About the event...The PNW Mermaid Confluence part of the Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival and is an all-ages, one-day mermaid convention for mermaid enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals alike. This event features open swim activities, mermaid swim coaching, workshops, panel speakers, vendors and more.
The confluence will explore topics unique to mermaiding in the PNW, in addition to offering panels and workshops on merfolk fantasy and folklore, water healing and spiritual practices, professional mermaiding, and other topics of interest. The PNW Mermaid Confluence is an intentional event which also builds a bridge between the world of mermaiding and environmental stewardship and advocacy of the world’s most sacred resource, water. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFO... |
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The PNW Mermaid Confluence is taking place from 10am-4pm at the Sherwood Regional YMCA located at: 2300 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood OR 97140
This beautiful space is just 30 minutes outside of Portland, and has a 25 yard long, 3 lane pool with zero depth entry to 7’ deep that is senior, youth and special-need friendly. Pool temperature is maintained at 84–86° F. The entire building including the pool and the restrooms are ADA accessible.
This beautiful space is just 30 minutes outside of Portland, and has a 25 yard long, 3 lane pool with zero depth entry to 7’ deep that is senior, youth and special-need friendly. Pool temperature is maintained at 84–86° F. The entire building including the pool and the restrooms are ADA accessible.
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The PNW Mermaid Confluence features a full day of aquatic magic, learning, and community connection! Open Swim is available all day in the leisure pool—perfect for merfolk of all ages and abilities. Presentations are free and open to everyone, featuring topics ranging from mythology to marine science. Masterclasses are ticketed workshops with limited space and require advance registration. The Makers & Mission Grotto, our outdoor marketplace and advocacy space, is open all day for browsing, shopping, and learning!
Be sure to check back for activity and schedule updates! Please see our list of offerings below:
Be sure to check back for activity and schedule updates! Please see our list of offerings below:
10:00–10:30 AM🐚 Registration Check-In Opens & Welcome
10:30–11:30 AM Presentation A1; Masterclass A
11:30–12:30 PM Presentation B1; Masterclass B
12:30–1:30 PM Presentation C1; Masterclass C
1:30–2:30 PM🧜 Group Photo @ Pool
2:30–3:30 PM Presentation D1; Presentation E1
3:30–4:00 PM✨ Open Swim Contd.
4:00 PM Event Ends,
10:30–11:30 AM Presentation A1; Masterclass A
11:30–12:30 PM Presentation B1; Masterclass B
12:30–1:30 PM Presentation C1; Masterclass C
1:30–2:30 PM🧜 Group Photo @ Pool
2:30–3:30 PM Presentation D1; Presentation E1
3:30–4:00 PM✨ Open Swim Contd.
4:00 PM Event Ends,
Enjoy a diverse lineup of free panels, talks, and presentations throughout the day ranging from marine science and mermaid folklore to independent film and creative storytelling. Whether you're a curious kid, a lifelong mermaid, or a passionate ocean advocate, there’s something for everyone. Age recommendations vary by session, check listings below for details!
We’re finalizing the magic behind the scenes! Session times will be announced soon! Stay tuned until the wave comes in!
We’re finalizing the magic behind the scenes! Session times will be announced soon! Stay tuned until the wave comes in!
Presentations & Panel Line-Up
🎥 Film Screening: The Mermaid Museum
Includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with the producers.
Time: TBA
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
A short film about mermaids, magic, and the importance of being exactly who you are. This heartwarming film follows Jodie, a grown woman who still believes in magic and mermaids, as she tries to spend one last summer with her niece before she grows up and out of such things. Along the way, Jodie is slapped in the face by “the real world” and must decide whether it’s finally time to grow up—or if there’s still room for wonder.
Includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with the producers.
Time: TBA
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
A short film about mermaids, magic, and the importance of being exactly who you are. This heartwarming film follows Jodie, a grown woman who still believes in magic and mermaids, as she tries to spend one last summer with her niece before she grows up and out of such things. Along the way, Jodie is slapped in the face by “the real world” and must decide whether it’s finally time to grow up—or if there’s still room for wonder.
📖 Song of Wata with Nadia Shaik
Time: TBA
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 18+
Join America’s Next Great Author semi-finalist (2022), Dark Horse Comics author-artist, and Garam Masala Studios, Inc. founder Nadia Shaik as she dives into the lore, cultures, and Oregon inspirations behind Song of Wata, a speculative adult folk-fairytale webcomic launching Summer 2025. Song of Wata is set in the fictional world of Kowry, Cascadia, Song of Wata follows Mami Wata sisters Niambe and Sela, a Griot and a Pirate who must defy a society that commodifies mermaids, a ruthless pirate Barbarossa and fate itself to reclaim their city and their bond. The story explores themes of mental health, environmental justice, joy, and sisterhood, blending West African, Indian, and Pacific Northwest folklore.
This interactive presentation will include:
About the Presenter:
Nadia Shaik is a transmedia storyteller, educator, and entrepreneur. She leads Garam Masala Studios, an Oregon-based edutainment company, and teaches through Cool Storytellers—offering creative wellness workshops and contractor development programs for artists. Her work is shaped by her multiracial, multicultural, and interfaith upbringing.
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 18+
Join America’s Next Great Author semi-finalist (2022), Dark Horse Comics author-artist, and Garam Masala Studios, Inc. founder Nadia Shaik as she dives into the lore, cultures, and Oregon inspirations behind Song of Wata, a speculative adult folk-fairytale webcomic launching Summer 2025. Song of Wata is set in the fictional world of Kowry, Cascadia, Song of Wata follows Mami Wata sisters Niambe and Sela, a Griot and a Pirate who must defy a society that commodifies mermaids, a ruthless pirate Barbarossa and fate itself to reclaim their city and their bond. The story explores themes of mental health, environmental justice, joy, and sisterhood, blending West African, Indian, and Pacific Northwest folklore.
This interactive presentation will include:
- Behind-the-scenes of the creative process
- A guided introduction to African water spirits and Mami Wata mythology
- Strategies for blending folklore, history, and narrative structure
- Audience Q&A and a short activity
About the Presenter:
Nadia Shaik is a transmedia storyteller, educator, and entrepreneur. She leads Garam Masala Studios, an Oregon-based edutainment company, and teaches through Cool Storytellers—offering creative wellness workshops and contractor development programs for artists. Her work is shaped by her multiracial, multicultural, and interfaith upbringing.
🦦 Sea Otters and Kelp Forests: Holdfasts of the Oregon Coast With Dr. Sheanna Steingass
Time: TBA
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
Learn about the historical presence of sea otters along Oregon’s coastline and their vital role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems. Oregon’s sea otter population was lost by 1906, leading to the decline of over two-thirds of the state's kelp forests—habitats essential to young fish, whales, crustaceans, and other marine life.
This engaging, family-friendly presentation explores:
About the Presenter:
Dr. Steingass holds a doctorate in pinniped ecology from the OSU Marine Mammal Institute and specializes in behavioral ecology, conservation, and One Health frameworks. She teaches at OSU and is an expert in public science communication
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
Learn about the historical presence of sea otters along Oregon’s coastline and their vital role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems. Oregon’s sea otter population was lost by 1906, leading to the decline of over two-thirds of the state's kelp forests—habitats essential to young fish, whales, crustaceans, and other marine life.
This engaging, family-friendly presentation explores:
- The ecological role of sea otters as a keystone species
- The impact of their disappearance
- Current restoration efforts along the Oregon coast
- Interactive discussion and marine mammal insights
About the Presenter:
Dr. Steingass holds a doctorate in pinniped ecology from the OSU Marine Mammal Institute and specializes in behavioral ecology, conservation, and One Health frameworks. She teaches at OSU and is an expert in public science communication
What the Shell?! The Untold Truths of Mermaiding
with Una the Mermaid
with Una the Mermaid
Time: TBA
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 13+
Think being a mermaid is all sparkle and serenity? Think again. Join Una, a traveling tank mermaid with years of splashy, on-the-road experience, for a funny and honest peek into the unexpected challenges, awkward encounters, and magical surprises that come with performing behind glass and under pressure.
Expect bubbles... and bluntness. Q & A at the end.
About the Presenter:
Una the Mermaid is a professional mermaid performer, SSI-certified swim instructor, and the founder of the Portlandia Mermaid Parade & Festival. She performs in a custom 900-gallon traveling mermaid tank, offering immersive entertainment, educational workshops, and oracle readings inspired by the magic of water and myth. Beyond the tail, Una holds a doctorate in psychology and teaches criminal justice at the college level. She also works as a freelance conflict resolution consultant specializing in restorative justice, violence prevention, and social equity. She stars in the internationally acclaimed docu-fiction art film Sirens Call, and uses mermaiding as both performance and platform—bridging fantasy, healing, and real-world transformation.
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 13+
Think being a mermaid is all sparkle and serenity? Think again. Join Una, a traveling tank mermaid with years of splashy, on-the-road experience, for a funny and honest peek into the unexpected challenges, awkward encounters, and magical surprises that come with performing behind glass and under pressure.
Expect bubbles... and bluntness. Q & A at the end.
About the Presenter:
Una the Mermaid is a professional mermaid performer, SSI-certified swim instructor, and the founder of the Portlandia Mermaid Parade & Festival. She performs in a custom 900-gallon traveling mermaid tank, offering immersive entertainment, educational workshops, and oracle readings inspired by the magic of water and myth. Beyond the tail, Una holds a doctorate in psychology and teaches criminal justice at the college level. She also works as a freelance conflict resolution consultant specializing in restorative justice, violence prevention, and social equity. She stars in the internationally acclaimed docu-fiction art film Sirens Call, and uses mermaiding as both performance and platform—bridging fantasy, healing, and real-world transformation.
In addition to our free community panels and Makers & Mission Grotto, the Confluence features a curated selection of Merfolk Masterclasses, specialty workshops taught by acclaimed artists and educators. These are ticketed events with limited capacity. Advanced fee registration is required. Sign up now! See list of classes below.
Merfolk Masterclass Offerings
🌺 MermaidCore: A Body-Positive Approach to Pre- and Post-Swim Stretching
with Bhria Gladwell
with Bhria Gladwell
Time: TBA
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $25
Ages: 13+ (Must be able to focus for 30+ minutes)
Max Participants: 20
Dive into this experiential “playshop” of stretches, poses, and self-care designed to help mermaids prepare for and recover from swimming. Drawing on her 30+ years in bodywork, massage, yoga, Pilates, and belly dance,
Bhria will guide participants through:
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $25
Ages: 13+ (Must be able to focus for 30+ minutes)
Max Participants: 20
Dive into this experiential “playshop” of stretches, poses, and self-care designed to help mermaids prepare for and recover from swimming. Drawing on her 30+ years in bodywork, massage, yoga, Pilates, and belly dance,
Bhria will guide participants through:
- Basic anatomy for mermaiding
- Breath and neurovascular release warm-up
- Core-strengthening and lengthening exercises
- Gentle cool-down rituals
Adaptable for chair users; yoga mat encouraged.
🧿 Keltic Water Wisdom & Mer-Magick with Bhria Gladwell, The Keltic Mermaid
Time: TBA
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: $35
Ages: 13+ (Must be able to sit still and focus quietly)
Max Participants: 20
Take a mystical journey into the healing and magickal qualities of the water element from a Keltic perspective.
This immersive workshop includes:
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: $35
Ages: 13+ (Must be able to sit still and focus quietly)
Max Participants: 20
Take a mystical journey into the healing and magickal qualities of the water element from a Keltic perspective.
This immersive workshop includes:
- Exploration of Keltic water deities, fae beings, and mythic lore
- A guided meditation sound bath with singing bowls and Reiki
- Discovery of your personal water guide/guardian
- Post-meditation journaling and integration
- A mer-mento keepsake to take home
Bring a journal, pen, and any comfort items for the meditation.
Underwater Photo Sessions
Capture the Current with an unforgettable underwater portrait session by Kate UA Underwater Photography, presented in collaboration with Aquatic Sports!
Known for her ethereal, cinematic underwater portraits, Kate captures the grace, power, and beauty of merfolk in motion. Whether you're a seasoned siren or just discovering your aquatic side, this is your moment to shine beneath the surface.
📅 Sessions available all three days of the festival – so you can experience the full event without missing a moment.
🎟️ Advanced registration required – no drop-ins accepted.
🧜♀️ Open to all registered attendees.
🌊 Includes professionally edited, high-resolution portraits.
Reserve your session now! See button link below!
Known for her ethereal, cinematic underwater portraits, Kate captures the grace, power, and beauty of merfolk in motion. Whether you're a seasoned siren or just discovering your aquatic side, this is your moment to shine beneath the surface.
📅 Sessions available all three days of the festival – so you can experience the full event without missing a moment.
🎟️ Advanced registration required – no drop-ins accepted.
🧜♀️ Open to all registered attendees.
🌊 Includes professionally edited, high-resolution portraits.
Reserve your session now! See button link below!
Vendors & Community Partners
Wander the Makers & Mission Grotto, an open-air celebration of creativity and purpose. Discover hand-unique mermaid wares, oceanic art, jewelry, magical goods, and sustainable creations from talented makers, alongside nonprofit organizations and community partners working to protect our waters, and inspire community action!
Whether you’re here to shop, connect, learn, or simply soak in the vibes, the Grotto is full of treasures waiting to be found.
The Makers & Mission Grotto List
List Coming Soon!
The PNW Mermaid Confluence is still accepting applications for vendors, panelists, and workshop presenters! Whether you're a creator, educator, or merfolk enthusiast, we’d love to feature your gifts and expertise at this year’s gathering. See links below to apply!