Epic Expo Preview

Amanda

Hey everyone, welcome to the Pittsburgh Reptile Show & Sale podcast! I’m Amanda , and I’m here with Rick. Today, we’re giving you the inside scoop on the Epic Expo—this is the big one, folks. It’s the largest reptile event in Western Pennsylvania, and honestly, it’s the highlight of my year every time.

Rick

Yeah, Amanda, I mean, it’s not just big—it’s epic for a reason. We’re talking two full days at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall, which, if you haven’t been, is super easy to get to and has plenty of space for all the animals, vendors, and, well, the crowds. And it’s not just the size, right? It’s the energy. There’s nothing else like it in the region.

Amanda

Exactly. What really sets this show apart is that two-day experience., the VIP vendor deals, the reptile talks, and hands on oppurtunities. Plus you get exclusive vendors coming in just for this event, some diffrent vendors on both days to add even more diversity. Honestly, the selection of animals and supplies is the widest you’ll find anywhere around here. I remember this one family—this was a few years back—they’d never seen dart frogs in person before. The kids’ faces just lit up when they saw those tiny, neon-colored frogs hopping around. It’s those moments, you know? That’s why we do this.

Rick

Yeah, and it’s not just for the hardcore herpers. We see families, first-timers, people who just want a fun day out. There’s something about seeing a kid hold a lizard for the first time, or a parent realizing, “Oh, these animals aren’t scary—they’re actually kind of amazing.”

Amanda

Totally. And with the Epic Expo, you get all of that times ten. It’s a celebration, really. So, whether you’re looking to add a new animal to your home or just want to see what all the fuss is about, this is the place to be.

Rick

So, let’s talk about what you’ll actually see at the expo. I mean, the list is wild—ball pythons, boas, corn snakes, hognose, king snakes, milk snakes, retics, garters... and that’s just the snakes. If you’re into lizards, we’ve got bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, chameleons—veiled, panther, you name it—plus uromastyx, monitors, tegus. It’s a lizard lover’s dream.

Amanda

And don’t forget the turtles and tortoises! Sulcatas, Russians, box turtles, sliders, painted turtles. Plus, amphibians—axolotls, dart frogs, pacman frogs, tree frogs. And for the folks who like things a little more... leggy, there’s tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, mantis, all sorts of invertebrates. There’s honestly something for every taste.

Rick

And the people! We’ve got expert breeders and vendors coming in from all over the East coast and beyond. These are folks who really know their stuff, and they love talking shop—whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve been keeping reptiles for decades. There are also special educational opportunities for both kids and adults. I always say, if you’ve got a question, someone at the expo has the answer.

Amanda

Absolutely. And Rick, you have to tell your sand boa story. It’s a classic.

Rick

Oh, man, okay. So, my first expo, I was kind of nervous about snakes, right? And then this breeder hands me this tiny Kenyan sand boa—just this little scoop of warm sand, basically. The snake pops its head up like a periscope, and I’m just... hooked. That’s the magic of hands-on learning at these expos. You can read about reptiles all day, but when you actually hold one, it’s a whole different world. I’ve seen so many people—kids especially—go from “no way” to “can I take it home?” in about five minutes.

Amanda

That’s what makes these events so special. It’s not just about seeing animals behind glass—it’s about connecting, learning, and maybe even finding your new favorite species.

Amanda

Alright, let’s get into some insider tips—especially about VIP with Early Entry. If you want to beat the crowds, get first pick of animals and supplies, and snag some exclusive vendor deals a goodie bag and show tee-shirt, VIP is the way to go. Those tickets are limited, though, and they’re selling fast. So if you’re even thinking about it, don’t wait.

Rick

Yeah, and just to clarify, general admission tickets are still available at the door, so you’re not out of luck if you miss VIP. But, I mean, if you want all the VIP perks—especially if you’ve got your eye on something specific with the Vendor discounts—it’s worth it. I’ve seen people walk out with their dream animal before the general crowd even gets in.

Amanda

Totally. And whether you go VIP or general admission, a little planning goes a long way. Bring a tote or a small carrier if you’re thinking about bringing home a new pet. Make a list of what you need—supplies, feeders, maybe a new enclosure. And definitely check out the event schedule ahead of time. There’s so much happening, you don’t want to miss a reptile talk or a hand on experience just because you didn’t know when it was.

Rick

Yeah, and wear comfy shoes. I know that sounds basic, but you’ll be on your feet a lot. And if you’re coming with kids, maybe set a meeting spot in case you get separated—this place gets busy. Oh, and bring questions! The vendors and breeders love to talk, and you’ll get way more out of the experience if you’re curious.

Amanda

Exactly. The more you put into the day, the more you’ll get out of it. And honestly, every year I see people who come for “just a quick look” and end up staying all day. There’s just so much to see and do.

Rick

Now, let’s talk about some of the special exhibitor showcases. This is where you’ll find rare and exotic species you just won’t see anywhere else—sometimes not even at other expos. Make sure you stop by the booths of visiting breeders, because they often bring unique animals and limited-edition supplies just for this event.

Amanda

And don’t miss the scheduled reptile talk sessions. We’ve got amazing herpetologists and breeders scheduled to host talks on their personal favs, and it’s your chance to ask those burning questions about care, breeding, or even conservation. These folks have decades of experience, and they love sharing their knowledge.

Rick

Plus, there are hands-on workshops and live demonstrations happening all weekend. If you want to learn about setting up a habitat, keeping your animals healthy, or even get involved in conservation efforts, these sessions are gold. It’s not just about looking—it’s about doing, and learning, and really getting involved.

Amanda

That’s what makes the Epic Expo so much more than just a show. It’s interactive, it’s educational, and it’s a chance to be part of a community that cares about these amazing animals. So, whether you’re a seasoned keeper or just curious, there’s something here for you.

Rick

Alright, I think that’s a pretty good preview, Amanda. I’m already counting down the days, to see everyone Sept 6th and 7th at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall 590 Pittsburgh Mills Cir Tarentum Pa - remember park near the movie theater and follow the signs into the mall from there!

Amanda

Me too, Rick. And for everyone listening, don’t forget to grab your tickets, check out the schedule, and come say hi at the show. We’ll be back with more stories and tips in future episodes, so stay tuned. Thanks for joining us, Rick!