There is nothing quite like walking into a room filled with glowing reef tanks, rare corals in every color imaginable, and hundreds of people who share exactly the same passion you do. That is what awaits you in Anaheim this August. America’s largest saltwater aquarium show is back, bigger than ever, and the 2026 edition is bringing something new to the table: an expanded floor plan that promises more vendors, more discoveries, and more of everything that makes this event one of the most anticipated on the reef keeping calendar.
Whether you are a seasoned reefer searching for your next prized coral or a curious newcomer stepping into the hobby for the first time, this guide has everything you need before you go.
Dates, Venue and Opening Hours
Reefapalooza California 2026 takes place on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, located at 700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802.
Doors open at 11:00 a.m. on both days. The venue sits in the heart of Anaheim, just minutes from Disneyland and easily accessible from across Southern California and beyond. The Anaheim Marriott is a well-equipped convention hotel with ample space for the show’s growing exhibitor list, comfortable common areas, and an on-site hotel where visitors can book a stay and make a full weekend of it.
The show’s organizers have confirmed a new expanded floor plan for the 2026 edition, which means more booth space, more vendors, and a more spacious experience for everyone on the floor. Therefore, even if you have attended before, this year’s layout will feel meaningfully different and worth arriving early to explore.
What Reefapalooza Is and Why It Matters
Reefapalooza is the largest saltwater aquarium event in the United States. It runs in multiple cities throughout the year, including Orlando, New York, and Texas, but the California edition holds a special place as the flagship show on the West Coast.
The event is best described as an indoor marketplace where sellers, exhibitors, and hobbyists of all levels come together to buy, sell, trade, and showcase products to the marine aquarium community. However, it is much more than a shopping event. It is a gathering of people who love the ocean, love the science of reef keeping, and love connecting with others who feel the same way.
Over the years, the show has built a reputation for having some of the most impressive coral selections available at any event in the country. Hundreds of vendors bring frags and colonies sourced from top growers across the USA, and the variety of species, morphs, and color patterns on display is extraordinary. Additionally, the show draws product manufacturers, local fish stores, and industry professionals who use it as a platform to launch new products and meet their customers face to face.
Ticket Options and Pricing
Tickets for the 2026 California show are available in two formats.
- 1 Day Pass: Entry on Saturday or Sunday, with admission starting at 11:00 a.m.
- 2 Day Pass: Entry on both Saturday and Sunday, also from 11:00 a.m. each day.
Based on pricing from recent editions, a one-day pass has typically been priced at around $25, a weekend pass at $40, and a Diamond Pass at $139. The Diamond Pass has historically included early access to the show floor before general admission opens, raffle tickets, and a swag bag filled with reef-related products and samples. Children aged 12 and under attend free.
Tickets are available for purchase online at reefapaloozashow.com, or at the door on the day of the event. Buying in advance is strongly recommended. Online sales help you avoid queues at entry and lock in your pass before any tier pricing changes take effect. The Diamond Pass in particular tends to sell out well before the event date, so if early access to the corals is a priority, moving quickly is the smart move.
For confirmed 2026 pricing, visit the official ticket page at reefapaloozashow.com, as prices may be updated closer to the event date.
What to Expect on the Show Floor
Coral Frags and Rare Finds
The coral marketplace is the beating heart of the show. More than 100 vendors from around the United States bring their best stock, including SPS frags, LPS colonies, soft corals, zoanthids, and rare designer morphs that are difficult or impossible to find at local fish stores. Prices at these events are often competitive, and the sheer volume of options in one place means you can compare strains, colors, and pricing across multiple vendors in a single afternoon.
For collectors hunting specific species or morphs, the show is often the fastest path to finding something that would otherwise require months of waiting on an online waitlist. Additionally, many vendors offer show-only pricing and bundle deals that are not available through their regular sales channels.
Fish, Inverts and Equipment
Beyond corals, the show floor features vendors selling saltwater fish, invertebrates, and a full range of aquarium equipment. Whether you are looking for a new return pump, a LED lighting upgrade, a skimmer, or a dosing system, the equipment section of the floor gives you the chance to see products in person, ask questions directly to manufacturers, and compare specifications side by side.
This is particularly valuable for newer hobbyists who are still building their systems. Speaking with the engineers and founders behind these products gives you insights that no product review page can replicate.
Industry Professionals and Local Fish Stores
One of the most valuable aspects of the event is the mix of people you will meet on the floor. Product manufacturers, importers, coral farmers, and local fish store owners all gather under one roof. For anyone looking to start a reef business, expand a current operation, or simply make connections in the hobby, the networking opportunities here are significant.
The show officially describes itself as a place where attendees can make vital connections for their aquarium business. That description rings true for anyone who has used it that way. Therefore, bring business cards and be ready for conversations that go far beyond swapping tank parameters.
Educational Talks and Seminars
Daily educational talks are one of the standout features of the California show. These sessions are led by top industry professionals and cover a wide range of topics relevant to reef keeping at every level.
Past talks have addressed subjects including coral fragging techniques, aquarium water chemistry, tank cycling, lighting science, coral photography, and reef pest identification and treatment. The sessions are designed to be accessible whether you are setting up your first tank or managing a mature, complex reef system.
The talk schedule is typically published on the official website and social channels in the weeks leading up to the event. Planning your day around one or two sessions that align with your current challenges or goals is one of the smartest ways to use your time at the show. Additionally, speakers are usually available for questions after their sessions, giving you a rare chance to have a focused conversation with someone who genuinely knows their subject.
Raffles and Prizes
The raffle is a beloved tradition at every Reefapalooza event. High-end aquarium gear, coral packages, and reef-related products are up for grabs across multiple draws throughout the weekend. Diamond Pass holders receive raffle tickets as part of their package, but additional raffle tickets are typically available for purchase at the event.
The prizes have historically included items from major industry brands, making the raffle a genuine draw for attendees at every level. Even if you do not win, the draws add an energetic, communal dimension to the event that keeps the atmosphere lively well into the afternoon.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little preparation goes a long way at an event of this size. Here are the most practical things to know before you arrive.
- Arrive early. The show opens at 11:00 a.m., and the best coral selections move quickly. Diamond Pass holders with early access have the first pick, so if specific vendors or species are your priority, get there as close to opening as possible.
- Bring a cooler with an insulated bag and heat or cold packs depending on the season. August in Anaheim can be warm, and keeping livestock at stable temperatures during the drive home matters significantly.
- Bring cash as well as a card. Many smaller coral vendors prefer cash transactions, and having both gives you maximum flexibility on the floor.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The show covers a large floor area, and you will be on your feet for most of the day.
- Take photos of booth names and coral tags as you go. With so many options on the floor, it is easy to forget where you saw something you loved an hour earlier.
- Review the exhibitor list and floor plan on the official website before you arrive. The floor plan is updated regularly as new vendors are added.
Where to Stay
The Anaheim Marriott Hotel is the official show venue, and booking your stay there is the most convenient option. Being at the same hotel means zero travel between your room and the show floor, which is a genuine advantage when you are carrying livestock or equipment at the end of a long day.
The surrounding Anaheim area has dozens of hotels at various price points, many within a short drive or walk. The area is also home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, which makes this an easy trip to extend into a family weekend if that works for your plans.
Conclusion
Reefapalooza California 2026 takes place on August 29 and 30 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, California. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. each day, and the show features an expanded floor plan with more than 100 vendors from across the United States bringing coral frags, fish, invertebrates, and the latest aquarium technology. Ticket options include a one-day pass, a two-day weekend pass, and a Diamond Pass with early access, raffle tickets, and a swag bag. Daily educational talks led by industry professionals run throughout both days, covering topics relevant to reef keepers at every level.
The show is the largest saltwater aquarium event in the United States and serves as the West Coast’s premier gathering for hobbyists, collectors, and industry professionals alike. Whether your goal is to find a rare coral, upgrade your equipment, learn from experts, or simply meet people who love reef tanks as much as you do, this is the event worth planning your August around.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Reefapalooza California 2026?
The show runs on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, located at 700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. on both days.
How much do tickets cost?
Based on recent editions, a one-day pass is priced at approximately $25, a two-day weekend pass at $40, and a Diamond Pass at $139. The Diamond Pass includes early access to the show floor, raffle tickets, and a swag bag. Children aged 12 and under attend free. Tickets are available online at reefapaloozashow.com and at the door. Check the official website for confirmed 2026 pricing.
What can I buy at the show?
Visitors can shop for coral frags, LPS and SPS colonies, soft corals, rare designer morphs, saltwater fish, invertebrates, and a full range of aquarium equipment including lighting, filtration, pumps, dosing systems, and accessories. More than 100 vendors from across the United States attend, offering both standard and show-exclusive pricing.
Are there educational sessions at the show?
Yes. Daily educational talks and seminars are held throughout both days of the show. These sessions are led by industry professionals and cover topics ranging from coral fragging and water chemistry to lighting science and reef pest management. The schedule is published on the official website and social channels ahead of the event.
Is the show suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The show welcomes reef enthusiasts at every level, from complete beginners to experienced collectors. Educational talks are designed to be accessible to newer hobbyists, and many vendors are happy to answer questions and offer guidance. It is a genuinely welcoming community, and there is no better place to ask questions, learn, and find your footing in the saltwater aquarium hobby.
