Repticon Denver 2026: Your Guide to Colorado’s Ultimate Reptile Weekend

Lisa Parker

Hey everybody, and welcome back to the Repticon Reptile Shows podcast! I’m Lisa, and today we are talking all things Repticon Denver 2026. I am already buzzing just thinking about this show.

Michael Arnold

Same here. Michael Arnold checking in. Denver is one of my favorite stops on the Repticon tour. The energy out there, the mountain backdrop… and then you walk into the hall and it’s just rows and rows of reptiles and inverts. It’s awesome.

Jay Tacey

And I’m Jay. I spend my life thinking about how animal experiences feel from both the guest side and the animal side, and Repticon Denver hits that sweet spot: it’s fun, it’s immersive, and the animals are front and center in a way that really encourages respect and curiosity.

Guy Mc Farlane

Hey everyone, Guy here. I’ve worked in zoos and conservation projects all over the world, and I’ve gotta say, the community that shows up in Denver really gets it. They’re curious, they ask good questions, and they care about welfare and responsible keeping.

Lisa Parker

Alright, let’s get the key details out right up front so you can start planning. Repticon Denver is happening March 21st and 22nd, 2026, at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado.

Michael Arnold

Show hours are a little different each day, so listen close. On Saturday, March 21st, doors open at 9:00 AM and we go until 4:00 PM. On Sunday, March 22nd, it’s 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Guy Mc Farlane

It’s a family-oriented reptile and exotic animals expo, so the whole event is really set up for all ages. You’ll see families with strollers, seasoned keepers comparing notes, kids in dinosaur shirts—everyone’s welcome.

Lisa Parker

Let’s paint the picture for folks who’ve never been. You walk into the fairgrounds hall and you’re greeted by rows of vendor tables: racks of brightly patterned snakes, geckos in all kinds of shapes and colors, bearded dragons giving you that “I’m chill” look, plus tarantulas, isopods, maybe some amphibians and other exotics.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and it’s not just shopping. There are educational opportunities all over the place—conversations with breeders, care discussions at the tables, and a really strong culture of “ask questions, learn more.” People love talking about their animals.

Jay Tacey

That’s what I love most: you can literally see kids’ faces light up when they see a snake or lizard thriving in a well-set-up enclosure. Those moments become memories that connect them to animals and inspire better care at home.

Guy Mc Farlane

Denver specifically has a tight-knit reptile community. Local shops, regional breeders, keepers who come back show after show—there’s this sense of, “Hey, we’re all building this together.” It makes for a friendly, welcoming vibe even if it’s your first expo.

Lisa Parker

And as someone who’s usually running around behind the scenes making sure vendors are settled and the day flows, I can tell you: Denver crowds are enthusiastic but super respectful. Folks line up early, kids are engaged, and by midday the room just hums with that “we’re all having a good time” energy.

Michael Arnold

So if you’re into reptiles, or your kid just discovered snakes on YouTube, or you’re curious about tarantulas or bioactive setups—Repticon Denver 2026 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, March 21st and 22nd, is where you wanna be.

Jay Tacey

Stick with us, because next we’re gonna dive into a few of the featured vendors you’ll be able to meet—ball pythons, colubrids, tarantulas—all the good stuff.

Michael Arnold

Alright, let’s talk vendors. We could honestly spend an entire series just going table by table, but we’re gonna spotlight three you definitely want on your Denver game plan: Critical Hit Exotics, Remes Herpetoculture, and Fangs Unlimited LLC.

Lisa Parker

Michael’s already smiling because the first one is basically made for him.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, Critical Hit Exotics out of Highlands Ranch, Colorado—these folks blend high-end ball python breeding with pop culture fun. Think gorgeous morphs like Dreamsicle and Hypo Clown, presented with this gamer, comic, kind of nerd-culture flair.

Jay Tacey

From a design and experience standpoint, I love that combination: serious quality animals plus a playful, thematic presentation. It makes it easier for new keepers to connect, but behind the fun branding you’ve got carefully produced, high-quality ball pythons.

Guy Mc Farlane

And if you’re newer to ball pythons, those morph names—Dreamsicle, Hypo Clown—represent very specific genetic combinations. Critical Hit Exotics really leans into that, so you can ask them how the genetics work, what those traits mean for appearance and care, and get a clear explanation.

Lisa Parker

Plus, the pop culture angle just makes their table fun to approach. Even if you’re “just looking,” you end up chatting, learning about morphs, and maybe falling in love with a snake you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Michael Arnold

Next up, Remes Herpetoculture from Pueblo, Colorado. These guys are all about North American colubrids—snakes like Texas ratsnakes and fox snakes. If ball pythons are the classic, colubrids are like the deep cuts in your favorite playlist.

Jay Tacey

Colubrids are fascinating from a behavior perspective—more exploratory, more visible in their enclosures, and they really lend themselves to naturalistic setups. Remes Herpetoculture specializes in those North American species, so you’re seeing animals that represent the incredible diversity right here on this continent.

Guy Mc Farlane

What I appreciate is that they don’t just bring animals; they also bring art. They offer things like custom tumblers and jewelry, so even if you’re not ready to bring home a snake, you can still take home something that celebrates the animals.

Lisa Parker

Yeah, I love that combo—serious herpetoculture plus artistic merch. You’ll see beautifully patterned Texas ratsnakes and fox snakes on their table, and right next to them, a tumbler or necklace that lets you wear your reptile obsession to work or school.

Michael Arnold

Alright, let’s switch gears to eight legs. Fangs Unlimited LLC, based in Highlands Ranch, focuses on ethically bred tarantulas, with a special emphasis on the Orange Baboon Tarantula.

Lisa Parker

That’s the one people always crowd around, right? The bright orange, super striking one.

Michael Arnold

Exactly. The Orange Baboon Tarantula is a visually stunning species, and Fangs Unlimited is very intentional about captive breeding. Their whole thing is reducing pressure on wild populations by producing healthy, captive-bred animals.

Guy Mc Farlane

From a conservation angle, that’s huge. When demand is met through responsible, captive breeding, it helps limit collection from the wild. Fangs Unlimited really leans into that ethic—breeding in-house instead of relying on wild-caught stock.

Jay Tacey

And they’re a great example of what I love seeing at shows: experiences that are exciting but grounded in animal welfare. Guests get to see these incredible tarantulas up close, learn about them, and, if they’re ready, take home a captive-bred animal with support from a knowledgeable breeder.

Lisa Parker

So, quick recap for your Denver checklist: hit Critical Hit Exotics for those high-end, pop-culture-infused ball pythons; swing by Remes Herpetoculture for North American colubrids and some beautiful reptile-themed art; and don’t miss Fangs Unlimited if you’re curious about tarantulas and ethical invertebrate keeping.

Michael Arnold

And that’s just three vendors out of a whole hall full. Denver is stacked this year. Next, we’ll walk you through how to plan your ultimate Repticon Denver weekend.

Lisa Parker

Alright, let’s imagine your perfect Repticon Denver day. You’ve got your tickets and it’s show weekend at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora.

Michael Arnold

It’s Saturday, March 21st. Doors open at 9:00 AM, so I’d say aim to get there a bit before that. Early hours are great if you want more time to talk with vendors before it gets busier.

Jay Tacey

You walk in, you get your wristband, and suddenly you’re in this sea of color and motion—rows of enclosures, terrariums, display racks. You might start by doing a slow lap of the room just to take it all in before you commit to anything.

Guy Mc Farlane

As you move through, you’re meeting vendors like Critical Hit Exotics, Remes Herpetoculture, Fangs Unlimited, plus local shops and other breeders. You stop, ask about a snake’s temperament, or how a tarantula enclosure should be set up, and you’ve already turned the day into a hands-on learning experience.

Lisa Parker

For families, this is gold. Kids can see live animals they’ve only seen in books or videos, and they can ask questions directly. “What does it eat?” “Does it like to be handled?” “How big will it get?” Vendors are used to that and usually love it.

Michael Arnold

Denver’s show also has that strong educational vibe. Even without sitting in a formal talk, you’re constantly absorbing information just by listening and chatting at tables—husbandry tips, enclosure ideas, feeding advice. It’s like an all-day Q&A.

Jay Tacey

A few practical tips. One, timing: on Saturday, those early hours right after 9 AM are great for focused conversations. Sundays, from 10 AM to early afternoon, can be a little more relaxed, which is nice if you want to circle back and make decisions.

Guy Mc Farlane

Two, if you’re bringing the family, think comfort. Wear good walking shoes, bring a small backpack with water, maybe some snacks for the kids, and have a plan for “Wow, that animal is cool but we are not ready for it yet.”

Lisa Parker

Yes! And if you might buy an animal, come prepared. Have a general idea of what species you’re interested in, do a bit of research ahead of time, and bring questions. Things like: “What enclosure size do you recommend?” “What’s your feeding schedule?” “How long have you had this line?”

Michael Arnold

And ask about guarantees and support. A lot of vendors at Repticon Denver back their animals with health guarantees and are happy to answer follow-up questions after the show. That kind of support is a big deal, especially for first-time keepers.

Jay Tacey

I’d also encourage you to think about the animal’s experience. Ask vendors how they house and care for their animals, and how you can set up an environment at home where that animal can really thrive and express natural behaviors.

Guy Mc Farlane

From a project-management brain here: set a budget. It’s easy to get excited, but planning for enclosure, equipment, and ongoing care costs is part of being a responsible keeper. Use the show to price things out and compare options.

Lisa Parker

And honestly, even if you don’t buy anything living, you can still have an amazing weekend. Pick up some decor, art, or a new hide for your current pet, or just spend the day learning and taking photos—where allowed, of course—of all the incredible animals.

Michael Arnold

Alright, let’s bring it home. Repticon Denver 2026: March 21st and 22nd at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado. Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Jay Tacey

You’ll experience that fusion of imagination and expertise we love talking about—once-in-a-lifetime encounters that are safe for guests and animals, and that can spark a lifelong passion for these species.

Guy Mc Farlane

Bring your questions, bring your curiosity, and bring the family. Use the weekend to learn, connect with the Denver reptile community, and support ethical breeders and local shops.

Michael Arnold

Thanks for hanging out with us today. I’m Michael…

Jay Tacey

I’m Jay…

Guy Mc Farlane

I’m Guy…

Lisa Parker

And I’m Lisa. Thanks for listening to the Repticon Reptile Shows podcast. We’ll catch you at the next episode—and hopefully at Repticon Denver 2026. Bye everyone!