All About Repticon Costa Mesa

Lisa Parker

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of Repticon Reptile Shows! It's Lisa here, and we are super excited because today we're talking all about Repticon Costa Mesa. For anyone local or planning to be in Southern California November 8th or 9th, this is one you definitely don't want to miss—seriously, mark those calendars. We're back at the OC Fair & Event Center, that's 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, and you cannot beat this venue for a weekend packed with reptiles and exotics.

Guy Mc Farlane

Absolutely, Lisa. I mean, the crowd is just incredible—families, long-time herpers, and those first-timers who maybe just lost a staring contest to a blue tongue skink. And it's that genuine family-friendly vibe, you know? It's not just about sales or flash—these expos are deeply about education, community, and making reptiles accessible for all ages and backgrounds.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and—oh, sorry Guy, but I mean, every year I think, "Okay, maybe there'll be a little less energy," but nope, it's wall-to-wall with folks curious about everything from the basics—like, what should you feed your first gecko?—to some intense debates about, you know, humidity gradients and the best substrates. It's just as much about families discovering a new passion as it is about lifelong enthusiasts connecting with that one vendor who breeds the rarest morphs.

Michael Arnold

And you can tell there’s this excitement leading up to the show, too. I’ve got friends in Orange County who ask me about Repticon Costa Mesa weeks in advance. Whether you’re into snakes, lizards, arachnids, or just good food and a fun atmosphere, it’s kind of got something for everybody. And if you’re looking for details, it's November 8th and 9th, again OC Fair & Event Center, doors open Saturday at nine, Sunday at ten, and you’ll want to check the vendor map ahead of time—seriously, it’ll save you some sprinting when those doors open.

Lisa Parker

Yes, and I gotta say, having planned these shows for years, Costa Mesa's always stood out for the sheer diversity of folks who attend. Like, you'll see a five-year-old holding a leopard gecko for the first time and right next to them, someone who's kept snakes for decades, just nerding out about herp genetics. That blend of backgrounds creates such a welcoming energy. And it really doesn’t matter if you’re picking out your first pet or shopping for bioactive terrarium moss—it’s all here, and everyone seems to leave with a smile.

Jay Tacey

Alright, so, let's jump into the vendor spotlight because, honestly, every year there are a few booths I just never skip—and I’m not the only one! First up: BallZ-E-Pythons. If you’re into Ball Python morphs, you absolutely cannot miss their table. I mean, their animals look unreal, you don’t even need to be a snake expert to recognize the quality. Beginners love 'em because their pythons are typically super mellow, but you see the breeders lined up early too, hoping to spot the next jaw-dropping gene combo before it sells out.

Michael Arnold

I was going to say, BallZ-E-Pythons is always my stop for chatting about clutch pairings. They’ve got a knack for explaining morph genetics in a way first-timers can actually understand—because, trust me, Ball Python morph math can be, well, migraine-inducing. It's approachable, but they also have those ultra-rare morphs you just don’t see at every show. And, um, speaking of rare, if you like small critters, Isopod Paradise is a must.

Guy Mc Farlane

Yeah, Isopod Paradise is oddly enchanting. I remember my first time there, thinking, "Really, isopods have fans?" Then you hear them talk biodiversity and suddenly you’re fascinated. They set up these beautifully planted displays, and they’ll totally geek out with anyone about how isopods support healthy ecosystems in your tanks—clean up crew, nutrient cycling, all of it. Honestly, they do a wonderful job making microfauna accessible. My daughter could watch the little clown isopods for, I swear, half an hour straight.

Lisa Parker

They are adorable, and their team is infectious with their enthusiasm. And then, of course—the Spider Room. Jay, this is totally your jam. They bring tarantulas and scorpions that mesmerize everyone, and I swear, half the time you're at their booth retelling your childhood spider stories—wasn’t your first-ever book about spiders?

Jay Tacey

Yeah, that's right! I always make a fool of myself admitting that the very first book I ever bought was about spiders. It just, it lit a fire in me. Every time I visit The Spider Room, it’s like being a kid again. These folks have such an impressive range—from Chilean roses to Goliaths—and they never skip the chance to share safe handling tips or, you know, debunk a few urban legends. They’re a big reason beginners walk away less scared and way, way more curious about arachnids.

Michael Arnold

And I appreciate, too, that they’re happy to answer even the silliest questions. Like, "Do all tarantulas shoot hairs?" "Is this one... venomous and, uh, going to jump at me?" There are no stupid questions at their booth—they just love to educate. Really, all three of these vendors bring something unique, whether you're after your next reptilian superstar or just want to see a few perfectly oddball isopods scuttling around.

Guy Mc Farlane

Now, what really sets Repticon Costa Mesa apart—and honestly, this is true for many of the Repticon shows but there's something special here—is the hands-on engagement. You’ve got opportunities for live animal encounters, workshops, and detailed Q&As, not just the classic walk-around-and-shop format. Attendees come for animals but leave with real knowledge about husbandry and—maybe a little unexpectedly—even conservation issues. It’s vital, because as we talked about back in that Columbia episode, expos like these foster responsible pet keeping and get people passionate about species preservation, not just collecting.

Lisa Parker

There are always special demos and interactive activities for all ages—so it's more than just ogling reptiles behind glass. You’ve got chances to touch, ask vendors about enrichment, see feeding demos, and all kinds of special experiences. We’ve talked before about how, at shows like Atlanta and Charleston, these activities make a massive impact on families deciding to dive into the hobby, because it feels approachable instead of overwhelming.

Jay Tacey

And the sense of community, too. I mean, you see the same families year after year, or someone who started with a leopard gecko now running a vendor table themselves. It’s this network that keeps everyone learning and sharing, which—if I can go on a short tangent—makes the hobby stronger, more ethical, and, well, a whole lot more fun.

Michael Arnold

I look forward to it every year, honestly. For me, it’s the chance to see what new Carpet Python morphs turn up, or just to catch up with folks who share the same weird obsessions—uh, in the best possible way. Whether you’re just window shopping or ready to go all-in with a new animal, the access to real expertise and welcoming faces is unbeatable. Plus, you never know what surprise species or new vendor might turn up. That sense of discovery is what got me hooked years ago, and it still gets me every time.

Lisa Parker

Alright, team, I think that about wraps it up for today. Repticon Costa Mesa, November 8th and 9th—put it in your calendars, bring your friends, and come say hi if you see us! We’ll be back soon with more previews, vendor stories, and maybe a few behind-the-scenes surprises for you all.

Jay Tacey

Thanks for tuning in, everyone. It’s always a blast talking reptiles with this crew. Be safe, keep asking questions, and we’ll catch you at the next show.

Guy Mc Farlane

Cheers, everyone. I'll see you on the expo floor—come over and talk conservation if you spot me. Goodbye for now.

Michael Arnold

See you soon, everyone. Looking forward to all the new faces and old friends at Costa Mesa!