Our 2026 Convention is May 15th - 17th
Main Entry
The California Mermaid Convention - Saturday, May 16th and 17th
Hagan Park Community Center
2197 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Main Convention and Adult Swim
Sat, May 16th 9 AM - 5 PM (pool opens at 10 AM, closes at 4 PM)
Sun, May 17th 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+)
- 1 Day Main Entry Adult
- "Tail End" Ticket: Enjoy the Last Three hours of con on Sunday, May 17th
For Parent or Children's Tickets - Click here
*Tickets will Raise $10 on February 1st, and $25 on April 1st
**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
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 "Landlubber" 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 2026
panels - 2026 panels coming soon
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Representation Panel -
Saturday, May 17th 2026
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, moderators Merman Jax and Mermaid Yuri as they host 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.
Merman Jax - Panel Moderator
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!
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.
Scylla the sea witch
Mermaiden Yuri - Panel Moderator
Scylla the sea witch
When she's not being a terrible hag, she is a costume artist, Dive Bar mermaid, and professional diver pursuing a marine ecology degree. Scylla loves what a unique blend of art, athletics, and conservationism the mermaid community is, and am honored to be surrounded by so many cool people!
Ana (ArcticTale)
Marjanía the Mosaic Mermaid
Scylla the sea witch
A girl with multiple fun outdoorsy hobbies. Anything that gets her on the path of adventure, traveling and unique experiences is my go to. She was introduced to the mercomunity by her now wife, Camille, who showed her the ropes of the art and from there she has become involved in the hobby and community deeply. Her favorite parts of her c
A girl with multiple fun outdoorsy hobbies. Anything that gets her on the path of adventure, traveling and unique experiences is my go to. She was introduced to the mercomunity by her now wife, Camille, who showed her the ropes of the art and from there she has become involved in the hobby and community deeply. Her favorite parts of her community is how creativity, physical activity, open mindedness, inclusion, fun and ecological awareness blend together into one space that we all share.
Marjanía the Mosaic Mermaid
Marjanía the Mosaic Mermaid
Marjanía the Mosaic Mermaid
Marjanía is an Iranian Mexican fishy born and raised in Orange County. Growing up plus-sized, queer, gender-fluid, neurodivergent, and later chronically ill, definitely had its challenges. But it never stopped them, especially their passion for dance and connecting with the ocean. They couldn’t help but be thrusted into seeing what true b
Marjanía is an Iranian Mexican fishy born and raised in Orange County. Growing up plus-sized, queer, gender-fluid, neurodivergent, and later chronically ill, definitely had its challenges. But it never stopped them, especially their passion for dance and connecting with the ocean. They couldn’t help but be thrusted into seeing what true beauty, love and acceptance is.
They dove into spaces where no shame or judgment existed, so naturally when mermaiding came along in 2020 it changed their life. This community helped nurture their confidence about who they are and their body (inside and out) to grow to unseen heights. Now as a certified lifeguard and inclusive swim instructor, Marjanía strives to help others who haven’t had the same privilege find their path. With a strong drive for accessibility, diversity, social activism, combined with practices of mindfulness and working with your body, they know that any dream is achievable!
Siren Celestial
Marjanía the Mosaic Mermaid
Marjanía the Mosaic Mermaid
Siren Celestial has been in theater and choir for 10+ years, bringing over a decade of performing and stage experience to the water, mainly at children's birthday parties and Halloween pool parties. He/She has been mermaiding independently for nine years and his/her pride and joy in the water is "Creature Fins" original silicone tail.
Siren Celestial has been in theater and choir for 10+ years, bringing over a decade of performing and stage experience to the water, mainly at children's birthday parties and Halloween pool parties. He/She has been mermaiding independently for nine years and his/her pride and joy in the water is "Creature Fins" original silicone tail. Siren Celestial thrives in the deep silence of water—disturb the peace, anda siren song will find a way to silence you.
Athene Noctua
Athene Noctua
Athene Noctua
Athene Noctua has been costuming for a decade. She donned a tail and became a silver siren four years ago. She is also a practicing witch and incorporate the lore of her craft into her costumes. Athene founded and is the president of a 501(c)3 non-profit named CAUSEplay for Hope, which brings costumed characters to charity events. She also runs the pirates in the Kids Area of con!
LEctures
State of the Mer-Union Address
Mermaids + Movement: Morning Flow with Pop Pilates
Saturday, May 16th at 10 AM
Our longtime friends and sponsors at Visit Rancho Cordova open the event and let us know the impact that the community has had on the city of Rancho Cordova!
After their speech, please join us poolside in tail for a fun and fast video shoot! Have you ever swam with hundreds of mermaids?
Mermaids + Movement: Morning Flow with Pop Pilates
Mermaids + Movement: Morning Flow with Pop Pilates
Saturday, May 16th at 11 AM
Join us for a gentle, feel-good movement session designed to awaken the body and prepare you for a day in the water. This guided warm-up blends stretching, mobility, and light activation to help you move with ease, and feel more connected to your body. Perfect for all levels, this class is an intentional moment to slow down, reset, and get swim-ready—mermaid style.
Class is approximately 60 minutes (5 minute welcome and intro, 45 minute Pilates flow, 5 minute closing). Please bring a towel or mat, and water.
Class led by Karen Ortiz of Pop Pilates
First Time Flounders - Mermaid Speed Meetup
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Saturday, May 16th at 1 PM
Is this your first time attending The California Mermaid Convention? Feeling a little shy making new fish friends? Join us in the Lecture Tent for a Speed Meetup - think speed dating, but with the intent to meet new friends!
Bring a pen and get ready to chat; this is the perfect way to meet merfolk connections that can last a lifetime!
A History of Porthole Bars - with Medusirena
In the Bubble Ball Room
Postponed to online May 26th - Info coming!
Dive deep into history with the aquatic pioneer and acclaimed Gorgon historian,
MeduSirena! Uncover the fantastical origins of mermaid and underwater variety shows, from grand spectacles featuring mermaids and daring divers to mythical monsters and beyond. Get ready for a splash of true-life edu-chantment!
This lecture is a MUST for any mermaid wishing to perform in underwater environments. From the Sip and Dip in Montana, to the Wreck Bar in Florida, to some historic gems still hiding in California, the history of underwater performance is rich - and it continues with you!
Rise of the Mermaid - A Root to Crown Yoga and Sound Healing Activation
Sunday, May 17th at...
- 9:30 AM – Full class begins
- 10:00 AM – Option to join for Savasana + sound bath only
Ground, soften, and rise into your power with this mermaid-inspired Yin Yoga and sound healing experience. You’ll begin by anchoring into the body, then gradually move into deeper layers of strength, expression, and energetic expansion through long-held postures and intentional breath. As you settle into Savasana, crystal sound bowls will guide you into a state of openness and alignment, leaving you feeling both deeply restored and gently activated. Come reconnect with your voice, your energy, and the part of you that’s ready to rise.
Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel
Diana Kleckner is the owner of Bridge Fitness, located right here in Rancho Cordova. She is a Pain-Free Performance Coach, Online Personal Trainer, and Yoga Teacher dedicated to helping clients build strength, move well, and feel their best for life. Catch her at the Con on Saturday for Vinyasa, and Sunday for Rise of the Mermaid Yin Yoga and Sound Bath in collaboration with Natasha Nirvana, as well as in the lecture tent for Building a Body for Life and the Water.
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.
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. She is honored to bring her work to the California Mermaid Convention and looks forward to sharing this enchanted healing experience with you.
Mermaid Doll Making Class - with Alexandra von Burg
Sunday, May 17th at 11 AM
Learn to sew your own soft mermaid doll ornament. Soft sculpture artist and doll maker Alexandra von Burg walks students through finishing their adorable new friends.
Class is open to students ages 9 and over; students 9-12 need an adult guardian with them at all times.
Mermaid Art and Fashion History
Sunday, May 17th at 12 PM
What if Bridgerton had mermaids? What would they wear, and how would that influence the dynamic of the “ton”? These are the kinds of questions that drive fashion historian Ann Edelstein’s research and art practice. Whether you’ve wondered what Marie Antoinette would have worn if she were Marine Antoinette, or how the March sisters would dress as "mersisters," join us at the lecture tent. We’ll dive into the enchanting history of mermaid aesthetics across fashion, art, and popular culture.
Ann (AKA Mermaid Sirena) is one half of Canada’s Van Isle Mermaids duo. When she’s not making a splash at fantasy fairs or dazzling crowds with her siren song, you might find her sewing, writing, researching, managing her princess party business, or complaining she doesn’t have enough time for all of the above.
With a B. A. in creative writing, an M. A. in art history, and a PhD in progress, Ann is well on her way to becoming a starving artist despite her passion for the finer things in life. She lives on Vancouver Island with her beloved cat and her emotional support husband, where she is always hard at work on her next creative project.
Mermaid Doll Meetup
Sunday, May 17th at 2 PM
We know you have that mermaid doll collection you've been dying to share...
This casual meetup is for adult and child doll collectors. Bring your favorite to show off, sell or even trade!
There will be a designated table for adults and a designated table for children to admire their collection. We ask that ALL attendees treat each other's belongings with care and respect. The California Mermaid Convention is in no way responsible for loss, theft or damage to any dolls.
*Seaponies are always welcome
Building a Body for Life and the Water
Building a Body for Life and the Water
Sunday, May 17th at 3 PM
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.
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 ticket holders
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.