By Tony Gaston Valiant News Network (VNN)
Denver, CO – November 15, 2025 – In a dazzling display of turquoise tanks, iridescent frags, and unbreakable community spirit, Coral Con 2025 emerged from the historic halls of Lafayette’s Lionsgate Event Center like a living coral reef bursting into full color. What began as a humble reimagining of the traditional coral show has evolved into Colorado’s must-attend celebration of aquacultured wonders, drawing over 1,200 enthusiastic hobbyists, vendors, and ocean advocates for an unforgettable weekend that sold out weeks in advance. From VIP soirées under chandelier-lit barns to hands-on workshops that bridged novices and pros, this year’s event wasn’t just a gathering—it was a tidal wave of inspiration, underscoring the reefing world’s commitment to conservation amid a changing climate.
Organized by the dynamic duo of Steve and Alex—passionate hobbyists who juggle aquaculture dreams with wedding venue wizardry and recording studio vibes—Coral Con 2025 amplified its boutique charm while expanding its reach. Held November 14-15 at the beautiful Lafayette’s Lionsgate Event Center, the event transformed the elegant, rustic space into a pulsating underwater bazaar. VIP Night on Friday kicked off with exclusive early access, a catered dinner, and networking that felt more like a family reunion than a formal affair. By Saturday’s general admission hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the air hummed with laughter, live music, and the gentle bubble of display tanks, as attendees from across the Rockies and beyond flocked to booths brimming with rare zoanthids, branching corals, and eco-friendly gear.
The numbers tell a story of explosive growth: Tickets vanished faster than prime-time polyps, with VIP passes ($55, including swag and perks) snapping up in days. General admission ($15) welcomed a diverse crowd, from wide-eyed beginners to seasoned aquarists, all united by a shared reverence for the reefs. Vendors like Bigg’s Lagoon—led by Josh, a major event sponsor and widely regarded as one of the best reef stores in the entire state of Colorado (check them out at biggslagoon.com or catch their new Twitch streams @biggslagoon for live reefing tips and tank tours)—along with NoCo Reef Club (nocoreef.com), the non-profit powerhouse booth dedicated to fostering Colorado’s reef community through education and events, and Marine Alchemist reported brisk sales of aquacultured specimens—ethically farmed alternatives to wild-harvested corals. Newcomers such as Golden Basket Reef and Fins Up Reef debuted with innovative live feeds and custom setups, while Rocky Mountain Fish Filter Company turned heads with their new groundbreaking Rapid-Rinse Eco-Filter which is a permanent, easy to clean and reusable 300-micron filter sock replacement—a game-changing, low-maintenance innovation that’s set to revolutionize reef filtration for hobbyists and pros alike.
At the heart of the intellectual current was keynote speaker Reisa Kilgore, whose 11 a.m. session in the Chandelier Barn, “Reefing Success Starts with Healthy Fish,” unpacked the often-overlooked art of acclimation. Drawing on years of veterinary expertise, Kilgore dove deep into stress management techniques, quarantine protocols, and the symbiotic dance between fish and corals—leaving attendees armed with actionable advice to boost tank longevity. “Healthy fish aren’t just survivors; they’re the architects of thriving reefs,” she emphasized, sparking a ripple of applause that echoed through the venue. One first-timer, Sarah M. from Boulder, told VNN, “I came skeptical about starting a reef tank in landlocked Colorado. Reisa’s talk? Game-changer. I’m heading home with frags and confidence.”
Food and festivities kept the energy buoyant, with Marcos Hotdogs and Tacos dishing out fusion flavors that paired perfectly with Party Liquor’s craft cocktails. Live entertainment—from acoustic sets to impromptu frag-trading circles—wove through the day, fostering the intimate connections that set Coral Con apart from mega-expos. And sustainability? It wasn’t an afterthought. Every booth spotlighted farmed corals, with proceeds funneled to groups like the Coral Restoration Foundation, ensuring the hobby’s footprint treads lightly on fragile ecosystems. A special nod goes to Aquarium Supply Distribution, the behind-the-scenes wholesaler powering aquatic stores, reptile shops, and even zoological facilities with top-tier gear that keeps the reefing ecosystem humming.
As the final tank was packed and the last high-fives exchanged, Alex reflected on the event’s evolution. “From our first show in a modest ballroom to this? It’s been a labor of love, fueled by feedback from you all,” she said, gesturing to a sea of glowing reviews flooding social media. Early tallies show 98% satisfaction rates, with raves for the venue’s historic allure—think exposed beams and ambient lighting that made every corner Instagram-gold.
Coral Con 2025 didn’t just wrap; it set the stage for even bigger tides ahead. Whispers of 2026 expansions—perhaps regional pop-ups or virtual frag auctions and a spring and fall event—already swirl among organizers. For now, though, the reefing faithful depart Lafayette with fuller tanks, fuller hearts, and a renewed vow to protect the oceans that inspire them. Happy Reefing Colorado!
For more from the frontlines, follow VNN’s coverage and stay tuned for our exclusive attendee spotlights.
Tony Gaston is a VNN staff writer covering Colorado’s vibrant subcultures, from craft breweries to coral kingdoms. Reach out to any of our editors on our Contact Us page.
