‘Mermaids’ to converge on Rancho Cordova for annual convention

The longest-running mermaid event on the West Coast returns to Sacramento as the California Mermaid Convention celebrates all things under the sea.

The 2026 event will be held in Rancho Cordova from Friday to Sunday, May 16-18, organizers said.

Rachel Smith, co-organizer of the convention and co-founder of Mermaid and Mom, a mermaid party entertainment business, told The Sacramento Bee in 2025 that the California Mermaid Convention brings together water enthusiasts who care for the environment and love dressing up.

All ages and families are welcome. Scheduled events include swim play, costuming, meetings, lectures, seminars, shopping and entertainment

“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,” organizers said.

A parade of mermaids at the Delta King in Old Sacramento kicks off the weekend at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by a launch party at 5:30 p.m. at the mermaid-themed Dive Bar, which has a $5 cover charge, at 1016 K St.

More convention events follow Saturday and Sunday at Hagan Community Center at 2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova.

A Bubble Ball will be held Saturday night, and a Grotto Swim at an undisclosed location Sunday night, organizers said.

Tickets for the event range from $25 to $95.

The Bee’s Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado contributed to this story.

This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 10:43 AM with the headline "‘Mermaids’ to converge on Rancho Cordova for annual convention."