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 paid registration. The Makers & Mission Grotto, our outdoor marketplace and advocacy space, is open all day for browsing, shopping, and learning! Please note that while there will be no food carts on site for this event, we will have a non-alcoholic drink and snack bar open all day in the Bubble Room AND you are encouraged to bring a lunch and enjoy our seating area for some down time. Your event bracelets also allow you re-entry if you decide to venture out and
Be sure to check back for activity and schedule updates! Please see our list of offerings below:
All Day Activities (10am-4pm)
Open Swim
The Bubble Room (Non-Alcoholic Bar, Snacks, Lunch & Game/Activity Room)
Makers & Mission Grotto
Event Schedule
You can find a full description of the presentations and workshops further down on the page.
SCHEDULE CHANGE* Due to a medical reason impacting the lead facilitator, the Community Conversation- Mer-Identity, Otherness, & Transhumanism has been postponed until next year. Please see the new presentation offering for that time slot.
10:00am🐚
Registration & Check-In
11am-12pm
Tail Fins with Mermaid Seraphina
FREE | Room: Tidepool Room
Bhria Gladdwell: Mermaid Core- Body Positive, Pre & Post Swim Stretching
$25 | Room: Sirens Sanctuary
12pm-1pm
Film Screening: The Mermaid Museum
FREE | Cascade Cove
Nadia Shaik: Song of Wata
FREE | Tidepool Room
1pm-2pm
Shea Steingrass: Sea Otters & Kelp Forests of the Oregon Coast
FREE | Room: Cascade Cove
Logan Novgrad- Aqua Shimmy Workshop
$35 | Sirens Sanctuary
2pm-3pm🧜
Break: Vendor Exploration, Food, Open Swim
2:15pm
Group Merfolk Photo @ Pool
3pm-4pm
Una the Mermaid: What the shell!? The untold truths of professional mermaiding.
FREE | Cascade Cove
Bhria Gladwell: Keltic Water Wisdom & Sound Bath Workshop
$35 | Sirens Sanctuary
Nadia Shaik: Paper Comic Collage – “Song of Wata: Self-Love & Self-Care”
$40 | Tidepool Room
4pm✨Event Ends
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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!
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!
Free Presentation Line-Up
Tail Fins with Mermaid Seraphina
Time: 11am-12pm
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 13+
Room: Tidepool Room
Dive into the world of mermaid monofins with Mermaid Seraphina in this interactive show-and-tell! Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just dipping your toes into mermaiding, this session is your chance to learn all about different types of monofins, how they work, their pros and cons, safety considerations, and tips for choosing the right fin for your style and skill level.
Bring your questions, and your fins! Attendees are invited to share their own monofins, swap stories, and compare designs in a welcoming, informative circle of fellow fin-folk.
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 13+
Room: Tidepool Room
Dive into the world of mermaid monofins with Mermaid Seraphina in this interactive show-and-tell! Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just dipping your toes into mermaiding, this session is your chance to learn all about different types of monofins, how they work, their pros and cons, safety considerations, and tips for choosing the right fin for your style and skill level.
Bring your questions, and your fins! Attendees are invited to share their own monofins, swap stories, and compare designs in a welcoming, informative circle of fellow fin-folk.
🎥 Film Screening: The Mermaid Museum
Includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with the producers.
Time: 12pm-1pm
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
Room: Cascade Cove
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.
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
Room: Cascade Cove
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: 12pm-1pm
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 18+
Room: Tidepool Room
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.
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 18+
Room: Tidepool Room
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: 1pm-2pm
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
Room: Cascade Cove
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
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: All Ages
Room: Cascade Cove
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: 3pm-4pm
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 13+
Room: Cascade Cove
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.
Cost: FREE
Duration: 1 hour
Audience: 13+
Room: Cascade Cove
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 preferred. If there is room you may be able to sign up at the confluence. 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: 11am-12pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $25
Ages: 13+ (Must be able to focus for 30+ minutes)
Max Participants: 20
Room: Sirens Sanctuary
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
Room: Sirens Sanctuary
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: 3pm-4pm
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: $35
Ages: 13+ (Must be able to sit still and focus quietly)
Max Participants: 20
Room: Sirens Sanctuary
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
Room: Sirens Sanctuary
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.
Paper Comic Collage – “Song of Wata: Self-Love & Self-Care”with Nadia Shaik
Time: 3pm-4pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $40 (Collage kit and supplies included)
Ages: 18+
Max Participants: 6
Room: Tidepool Room
This hands-on, expressive arts workshop invites participants to explore self-love, self-care, and personal empowerment through storytelling and visual collage. Inspired by the themes in Song of Wata, a multimedia story about two mermaid sisters navigating identity, trauma, and transformation, attendees will create their own 1-page comic collage that visually narrates their self-expression journey.
Using vibrant pre-cut materials from custom collage kits, participants will combine images, textures, and words to craft a personal scene or symbolic self-portrait. No prior art or drawing experience is required—just a willingness to reflect and create.
By the end of the session, participants will:
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $40 (Collage kit and supplies included)
Ages: 18+
Max Participants: 6
Room: Tidepool Room
This hands-on, expressive arts workshop invites participants to explore self-love, self-care, and personal empowerment through storytelling and visual collage. Inspired by the themes in Song of Wata, a multimedia story about two mermaid sisters navigating identity, trauma, and transformation, attendees will create their own 1-page comic collage that visually narrates their self-expression journey.
Using vibrant pre-cut materials from custom collage kits, participants will combine images, textures, and words to craft a personal scene or symbolic self-portrait. No prior art or drawing experience is required—just a willingness to reflect and create.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Explore themes of self-care and self-love through storytelling
- Practice intuitive collage techniques with pre-cut comic elements
- Gain confidence in self-expression through mixed media art
- Leave with a completed 1-canvas panel paper comic collage
Aqua-Shimmy Dance Class
Presented by Logan of Body Lyrics Bell Dance (NC)
Time: 1pm-2pm
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $33
Ages: 10+
Max Participants: N/A
Room: Sirens Sanctuary
Join Logan for Aqua-Shimmy—a joyful, body-positive belly dance class designed especially for merfolk, swimmers, and aquatic performers. Held on dry land, this workshop begins with gentle stretches to loosen the body, calm the mind, and support healthy breathwork. You'll then learn foundational belly dance movements that also form the basis of graceful mermaid movement in the water.
We'll build simple combinations and explore flowing props such as veils or fan veils, which echo the undulating rhythms of the sea and enhance your expression on land and in water. Dance training promotes core strength, flexibility, coordination, and fluidity—key skills for any mermaid performer.
No prior dance experience needed. All levels and bodies welcome.
Please wear stretchy clothing, bring a yoga mat and socks or dance shoes. If you have a silk or chiffon veil or fan veils, bring those too—extras may be available to borrow.
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $33
Ages: 10+
Max Participants: N/A
Room: Sirens Sanctuary
Join Logan for Aqua-Shimmy—a joyful, body-positive belly dance class designed especially for merfolk, swimmers, and aquatic performers. Held on dry land, this workshop begins with gentle stretches to loosen the body, calm the mind, and support healthy breathwork. You'll then learn foundational belly dance movements that also form the basis of graceful mermaid movement in the water.
We'll build simple combinations and explore flowing props such as veils or fan veils, which echo the undulating rhythms of the sea and enhance your expression on land and in water. Dance training promotes core strength, flexibility, coordination, and fluidity—key skills for any mermaid performer.
No prior dance experience needed. All levels and bodies welcome.
Please wear stretchy clothing, bring a yoga mat and socks or dance shoes. If you have a silk or chiffon veil or fan veils, bring those too—extras may be available to borrow.
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
Sparkle Fairy Coven Hair
Garam Masala Studios
Chappy Chains
Mystic Moon Magic Shop
Evanne's Originals
All the Wishes
Cardinal Mobile Massage
Asphalt Mermaid Designs
Wild Salmon Center
Garam Masala Studios
Chappy Chains
Mystic Moon Magic Shop
Evanne's Originals
All the Wishes
Cardinal Mobile Massage
Asphalt Mermaid Designs
Wild Salmon Center
The PNW Mermaid Confluence is no longer accepting applications for 2025 vendors, panelists, and workshop presenters. However, if you are interested in participating next year, feel free to apply. 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!