Repticon Birmingham: Bessemer’s Big Reptile Weekend

Lisa Parker

Welcome to the Repticon Reptile Show Podcast. Today we're pointing you toward Alabama. Repticon is coming to Bessemer, just outside Birmingham, on Saturday, October 24th, and Sunday, October 25th, 2026.

Jay Tacey

The venue is the Bessemer Civic Center at 1130 9th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, Alabama 35022. It serves the greater Birmingham area, so if you're anywhere near the metro, this is your weekend. The hours are Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Central Time.

Michael Arnold

And the show is built for everyone. Repticon describes it as a family oriented exposition, suitable for all ages and personalities. You can shop among hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, arachnids and more. So you might arrive curious and leave with a brand new pet.

Guy Mc Farlane

Let's cover tickets, because the options are flexible. The Super Ticket is good for both days. It's $15 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 to 12. If you only want one day, Saturday all day or Sunday all day is $11 for adults. Saturday after 1 PM drops to $10. Children 4 and under are free. Those are all sold online only.

Lisa Parker

Online only is worth remembering. Buy ahead and you can walk right in. One more thing guests love: you can bring up to two of your own animals inside.

Jay Tacey

There are conditions, and they matter for the animals. They have to be healthy and under your control at all times. Venomous animals are never allowed at Repticon shows. The show's FAQ also notes that state or local laws may restrict bringing pets into public, so check that before you go.

Michael Arnold

It's also a good reason to talk to people. Repticon says that having guest animals at the show creates more conversation with exhibitors. When you can compare notes on your own animal at someone's table, the whole weekend gets better.

Jay Tacey

Let's spotlight two vendors from that roster. First is Python Prodigy, from Loganville, Georgia. It's a hobby breeder run by Bradley J. Byrd and his daughter, and they specialize in ball pythons.

Michael Arnold

Ball pythons are a classic first snake, so this fits a family show. What stands out is their approach. According to their profile, every python they produce gets lots of human interaction and care, which makes the snakes easier to handle. The goal is calm, more social animals that are family friendly.

Lisa Parker

And buyers seem happy. Python Prodigy holds a 5.0 rating on MorphMarket, from 8 reviews, all positive. Reviewers say the seller answers questions well and guides them through buying.

Jay Tacey

They also have a reputation for helping if you have questions after the sale. Those are service details that build trust.

Michael Arnold

The second table is TikiTarantula, also known as Tiki Trading Outpost, from Chattanooga, Tennessee. This one is a different flavor. It's a breeder and vendor with an eclectic mix of reptiles, invertebrates and oddities.

Lisa Parker

Oddities is the fun word. We're talking tarantulas, scorpions and geckos, but also shrunken heads and insect themed jewelry. It's a table where you can look for a pet and a gift in the same stop.

Guy Mc Farlane

The animal range is wide. The profile says their selection runs from affordable tarantula morphs and geckos up to high end picks like the Green Bottle Blue tarantula. So a beginner has an entry point, and a collector has a centerpiece to look at.

Jay Tacey

The experience side matters as well. Their profile says they discuss any animal concerns openly before purchase. They offer a 48 hour return window for live animals, if conditions are met. They take cash, card and Cash App. On Facebook they're tagged as a pet breeder with a perfect five out of five, from five reviews. It's a small sample, but a consistent one.

Michael Arnold

Put the two tables side by side and you can see the show's range. One breeder focuses on calm, handled ball pythons for families. The other mixes live inverts and geckos with jewelry and curiosities. And that's only two tables out of a much larger roster.

Lisa Parker

So here's the plan. Repticon Birmingham, Bessemer, Saturday, October 24th, 9 to 4, and Sunday, October 25th, 10 to 4, at the Bessemer Civic Center. Grab your tickets online, bring the family, and ask lots of questions.

Jay Tacey

Ask questions and meet the people behind the animals. That's where the best memories at a show begin. We'll see you in Bessemer.