You can explore a world of snakes, lizards and reptiles at this Calgary expo

If you’ve ever found yourself oddly fascinated by snakes, lizards, or those tiny creatures that you only see in nature documentaries, Calgary has an event that puts them all under one roof for the weekend.

The Calgary Reptile Expo returns to the city from June 13 to June 14, 2026, at the Genesis Centre in northeast Calgary, bringing together reptiles, vertebrates, tropical plants and more. So whether you love reptiles or are just curious enough to look from a safe distance, it’s definitely not your average weekend activity.

A weekend full of reptiles, amphibians, and hands-on learning

The expo is a great chance to explore a wide range of exotic animals and species up close, all in one place. You can expect to see everything from snakes and lizards to frogs, isopods, tarantulas, and more.

According to the organizers, throughout the space, breeders and local enthusiasts will share their knowledge and showcase some extremely fascinating creatures. So whether you already know everything about reptiles or can barely tell the difference between a gecko and a salamander, there’s a good chance you’ll leave knowing a lot more than you did walking in.

But it’s more than just walking around and looking at cool animals behind the glass. The event also brings together Alberta’s reptile and amphibian community under one roof, creating a space focused on learning and conservation.

It’s run entirely by volunteers from the Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society (T.A.R.A.S.), with proceeds supporting education and conservation efforts across Alberta and beyond.

Plan your visit

The Calgary Reptile Expo will take place in the Feature Gym at the Genesis Centre. The venue is just a couple of blocks from Saddletowne LRT Station and offers additional parking nearby at Nelson Mandela High School.

Admission is affordable, with tickets priced at $9.99 for general entry, and family passes are available for $29.99, covering up to two adults and three children.

It’s recommended to arrive early to give yourself enough time to explore the space without rushing.

At the very least, the Calgary Reptile Expo gives you a pretty good story to tell after the weekend. Whether you leave with a pet gecko or are relieved that none of the snakes followed you home, it’s shaping up to be one of the city’s more unique events this summer.

When: Saturday, June 13, to Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $9.99

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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