Dragon & Faerie Con : Gathering of the Realms ™
About this Event
🌊 Faerie: Gathering of the Realms
THE SEA REALM RISES
Step into a living legend at Faerie, a one-day Summerween fantasy convention where myth, folklore, and imagination collide. (Indoor Fairy Festival meets Con)
On August 16, 2026, the realms gather at the DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster, PA for an immersive, story-driven event hosted by the Mermaid & Pirate Sea Realm. Ruled by the tides and ancient magic, this year’s realm welcomes faeries, witches, vampires, pirates, merfolk, time travelers, superheroes — and humans alike.
This is not a typical convention. Faerie is designed as an interactive world where attendees become part of the story.
✨ What to Expect
- Fantasy merchants & artisan vendors selling magical wares
- Realm quests & interactive activities throughout the venue
- Workshops & panels on costuming, storytelling, performance, and more
- DJ soundtrack setting the tone for the realms
- Cosplay, folklore, and immersive atmosphere for all ages
Whether you come in full costume or as your everyday mortal self, you are invited to explore, learn, shop, and play inside a world inspired by myth and legend.
🗓 Event Details
📍 DoubleTree Resort, Lancaster, PA
📅 August 16, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Produced by Shoot for the Moon Events, Faerie is the beginning of a new annual tradition celebrating creativity, community, and storytelling.
✨ Come as you are. Leave as a legend.
Everyone who purchases advanced tickets will get a Special VIP Quest Passport - bring it back next year and you will get into the event FREE! This is a promotion for the Inagural year.
PANELS & DISCUSSIONS
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Introduction to the PADI Mermaid Program
Host: Amanda Buckel / Maeve
Info: A brief overview of the PADI Mermaid Program and best/safe mermaid diving/swimming practices. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the gold standard in diving certifications worldwide. This presentation will focus on PADI's approach to mermaid diving with an emphasis on safety. This does not constitute a certification course but does offer an opportunity to talk with a PADI Mermaid Instructor and ask questions about the program. Opportunities to register for PADI Mermaid certification courses will be offered but are completely optional.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Becoming Part of Our World - The Basics of "Mermaiding"
Host: Jillian Breneman aka Gingersnap the Mermaid
Info: Jillian Breneman aka Gingersnap the Mermaid is a professional traveling entertainer from South Central PA who will introduce you to the world of mermaiding, and take questions you may have! Whether you are looking to buy your first tail, or are just curious about the world of mermaiding, this panel will help educate a growing fandom so they can safely and successfully dive into the mermaid community.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Cosplay Etiquette
Host: Marika Levine (Mama Voltron)
Info: Do you know proper etiquette associated with cosplay? Have you, as a cosplayer, had interactions that made you feel uncomfortable? Have you wanted to talk to a cosplayer, but didn’t know the right thing to say? Join Marika ask she gives tips and pointers on the do’s and don’t’s of cosplay etiquette.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
The Jersey Devil: New Jersey's Resident Cryptid
Host: Gabby Bibus (Gemini Bee Cosplay)
Info: Everyone knows Bigfoot, Mothman, and The Loch Ness Monster. But did you know there's a cryptid lurking right here on the East Coast? Join lifelong New Jersey resident Gemini Bee Cosplay to discover the lore behind the entity known as The Jersey Devil.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Tarot Cards 101
Host: Gabby Bibus (Gemini Bee Cosplay)
Info: Have you ever considered having your tarot cards read, but you aren't sure what exactly a reading entails? Or are you interested in learning how to read tarot cards yourself, but not sure how to start? Or are you just curious about those cool-looking decks of cards with the awesome artwork? Join Gemini Bee Cosplay to learn the basics of how tarot cards are used for fortune telling!
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:15 PM
How to Host a Photoshoot: A Guide to Fandom Meetups & Photography
Host: Starlight Cat Cosplay
Info: In this presentation we will discuss the art of hosting a fandom meet up or photoshoot. Whether you are hosting a meet up at a large con or a small event for friends we will discuss the best practices and safety along with information on how to successfully take excellent photos.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Cosplay Essentials: A Guide to Shopping for Wigs, Materials & More
Host: Starlight Cat Cosplay
Info: In this presentation, we’ll explore the world of cosplay and provide practical tips for finding the perfect costume components. Discover how to select high-quality wigs, choose the best materials for crafting costumes, and where to source the essential accessories that bring your character to life. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or just starting out, this guide will help you make informed decisions and enhance your cosplay experience.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:45 PM
Cosplay Crash Course
Host: Ruby
Info: Has your wig slipped off when you've been cosplaying? Did you lose a button right before you left the hotel room? Have you been in the room with no cups to drink beverages out of? If this sounds like you, please come to my crash course in all things cosplay where I can teach you all the tips and tricks I have learned in my 20+ years of doing the hobby. From what to pack in your cosplay kits to how to handle shoes that don't fit, come and learn a little bit of everything so that you can handle your next cosplay emergency.
WORKSHOPS
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Fairy Bath Soak Workshop
Host: The Moonlight Medic
Info: Build your own bath soak!
Fill an X large jar with our all natural ingredients of Mica colored Epsom salts, Pink Himalayan salt, Oats, dehydrated milk, dehydrated flowers and herbs like lavender, rose petals, eucalyptus leaves, flower petals and more! This is a multi-use jar that allows you to add just what you want to your bath. Not just for whole bodies, soak just your feet or hands too! Sensitive skin and eczema friendly. Also comes with mystery themed crystal~ it could be a Faerie, Dragon Head or Jellyfish! What will you get in yours?
$30
12 spots available
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Build Your Own Flower Fairy with the Lancaster Troll Market
Info: WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT
Build Your Own Flower Fairy with the Lancaster Troll Market!
Learn how to create fairy friends from fabric flowers, beads and wire. Supplies for 2 fairies are included in the ticket, but feel free to bring your own flowers, beads, ribbons, or anything else you'd like to bedazzle and sparkle up your flower fairies! These little friends are quick to make, but they will require the use of hot glue guns (low temp, but still hot!) so younger friends may need some assistance from adults to complete their fairies!
Workshop tickets:
Morning: https://www.lancastertrollmarket.com/.../flower-fairy...
Afternoon: https://www.lancastertrollmarket.com/.../flower-fairy...
You must have a ticket to Dragon & Faerie Con: Gathering of the Realms to attend.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Fantasy Resin Workshop
Host: Christine Escalona
Info: Learn how to create dragons, castles, and more out of resin. Make beautiful, colorful pieces that are completely unique to you.
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:45 PM
Fairy Terrarium
Host: The Moonlight Medic
Info: Create your own magical Fairy Garden Terrarium with upcycled glass, soil, rocks, decorative glass stones, genuine crystal chips, mini fairies, fairy lights, mini animal friends, faux moss and plants, live moss and plants, benches, chairs, mushrooms and more!
$40
20 spots
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Plant Guardians- A Copper Dragon Workshop
Host: The Metal Mixologist
Info: Learn to design, cut, emboss, flame paint, and soldier a dragon plant stake. Separate ticketed event. Please purchase here: https://metalmixologist.com/booking-page/ola/services/dragon-con-garden-dragons
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Watercolor With A Mermaid
Host: Opal Whiptail
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
Build Your Own Flower Fairy with the Lancaster Troll Market
Info: WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT
Build Your Own Flower Fairy with the Lancaster Troll Market!
Learn how to create fairy friends from fabric flowers, beads and wire. Supplies for 2 fairies are included in the ticket, but feel free to bring your own flowers, beads, ribbons, or anything else you'd like to bedazzle and sparkle up your flower fairies! These little friends are quick to make, but they will require the use of hot glue guns (low temp, but still hot!) so younger friends may need some assistance from adults to complete their fairies!
Workshop tickets:
Morning: https://www.lancastertrollmarket.com/.../flower-fairy...
Afternoon: https://www.lancastertrollmarket.com/.../flower-fairy...
You must have a ticket to Dragon & Faerie Con: Gathering of the Realms to attend.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Cemetery Terrarium
Info: Create your own magical Cemetery Terrarium with upcycled glass, soil, rocks, decorative glass stones, genuine crystal chips, mini fairies, fairy lights, mini animal friends, faux moss and plants, live moss and plants, benches, chairs, mushrooms and more!
$40
20 spots
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 5.00 to USD 20.00
