Our 2023 Convention is May 19th - 21st
Main Entry
The California Mermaid Convention - Saturday, May 20th
Hagan Park Community Center
2197 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Main Convention and Adult Swim: 10 AM - 5 PM
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 - 5 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 12+ Only
- $50 Early Birds
Begins Tuesday, Feb 1st!
- $65 After March 1st
- $70 After April 1st
Tickets for Children
- Children 0-3 FREE
- $20 Children 4-11
*We are keeping up to date on CDC recommendations for large gatherings in regards to the COVID 19 pandemic. At this time, we are not requiring tests or vaccinations for attendance to our activities. We suggest that guests remain masked during indoor activities.
Adult Swim - Ages 12+
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
- Pool open for Adult Swim from 10 AM to 5 PM on May 20th, 2023 (Ages 12+)
- 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
Main event Schedule
Lectures and Panels - Located at Hagan Community Center
Panels and Lectures
As part of our general convention programming, we are pleased to offer a series of lectures, panels, premieres and classes to our guests. Stay tuned for specific panel and lecture updates for 2023
Show and Tail - Up Close With The Siren Tail
An Interactive Presentation and Demonstration
From 2018-2020, the Freeform TV show Siren captured the hearts of many merfolk and sadly, it was canceled in August of 2020. However, through a wonderful set of circumstances, one of the physical tails used on the show was purchased by local mermaid and YouTuber, Nerdmaid Faith.
After an overwhelmingly positive response online to her videos showcasing it both in and out of the water, she is continuing to share this amazing piece of mermaid history with the community with a chance to get up close and personal with this iconic tail at the California Mermaid Convention.
Hear the story, take photos and see it in action! This poolside Q and A is included with an entry ticket to the main convention and all are welcome to attend!
Lecture FAQ
-This Presentation takes place in our Poolside Lecture Tent at 4 PM
- The Presentation takes place on Saturday, May 20th and is free to all guests with a Main Entry Ticket
-Seating is first come, first serve
-This presentation will take place in our Lecture Tent, and then move poolside for a swim demo
Nerdmaid Faith (that galactic mermaid who swims with glasses) has been mermaiding since 2014, making videos, reviewing tails and getting into wild mermaid shenanigans wherever life takes her. Despite having a day job in events and entertainment, mermaiding is still her all-consuming passion.
Her education in aquatics combined with her love for video production has lead to teaching people about mermaiding both in the water and online, advocating for safety and informed consumers, with an encyclopedic knowledge of tails and sharing the joy of mermaiding wherever she can!
She manages her local pod, Mermaids of BC of 300 members and loves building authentic community with those locally and abroad. When not swimming in one of her many tails, she likes to game, spend time with her husband and cat and volunteer with various organizations.
Merfolk Flash mob wth mermman maui
Dance Across the Convention
Join Merman Maui 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 Hagan Park Pool
-This event takes place on Saturday, May 20th at 11:30 AM
-This even is free to all Main Entry ticketholders
About Merman Maui
Merman Maui 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.
Represenation Panel
Hear the stories and experience of merfolk in our community
Merman Jax moderates an important discussion featuring merfolk from across the country. We showcase the experience and journeys of these varied individuals as professional or recreational merfolk.
We have asked our 2022 Panelists back to speak; as we believe they have stories that should be heard. We could not be more proud of have these wonderful merfolk continue the ongoing conversation surrounding Representation in the Mermaid Community.
Panel FAQ
-This Panel takes place on May 20th, 2023 during our Main Convention at Hagan Park Pool
- This panel takes place at 1 PM
-This panel is free to attend with a Main entry ticket. Limited seating availible
Our Pannelists
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 16 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.
MeduSirena is also well recognized by the Tiki Community, working as an emcee and a dancer. She's been a Poly Pop entertainment fixture at tiki events all throughout the United States. She's also a founding member of Japanese drumming/ Taiko Troupe 'Ronin Taiko', along with her husband Roy Anderson, and their son, Raiden- creating a unique percussive family business.
Mermaid Echo
Marina the FireEating Mermaid
Marina the FireEating Mermaid
Mermaid Echo is Wisconsin’s premiere professional mermaid entertainer, specializing in children’s conservation education. Mermaid Echo Entertainment LLC is a multi-award winning business that works to inspire the next generation to care for at-risk aquatic ecosystems through storytelling and hands-on learning.
Mermaid Tiva
Marina the FireEating Mermaid
Grandmer Orchid
Mermaid Tiva is the founder of Mermaid at Any Age. A life long swimmer, she has been ofishally a mermaid for three years. Tiva is a certified Mermaid instructor for both PADI and NAUI, a Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, and Water Safety Instructor. She has been on diversity panels at California Mermaid Convention and makes mermaid appearances around Southern California. She is also honored to be a Cape Cali Ambassador, Monarch International's Ms. California Mermaid and King and Queen of the Seas' Sea Queen of California.
Grandmer Orchid
Panel Moderator - Merman Jax
Grandmer Orchid
Born web- footed in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon., Grandmere Orchid is a children's entertainer and composer of children's songs. She does interactive entertainment with children and families. She reads stories, sings original songs (as well as the tried and true favorites)
She am a costume designer, and found tha she created smiles everywhere she went with her mermaid character. As well as working for the City of Long Beach Tourist Board, she was happy to entertain at several events and festivals with my merpod sisters and brothers, Una the Mermaid and her Traveling Fanta-Sea Cove. She has also volunteered with the Pirates of Portlandia.
Merman Onyx
Panel Moderator - Merman Jax
Panel Moderator - Merman Jax
Merman Onyx was born and raised along the San Joaquin River, in beautiful California's San Francisco Bay area. Co-owner of Willow Park Mercantile, a home décor store specializing in vintage, upcycled, repurposed furniture and home décor; there he helps to reduce the impact on our environment by refinishing discarded pieces and giving them new life. This BIPOC member of the mermaid community uses his platform and lived experience to educate others on the myths that affect the BIPOC Community while creating a bit of fantasy.
Panel Moderator - Merman Jax
Panel Moderator - Merman Jax
Panel Moderator - Merman Jax
Jack Laflin is the proud Founder and Artistic Director of Dark Tide Productions in Los Angeles. Performing as the popular 'Merman Jax', Laflin is native to the San Francisco area of California. Growing up as an athlete he excelled as a competitive swimmer, medaling in his county in both Backstroke and Butterfly. After moving to Los Angeles as a teenager he began working as both model and actor. Appearing in popular television shows, he continued his film experience with exciting fantasy films “Constantine” and “The Matrix”. With inspiration dwindling by the lack of diverse roles for multi-racial performers, he knew he was missing a passion that only the sea could fulfill.
Maintaining an active love of the sea into adulthood, he studied the ocean from it’s biology to it’s mythology. Jack was once again fully inspired upon starting work as a professional merman. He began working private parties, aquariums and conventions as a live, swimming merman. Perfecting the wet and dry market, he began to set a name for himself in Los Angeles. His resume soon included three Buzzfeed spotlights and a nation-wide commercial through Jack-in-the-Box in 2015. After becoming the featured spokesmodel for BeTini Spirits of Santa Monica, A-List events like the Pre-Oscar’s Gifting Suite and The Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball were soon to follow.
Tattoos with Mermaid Brenna
Body art just for Merfolk <3
Body art just for Merfolk <3
Body art just for Merfolk <3
The California Mermaid Convention is excited to work with a local tattoo artist and mermaid to bring you a Mermaid Convention FIRST! Schedule an appointment with Mermaid Brenna to create a spectacular CMC tattoo a memory that lasts forever! Choose from the above designs to show your love for merfolk, california and trhe CMC memories you make.
Book your appointment here - https://www.forestsoulstattoo.com/ or at @forestsoulstattoo
Available Sessions
- Thursday, May 18th 2 PM to 7 PM,
- Friday , May 19th 10 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday, May 20th 10 AM to 3 PM
Booking Information
-Sessions are 30 minutes in length
- Avoid alcohol within 24 hours before the session to reduce the bleeding and a better result of the healing process.
- Wear a comfortable outfit for the session
- Tattoo deposit is required and goes toward the tattoo session
- No-Shows are non refundable
- Clients must be 18+
-No pets at the studio
- Wear a Mermaid Tail (Just kidding!)
Body art just for Merfolk <3
Body art just for Merfolk <3
Brenna DeBartolo is an artist and environmentalist from Auburn, CA. She just launched her Forest Souls Tattoo business - a new branch from her original socially conscious apparel company, Forest Souls. Her goal is to create partnerships with local forestry organizations to protect and restore forest ecosystems across California. New trees are planted for every new tattoo a client gets from her. Brenna specializes in creating intricate, bold, and beautiful black and white outline/2D tattoos, however she also enjoys using her artistic skills to create some color tattoos in a variety of styles. She doesn’t do 3D portraits.
Brenna prioritizes safety and creates a positive, friendly experience from start to finish. Brenna became one of Dive Bar's Mermaid for a Night members after winning the Mermaid For a Night March 2016 contest. She is known as Mermaid Brenna. She attended the California Mermaid Convention annually, and she loves being a part of the mermaid community! Mermaid Brenna is thrilled to create a very special Mermaid flash sheet for the mermaids community collaborating with the California Mermaid Convention before she relocates Forest Souls Tattoo to Oceanside, CA in June!
Children's Swim
Make Dreams Come True!
Make Dreams Come True!
Make Dreams Come True!
Our smallest convention attendees are sure to make a splash with our professional mermaids at the convention. Every hour, for an hour, a trained mermaid entertainer will frolic and play in our zero-depth entry children's pool. Make memories that will last a lifetime as children interact with REAL mermaids!
Children will also have access to our land-based pirate adventure area, filled with games and activities. More info below.
Mermaid Performer Schedule
11 AM: Swim with Mermaid Echo
12: PM: Storytime with Grandmer Orchid
1 PM: Splash and Play with Mermaid Kassandra
2 PM: Ventriloquist Mermaid Show with Pearl the Puppet
3 PM: Splanish Bilinqual show withMerman Jax and the Mermaid Atlantis
4 PM: Laugh and Learn with Mermaid Erin
Make Dreams Come True!
Make Dreams Come True!
Ticket Info
- Pool Access included with Main Entry ticket
- Pool open for Children's Swim from 11 AM to 5 PM on May 20th, 2023 (Ages 0-11)
- Children 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. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times when they are in their tails.
- 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!
- 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
Games and Treasure Hunts!
Activities Galore for our Smallest Guppies
Mera and her screw of pirates will be leading our littlest guppies at our Kid Games area!* This ongoing activity will take place all Saturday long from 10 AM to 5 PM during the Main Convention on May 21st. Try your hand at any of our undersea games, and win some pirate treasure! Scavenger Hunt participants will be given tasks and clues to collect and bring back to the aquatic super team in exchange for an adorable take home prize. And of course, they are welcome to snap a photo with Mera when they complete their mission!
Mera and the kid games area are visiting the convention as representatives of The League for Hope. The League for Hope's mission is to bring costumed characters in to visit chronically ill children at hospitals, residences, like the Ronald McDonald House, and charity events. They work with staff to provide the experience they are looking for, be it superheroes, princesses, pirates, mermaids, fairies, movie characters, or computer game characters—anything nerdy and kid friendly that the kids may enjoy interacting with. All their volunteers are experienced working with kids who are going through a major health or life issue. Their goal is to share hope by giving kids a chance to be kids for their visit.
*No registration or payment needed to participate, activity included in Main Entry Ticket
Food at con
Ono Ono Hawaiian
Tacos International
Tacos International
Need some sweet refreshment? Ono Ono Hawaiian is ready for your order! From authentic Hawaiian Shave ice with all the trimmings, chips, cookies and bottled water, you will have to look no further to satisfy that craving.
Ono Ono will also be serving food at the Bubble Ball. Go here to pre-order a Hawaiian Food plate for the Bubble Ball!
Tacos International
Tacos International
Tacos International
We are thrilled to bring back Tacos International to the California Mermaid Convention. They were so popular at our 2023 event that they sold out! With tasty options for everyone, you will be sure to find something delcious at Tacos International.