RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Mermaids didn’t just appear in stories this weekend, they showed up in Rancho Cordova pools, workshops and waterfronts for the California Mermaid Convention.

The three-day event held May 15–17 for its seventh annual event, transformed venues from Old Sacramento’s waterfront to Hagan Park Community Pool into immersive spaces filled with workshops, performances, vendors and community activities centered on creativity and ocean conservation.

Festivities began Friday evening with the Promenade of Mermaids along the Embarcadero Waterfront in Old Sacramento, a free, all-ages event featuring costumed participants, music and a public parade that organizers said helped launch the convention years ago.

Mermaids didn’t just appear in stories this weekend, they showed up in Rancho Cordova pools, workshops and waterfronts for the California Mermaid Convention. Photo by Rick Sloan

The weekend continued with a 21-and-over launch party at Dive Bar in Sacramento before shifting Saturday to Hagan Park Community Pool in Rancho Cordova for the main convention programming.

Inside the pool and surrounding grounds, attendees took part in workshops, performances and hands-on learning sessions ranging from breath-hold training and underwater modeling techniques to environmental advocacy and beginner mermaid swimming instruction.

Visit Rancho Cordova Director of Marketing and Communications Kristen Achziger, said sustainability efforts were woven throughout the event, including waste-reduction practices and educational sessions on ecological preservation.

“This group of mermaid’s volunteers together. They will go into the American River and do lots of cleanups,” said Achziger. “We live in a world where we have to take intentional care of it. Our world matters 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Hagan Park Community Pool transformed into an immersive space filled with workshops, performances, vendors and community activities centered on creativity and ocean conservation. Photo by Rick Sloan

Co-founder Ashley Rastad said the convention grew from a small Old Sacramento parade in 2011 into a multi-day regional event after public interest expanded.

“It really just came from simply wanting to go out and have a joyful time and dress up and be whimsical,” Rastad said. “It almost makes me want to cry when thinking about how Rancho Cordova has received us. We went through trial and error, trying to pitch this idea and this city has been exactly the opposite of everywhere else. They’re like, yes, please we want more mermaids.”

She said the event now includes vendors, certifications, performances and themed evening events such as the Bubble Ball, a costume gala featuring live entertainment, aerial performances and community awards.

“The Bubble Ball is exactly what it sounds like,” Rastad said. “A fantastical evening of all types of creatures.”

The Bubble Ball, a costume gala featured live entertainment, aerial performances and community awards. Photo by Rick Sloan

Participants said the convention blends fantasy with community connection and environmental awareness.

“I just love being in the water and swimming and getting to be this fantasy character,” said Alyssa Bunch, a convention attendee. “Everyone is so sweet and encouraging each other and complimenting each other. It’s just such a great community.”

Bunch said many participants are also focused on environmental stewardship.

“We care a lot about just taking care of the Earth and our community, too,” she said. “We want to make sure that we have a good place to swim and hang out.”

Cosplay for Hope, brought interactive pirate-themed games for children attending the event. Photo by Rick Sloan

Lauren Matthias, with Cosplay for Hope, said the group brings interactive pirate-themed games for children attending the event.

“It’s just a lot of fun,” Matthias said. “Who doesn’t want to come play a pirate game every now and then? It can be a really big turning point for a lot of people in their day or even in their lifetime.”

A Rancho Cordova resident attending with her daughter said the experience felt magical.

“You get to see mermaids, you get to see fairies, you got pirates, it’s a kid’s magical land to come to,” she said. “I mean, they get to swim with the mermaids, how many places can you say you can do that?”

Mermaid & Mom showcases ocean-themed trinkets and handmade goods during the California Mermaid Convention in Rancho Cordova. Photo by Rick Sloan

The convention concluded Sunday with continued pool programming at Hagan Park and a private evening finale known as the Grotto Swim, a themed gathering featuring photography and immersive storytelling elements.

Organizers said the event continues to grow each year as a celebration of imagination and a platform for environmental awareness.

At its core, Rastad said, the message is simple: “Come and experience pure joy.”

Mermaid experts dive into discussion, sharing tips and tales with attendees. Photo by Rick Sloan