Last updated: June 2026. From tarantulas to isopods, mantids to millipedes, beetles, ants and bioactive clean-up crews, the UK’s invertebrate fairs and bug shows are where the hobby comes together. Whether you are a seasoned invert keeper, a dart frog keeper looking for springtails and isopods, or a family looking for a fascinating day out, these shows are one of the best ways to see rare species, meet breeders, find specialist supplies and learn from people who really know their stuff.

Below you’ll find an updated 2026 UK invertebrate show calendar, including tarantula exhibitions, invert fairs, ant shows, entomology events and newer bug-focused expos. We’ve also included visitor tips, what to expect, and useful internal links for bioactive keepers.

UK Invertebrate Show Calendar 2026

Please double-check the official event page before travelling, as venues, ticket links and times can occasionally change.

New and Notable for 2026

Bug eXpo / Sussex Bug Expo 2026

One of the most interesting additions for 2026 is Bug eXpo, also promoted as Sussex Bug Expo, taking place at The Holbrook Club in Horsham, West Sussex on Sunday 28 June 2026. This looks like a proper bug-focused event with exhibitors, live handling, talks and a family-friendly approach, making it especially useful for newcomers as well as experienced invert keepers.

It is also a good example of where the invert hobby seems to be heading: more educational, more public-facing and more connected with the wider world of bioactive keeping, exotic plants and naturalistic enclosures.

British Tarantula Society Exhibition 2026

The British Tarantula Society Exhibition remains one of the biggest and most important invertebrate events in the UK. The 2026 show is listed for Sunday 17 May 2026 at the Warwickshire Event Centre. Expect a very strong tarantula focus, but also plenty of other invertebrates, dry goods, enclosures, specialist feeders and experienced keepers.

If you are serious about tarantulas, true spiders, scorpions or arachnids in general, this is one of the key dates to put in your calendar.

Invert Shows UK Events

The Invert Shows UK calendar is also looking strong for 2026, with events including the Northern Invertebrate Show, Western Invertebrate Show, Scottish Invertebrate Show, Eastern Invertebrate Show, Central Invertebrate Show and Southern Invertebrate Show. These events are useful because they bring together a broad mix of tarantula keepers, isopod breeders, millipede keepers, mantis keepers, feeder suppliers and enclosure makers.

What Will You Find at a UK Invertebrate Show?

Every show is different, but most UK invert fairs include a mix of live animals, dry goods, specialist equipment and educational stands. You are likely to see:

• Tarantulas, slings, true spiders and scorpions
• Isopods, millipedes, beetles, roaches, mantids and stick insects
• Ant colonies, queens, formicaria and outworlds at ant-focused events
• Springtails, feeder insects and clean-up crew cultures
• Terrarium, vivarium and display enclosures
• Cork bark, leaf litter, hides, décor and substrate ingredients
• Books, preserved specimens and entomology supplies
• Exotic plants, moss, bioactive supplies and naturalistic enclosure materials

For dart frog and bioactive vivarium keepers, these shows can be especially useful for finding microfauna, tropical white woodlice, vivarium plants, cork, leaf litter and unusual display ideas. Even if you do not keep tarantulas or insects as pets, invert shows are a brilliant place to understand the wider bioactive ecosystem.

Why Invertebrate Shows Matter for Bioactive Vivarium Keepers

A healthy bioactive vivarium is not just about the frogs. The tiny life in the substrate matters too. Springtails, isopods, woodlice and other microfauna help break down waste, process leaf litter, reduce mould and keep the enclosure more stable.

If you keep dart frogs, tree frogs, geckos or planted tropical vivariums, an invert show can be a great place to learn more about the animals doing the hidden work inside your enclosure. You can also read our guide to isopods and springtails as clean-up crew, or browse our live microfauna and clean-up crew products.

Best UK Invertebrate Shows for Different Keepers

Best for tarantula keepers

The British Tarantula Society Exhibition is still the big one. It is the most obvious choice if you are looking for tarantulas, slings, specialist arachnid supplies and experienced tarantula breeders.

Best for general invert keepers

The Northern, Western, Eastern, Central, Scottish and Southern Invertebrate Shows are good all-rounders. These are usually a solid choice if you are interested in a broad mix of spiders, isopods, millipedes, beetles, mantids, roaches and enclosure supplies.

Best for ant keepers

Look out for The Great Ant Exhibition and Ant Show UK. These are much more focused on colonies, queens, formicaria, ant food and specialist ant keeping equipment.

Best for families and beginners

Bug eXpo / Sussex Bug Expo and Bournemouth Bug Show look particularly useful for curious beginners, families and anyone who wants an educational bug-focused day rather than a purely sales-led event.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Check the official event page before travelling. Dates, venues and entry times can change.
2. Bring cash as well as a card. Many traders now take card, but cash is still useful.
3. Arrive early for rare species. The unusual animals and best-priced setups often go quickly.
4. Research before you buy. Do not impulse-buy an animal you cannot house correctly.
5. Take suitable transport tubs. If buying livestock, make sure it can travel safely and securely.
6. Think about temperature. Avoid leaving animals in hot cars or cold bags while you browse.
7. Ask questions. Good breeders will usually be happy to talk about housing, feeding and long-term care.
8. Keep biosecurity in mind. Wash hands, avoid cross-contamination, and quarantine new animals or cultures where appropriate.

Can Dart Frog Keepers Benefit from Invert Shows?

Absolutely. Even though many invert shows are heavily focused on spiders and insects, they are still useful for dart frog and bioactive vivarium keepers. You may find springtails, isopods, woodlice, leaf litter, cork bark, feeder insects, plants, tubs, vents and display enclosures.

If you are building a tropical vivarium, you might also find inspiration in the way invert keepers use ventilation, microclimates, moisture gradients and natural hides. For more frog-focused setup advice, see our bioactive substrate layer guide, our vivarium background comparison, and our tropical moss growing guide.

Useful Frogfather Links for Invert and Bioactive Keepers

• Live microfauna and clean-up crew
• Tropical white woodlice
• Paint-on tropical moss starter
• Vivarium plants
• Bioactive vivariums
• Isopods and springtails clean-up crew guide
• UK reptile shows 2025/2026 guide

FAQ: UK Invertebrate Shows 2026

Do I need tickets in advance?

It depends on the show. Some events sell online tickets, while others also allow pay-on-the-door entry. For larger events, it is usually worth booking ahead or at least checking the official ticket page before travelling.

Can I buy live invertebrates at these shows?

Yes, many UK invert shows have live animals for sale, including tarantulas, scorpions, isopods, millipedes, beetles, mantids, roaches and ants. Availability depends on the traders attending and the time of year.

Are invertebrate shows suitable for children?

Many are family-friendly, especially bug expos and educational shows. However, some events can be busy and livestock-focused, so children should be supervised and told not to tap containers or handle animals unless invited by an exhibitor.

Are invertebrate shows useful for bioactive vivarium supplies?

Yes. Even if you are not buying insects or spiders, invert shows can be excellent for isopods, springtails, cork bark, leaf litter, enclosure décor, tubs, vents, substrates and specialist advice.

Can I take animals I already own to a show?

Usually, visitors should not bring their own animals unless the event specifically allows it. Bringing animals into a crowded show can create stress, escape risk and biosecurity issues.