Repticon Raleigh Hype

Jay Tacey

Alright, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay Tacey, and today we're getting hyped for Repticon Raleigh—coming up August 9th and 10th at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. This one's always a highlight on the calendar, and honestly, Raleigh's got this energy that just pulls in everyone from hardcore herpers to families just dipping their toes into the reptile world.

Lisa Parker

Oh, absolutely, Jay! Raleigh is one of those shows where you can feel the buzz as soon as you walk in. The Exposition Center at the fairgrounds is huge, so there's plenty of space for all the vendors, the animal encounters, and, you know, the occasional kazoo solo. I mean, I might be biased, but I think the family-friendly vibe is what really sets this show apart. We get so many kids and parents coming through, and there’s always something hands-on for everyone.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, Lisa, you always manage to keep things running smooth—even when the crowd's three deep at the frog table. And, uh, speaking of energy, I remember last year you busted out the kazoo during setup. I think it was right after someone dropped a box of feeder crickets? Suddenly, everyone was laughing instead of panicking. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes magic you bring, Lisa.

Lisa Parker

Guilty as charged! Look, sometimes you gotta break the tension, right? I think it was the Friday night before doors opened, and we were all scrambling to get the vendor tables set. I just started playing the kazoo—badly, I might add—and next thing you know, even the most stressed-out vendors were grinning. It set the tone for the whole weekend. That’s what I love about Raleigh: it’s big, but it still feels like a community. And we always make sure there’s something interactive, whether it’s animal encounters or educational talks. It’s not just about looking at animals in tanks—it’s about getting involved.

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s so true, Lisa. And from a conservation and animal welfare perspective, these interactive experiences are invaluable. They help people, especially kids, develop a real appreciation for reptiles and amphibians. It’s not just entertainment—it’s education, and it’s planting seeds for future herpetologists or conservationists. Raleigh’s show really does a great job of balancing fun and learning, which is why it’s such a staple in the community.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and I think that’s why we see so many repeat visitors. Folks come back year after year, and you can tell they’re not just there to buy—they’re there to learn, to connect, and to get inspired. And, uh, maybe to hear Lisa’s next kazoo performance, too.

Lisa Parker

Speaking of inspiration, let’s talk about some of the vendors who’ll be at Raleigh this year. I’m really excited about 2 Girls Geckos—they’re a mom and daughter team from Rolesville, and their crested, chahoua, and leachianus geckos are just gorgeous. They always bring this family energy to their booth, and you can tell they want their animals to go to good homes.

Guy Mc Farlane

Yeah, and then there’s A Shore Thing Exotics. They’re based in Statesville, and what stands out to me is their commitment to ethical breeding and conservation. They’ve been in the hobby since the early ‘90s, and they’re really active with USARK, supporting reptile keepers’ rights. Their dart frogs and reed frogs are always a hit, and they’re happy to talk about genetics, enrichment, and responsible ownership with anyone who stops by.

Michael Arnold

Don’t forget Family Reptiles! They’re all about education first, which I love. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned keeper, they’ll walk you through husbandry, feeding, and even help you pick out the right enclosure. Their booth is always packed with families, and you can see the kids’ faces light up when they get to hold a gecko or a snake for the first time.

Jay Tacey

And Sterling Exotics is another local favorite. Ariel’s built a reputation for healthy, captive-bred animals—especially Western Hognose snakes and White’s Tree Frogs. She’s super transparent about her breeding practices, and every sale comes with a health guarantee. That kind of trust is so important, especially for new hobbyists.

Lisa Parker

And the variety! I mean, you’ve got FrogDaddy with their insane selection of dart frogs—over 150 localities, if I remember right. MKM Chameleons brings some of the most vibrant panther and Jackson’s chameleons I’ve ever seen. And then there’s everything from isopods and axolotls to high-end geckos and snakes. It’s a herp lover’s dream.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and that brings up a good point for anyone thinking about getting their first reptile. I get this question a lot: “What should I look for as a first-time buyer?” My advice is always to talk to the breeder—ask about the animal’s health, feeding habits, and temperament. Look for clear eyes, active movement, and a healthy body condition. Don’t be afraid to ask for a demonstration of how the animal eats or handles. And, honestly, if a vendor is hesitant to answer questions or seems rushed, that’s a red flag. The best breeders, like the ones we’ve mentioned, are happy to educate and support you even after the sale.

Guy Mc Farlane

Absolutely, Jay. And I’d add—think about the long-term commitment. Some reptiles live for decades. Make sure you’re ready for that responsibility, and don’t be shy about asking for care sheets or follow-up support. The community at Repticon Raleigh is fantastic for that. You’re not just buying an animal—you’re joining a network of people who want you and your new pet to succeed.

Michael Arnold

And if you’re not sure what you want, just walk the floor! There’s so much diversity, and you might find yourself falling in love with something unexpected—like, I dunno, a bioactive isopod setup or a blue axolotl. It happens every year.

Lisa Parker

Alright, so let’s talk about what you can actually do at the show besides shopping. We’ve got animal encounters, educational talks, and vendor demos all weekend. Treasure Quest Mining is back with their indoor gem mining experience—kids love it, and honestly, so do a lot of adults. And Home Sweet Home will be there with custom 3D-printed reptile decor and hides, which are always a hit for anyone looking to upgrade their enclosures.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and those hands-on activities are perfect for families. If you’re bringing kids, there’s plenty to keep them engaged, and it’s a great way to introduce them to reptiles in a safe, positive environment. Plus, the educational talks are a chance to learn directly from breeders and experts—whether it’s about chameleon care, bioactive setups, or conservation efforts.

Guy Mc Farlane

And for anyone planning their visit, a quick logistics rundown: Saturday, August 9th, doors open at 9am and close at 4pm. Sunday, August 10th, it’s 10am to 4pm. Parking at the fairgrounds is usually straightforward, but I’d recommend arriving early, especially if you want first pick of animals or supplies. And if you’re new to reptile shows, don’t be afraid to ask questions—everyone’s there to help.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and speaking of help, I gotta share this quick story. Last year, one of the vendors had a shipment delay—live animals, of course, and the clock was ticking. We got the call at ReptilesExpress, and, well, let’s just say a little creative logistics and a lot of coffee later, those animals made it to the show safe and sound. It’s a reminder of how important reliable shipping is for these expos. Behind every booth, there’s a whole network making sure the animals arrive healthy and on time. It’s not glamorous, but it’s crucial.

Lisa Parker

That’s the kind of teamwork that makes these shows possible. And for families or first-timers, my advice is: bring a water bottle, wear comfy shoes, and don’t rush. There’s so much to see, and you never know what you’ll discover. Plus, if you need anything, just ask—someone will point you in the right direction.

Jay Tacey

Alright, I think that’s a wrap for our Repticon Raleigh preview. Whether you’re a seasoned herper or just curious, this is the event you don’t want to miss. We’ll be there all weekend, so come say hi—and maybe catch a kazoo solo if you’re lucky.

Guy Mc Farlane

Thanks for joining us, everyone. We’ll see you at the fairgrounds, and don’t forget to check out the vendor map online before you go. Cheers, team!

Michael Arnold

See y’all in Raleigh! And if you need crickets or shipping advice, you know where to find me. Take care, everybody.

Lisa Parker

Bye, everyone! Can’t wait to see you at the show. And Jay, I’ll try to keep the kazoo solos under control this time—no promises!