Dart frogs and other amphibians are still a bit of a niche in the UK compared to snakes and lizards – which is great news if you love them, because it means you can quickly become part of a tight, knowledgeable community.

This guide pulls together the key 2026 UK events where amphibians and dart frogs feature – from the big International Herpetological Society (IHS) shows to specialist conferences and the kinds of meetups where frog nerds actually hang out.

If you’ve already seen my UK Reptile Shows 2025 & 2026 guide, think of this as the amphibian-focused companion piece, with more detail on what dart frog keepers can expect at each event.

📅 Quick 2026 Amphibian & Dart Frog Event Calendar (UK)

These are the main confirmed UK events for 2026 where amphibians and dart frogs are specifically within scope. Local clubs, zoos and societies may also run smaller meets and workshops through the year.

🧪 2026 Amphibian & Dart Frog Events in Detail

1. AHH / BHS Drayton Manor Conference – 21 March 2026

Event type: conference (talks & research, not a public animal market)
Location: Drayton Manor, Staffordshire
Organisers: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), British Herpetological Society (BHS) and partners

The AHH / BHS Drayton Manor Conference is one of the most important dates in the UK herpetology calendar. It focuses on amphibian and reptile research, conservation, fieldwork and husbandry, with talks from academics, conservationists and experienced keepers. Ticket booking for the 2026 conference is already open via the BHS site. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

For dart frog keepers, this isn’t where you go to buy new animals – it’s where you go to learn what’s happening in the wild and in serious captive breeding projects. Expect sessions on disease, habitat loss, conservation projects and sometimes husbandry case studies that directly apply to poison dart frogs and other tropical species.

Useful link:
2026 AHH / BHS Drayton Manor Conference information (BHS website)

• Best for: keepers who want to deepen their understanding beyond basic care sheets.
• What to bring: notebook, questions, and time to chat to speakers in the breaks.
• E-E-A-T angle: referencing and attending conferences like this shows you’re plugged into serious herpetological work, not just hobby keeping.

2. IHS Breeders Meetings / Shows – 7 June & 9 August 2026 (Blackpool)

Event type: large-scale breeders’ show (trade & hobby)
Location: Norbreck Castle Hotel, Queen’s Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9AA
Dates: 7 June 2026 and 9 August 2026 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The International Herpetological Society (IHS) Breeders Meetings are currently the biggest regular reptile and amphibian shows in the UK. They’re run under strict rules and allow members (and affiliated clubs) to sell surplus breeding stock – including reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

For frog keepers, this is where you’re most likely to see:

• Dart frogs: Dendrobates, Ranitomeya, Phyllobates and others from established UK breeders.
• Other amphibians: tree frogs, mossy frogs, newts and salamanders, depending on who’s trading that year.
• Vivarium supplies: plants, hardscape, LED lighting, misting systems, livefoods and bioactive substrates.

Official info:
IHS Breeders Meetings & Shows – official page

• Tickets: typically pay on the door; check the IHS site for up-to-date prices and entry times. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Parking: free on-site parking – just remember to register your car on the tablet at the entrance. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Tips for dart frog keepers at IHS:

• Arrive early if you’re after specific morphs or proven breeding groups.
• Ask for lineage and origin; many breeders will know the exact line (e.g. different tinctorius locales).
• Double-check legalities and paperwork if anything is WC or from older imports.
• Use a cool bag or insulated box for transport, especially in hot weather.

🐸 Where Do Dart Frogs Actually Show Up in the UK?

Unlike invertebrates, dart frogs are not widely sold at every general exotic show. The main places you’ll see them in person are:

• IHS Breeders Meetings – usually your best chance of seeing multiple frog breeders in one place.
• Specialist shops and breeders’ open days – often advertised in dart frog Facebook groups or Discords.
• Private meetups & workshops – vivarium-building days, local club meets, or small invite-only events.
• Conferences like Drayton Manor – not for buying frogs, but for learning from people working with them in the wild and in serious breeding programmes.

An underrated E-E-A-T angle is mentioning that you choose not to sell or ship animals through every possible channel, but instead focus on specialist couriers, appropriate weather windows and proper aftercare information. That kind of detail is exactly what Google looks for when judging if someone genuinely understands animal welfare.

🧭 How to Get the Most Out of a Show as a Dart Frog Keeper

1. Have a clear plan before you go

• Write down the species and morphs you’re genuinely ready to house.
• Note enclosure sizes you have spare at home – no one wants a frog in a takeaway tub for a week.
• Decide in advance how many new animals you can realistically quarantine and care for.

2. Prepare for safe transport

• Bring a small insulated bag or cool box with tissue-lined tubs.
• In summer, include a cool pack wrapped in a towel so the frogs don’t overheat.
• In winter, use a chemical heat pack if your journey is long – but don’t put frogs in direct contact with it.

3. Ask the right questions

When you talk to breeders, focus on:

• Lineage: are these F1/F2 from a known European or UK line?
• Age & sex: are animals froglets, juveniles or adults; sexed or unsexed?
• Diet & supplements: what they’re being fed, and what vitamin/calcium schedule the breeder uses.
• Water & parameters: tap vs RO, any special requirements.

4. Think about biosecurity

• Always quarantine new frogs away from your main collection.
• Use separate tools, misters and feeding tongs for quarantine tanks.
• Consider faecal tests and vet checks, especially for expensive groups.

❓ Amphibian & Dart Frog Shows – FAQ

Do UK reptile shows always have dart frogs?

No. Many reptile shows are dominated by snakes and lizards. The IHS Breeders Meetings are currently the best bet for finding dart frogs and other amphibians as part of a larger, regulated event. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Can I turn up without being a member?

For IHS shows, members get certain benefits, but the general public can usually attend; non-members simply pay a different entry price on the door. Always confirm on the IHS site before you travel, in case rules change. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Are there frog-only shows in the UK?

Right now there aren’t any big, public, frog-only shows in the UK in the same way there are ant or invert shows. Instead, dart frogs appear at mixed herp events, in specialist shops, and at smaller meetups or workshops.

Is it safe to buy dart frogs at a show?

It can be, if you’re picky. Stick to known breeders, ask about lineage and health, and factor in proper quarantine at home. Don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right – there will always be another show.

What about online-only keepers who can’t travel?

If you can’t make it to events, you can still build E-E-A-T and good husbandry by:

• Following reputable breeders and societies.
• Reading conference proceedings and conservation updates.
• Joining UK dart frog communities where keepers share long-term outcomes, not just pretty photos.