.
Discover the Catalina Experience with Eryn M. Brydon and Mermaid Kairi
Opening Ceremony - Convention Protection Conjuration and Group Manifestation
Discover the Catalina Experience with Eryn M. Brydon and Mermaid Kairi
Saturday, May 17th 20250
1 PM
Join underwater photographer Eryn M. Brydon as she shares the magic behind The Catalina Experience—an exclusive, all-day mermaid photoshoot adventure in the kelp forests of Catalina Island. In this immersive talk, Eryn reveals how she and professional mermaid Kairi create a safe, empowering space for clients to reconnect with their bodies, embrace fantasy, and experience the creation of art beneath the surface of some truly magical and healing ocean waters.
Photographed at one of three stunning dive sites, this experience is more than just a shoot—it’s a celebration of strength, softness, and the self. With professional guidance, custom styling, and heirloom-quality imagery, clients walk away with more than just photos: they leave with renewed confidence, unforgettable memories, and the option to own one-of-a-kind handmade treasures like photographic pendants, fine art prints, and wearable art clothing—each piece as unique as the person who inspires it.
Come hear how these sessions change lives—and why your mermaid moment is waiting beneath the surface of the waters during your very own Catalina Experience!
Mermaid Steel reading with Author Jay Heartlove
Discover the Catalina Experience with Eryn M. Brydon and Mermaid Kairi
Saturday, May 17th at 3 PM
Join award-winning author Jay Hartlove for a reading and chat about his fantasy romance novel Mermaid Steel.
Kirkus Reviews called the book, "A thoughtful, erotic fantasy that asks readers to see the best in one another."
The power of love over hate.
A human blacksmith and a mermaid weaver fall in love and must overcome the fear and hatred that divides their neighboring villages. Only by reconciling deep cultural differences can the forbidden lovers bring their peoples back from the brink of war.
A grand adventure, a hero with a dark past, a powerful goddess, and a message of hope for us all.
Jay Hartlove is the author of the fantasy romance Mermaid Steel, which won Silver at the BookFest Awards. He also wrote the urban fantasy Goddess Rising Trilogy (endorsed by Bram Stoker Award winning author John Shirley). And he wrote the science fiction thriller The Insane God (endorsed by Hugo Award winning author David Brin). He wrote, produced and directed The Mirror’s Revenge, the musical sequel to Snow White. He was selected for 50 Authors You Should Be Reading by The Authors Show.
ID Fabrications Demos
Saturday May 18th at 2 PM and Sunday, May 18th at 1 PM
Curious about working with ID Fabrications' one-of-a-kind faux shells? Join Mirelle for an informative demo on heat shaping techniques to customize your shells for crowns, tops, and accessories - plus a few beginner tips for painting and finishing. Bring your questions and get inspired!
Want to make an adorable clip with ID Fabrications leading the way? Join their Workshop!
ID Fabrications designs hand-sculpted faux seashells that help you Release the Kraftin’ without harming the ocean. Our shells are lightweight, durable, and priced to be accessible to all, making it easy to honor the sea’s beauty while protecting it.
Mindful Movement - Mermaid Yoga
Sunday, May 18th at 10:30 AM
Mindful Movement is a 45-minute class designed to help you reset, restore, and recharge. Blending gentle stretching, yoga-inspired flows, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, this class invites you to slow down, reconnect with your body, and move with intention.
Perfect for all levels, Mindful Movement offers a calm, supportive space to ease tension, improve body awareness, and cultivate presence—both in and out of the water. Breathing practices are woven throughout to enhance relaxation, improve lung capacity, and support nervous system regulation—key elements for swimmers seeking efficiency, focus, and recovery.
Whether you're training hard or simply seeking more balance, this class helps you build a more loving connection with your body and leave feeling centered, refreshed, and ready to move forward with greater ease.
Building a Body for life and the water
California Kelp Forest collapse - How you can Help our Kelp
California Kelp Forest collapse - How you can Help our Kelp
Sunday, May 18th at 11:30 AM
Strength, Cardio, Recovery & Active Aging – Building a Body for Life and the Water
This lecture explores the essential components of a well-rounded fitness approach—strength training, moderate cardio, recovery, and active aging—with a special focus on their importance for both the general population and swimmers.
- Strength Training: Learn why building and maintaining muscle is key for metabolic health, injury prevention, joint stability, and everyday function. For swimmers, strength work improves stroke efficiency, power in the water, and reduces muscular imbalances from repetitive motion.
- Moderate Cardio: Discover how cardiovascular training supports heart health, stamina, and mood regulation. We'll discuss why moderate-intensity cardio is sustainable and effective, and how it complements swim training by building aerobic capacity without overtraining.
- Active Aging: Understand how intentional movement supports mobility, bone density, balance, and independence as we age. For aging swimmers, preserving muscle and joint health is critical to staying active and pain-free in the water long-term.
- Recovery: Explore why rest, sleep, and movement-based recovery are just as important as training. Recovery techniques support physical repair, mental clarity, and performance—especially for swimmers, who often train across multiple energy systems and need intentional rest to avoid fatigue and injury.
Whether you're coaching, swimming, or simply navigating your health journey, this session will provide practical tools and insights to move better, age well, and thrive in and out of the water.
California Kelp Forest collapse - How you can Help our Kelp
California Kelp Forest collapse - How you can Help our Kelp
California Kelp Forest collapse - How you can Help our Kelp
Sunday, May 18th at 3 PM
Did you know we've lost 97% of our kelp forest over the last 10 years? Join kelp restoration diver Camille as we discuss what happened, why our kelp forests are important, and most importantly how YOU can help!
This lecture is accessible to audiences of all ages and conservation experience levels
Merfolk Flash mob wth the abalone Merman
Dance Across the Convention
Join the Abalone Merman as he leads the convention in a merfolk dance, made especially for California Mermaid convention guests! This dance can be done in tail, or with legs; and is for everyone attending the event. This simple to follow choreography will be taught on site, and filmed for us all to enjoy.
-This event takes place at the Main Convention at Cordova Community Pool
-12 PM
-This event is free to all Main Entry ticketholders
About the Abalone Merman
The Abalone Merman is an LA native, and dancing in high school when his mentor Jennifer Infante had him step into his first tap shoe for the musical Crazy for You. From there he found his passion, and his dance career took off. He began training at venues such as Peninsula School of Performing Arts, South Bay Conservatory, Millennium Dance Complex, and El Camino College. While majoring in dance at El Co, he performed in several of their dance productions with the resident company Oui Geometor Dance Company as a principal/featured dancer, and even served as choreographer for a show. With his former management company 5th Amendment Entertainment, he danced for many showcases, back up for new upcoming artists, and for several choreographers in Carnival: Choreographer's Ball during its time at the Hollywood Key Club.
Food at con
Tacos International
We are thrilled to bring back Tacos International to the California Mermaid Convention. They were so popular at our 2022 event that they sold out! With tasty options for everyone, you will be sure to find something delcious at Tacos International.