Join the Carolina Merfolk Festival, where Merfolk will gather to celebrate our inherit connection to the water with a weekend of swimming, dancing, and even some swash buckling.

Join us February 6th and 7th 2026 at the Sonesta Charlotte Lower South End Hotel for a splashing good time where you can get an introduction to the world of mermaids.
Get ready for a day filled with new experiences including classes, costume contests, merfolk crafts, and of course swimming. Don’t forget to bring your best mermaid tail or trident for the perfect photo op!
Whether you’re a seasoned sea creature or just mermaid curious, the Carolina Merfolk Festival is sure to make a splash.
And the best part, this is a two for one deal. If you come to our Winter Social you get into our main Festival in August for free.

As we grow check out all the ways you can get involved.
We’re now accepting Mermaids, Pirates, and Fae who want to be part of the magic as Featured Partners.
Attendance isn’t required, no money needed, and follower count isn’t a factor. Just your willingness to work with us and help spread the word. Just fill out the application and someone will contact you to get you onboarded.
The skilled hands of the Merchants that create our tools of the trade allow us to be truly magical. And we look forward to seeing them at our festival.
Merfolk spend a lot of our lives as teachers and storytellers. Whether it’s about professional mermaiding, how to advocate for our waterways and oceans, or how build a particular piece of costume. Let’s get you front of an audience by applying to be a guest speaker at our Festival.
We look forward to introducing you to our partners in the Pod.
These are the faces that make this event possible.




