Richard Dreyfuss (Left) in “Jaws” (1975). Dreyfuss appears at SharkCon in Tampa, Florida, on July 12 and 13, 2025. Credit: Universal Pictures

Fans of all things sharks can get photos with a 45-foot inflatable Megalodon, a 27-foot shark slide and a 5-foot-5 Richard Dreyfuss in Tampa next month.

Dreyfuss and “Jaws” film franchise castmates join scientists and conservationists for SharkCon in Tampa next month, presented by National Geographic.

SharkFest started in 2008, providing educational conferences around the world. SharkCon, its Tampa convention, has over 150 vendors and exhibits this year including Tampa Bay Watch and 98.7-FM The Shark.

Among speakers from National Geographic and “Shark Week” are scientists like Dr. Stephen Godfrey, a Paleontologist from Quebec whose work has been featured around the globe, including Animal Kingdom and Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure.

Tampa Bay Watch, Florida Fish and Wildlife and other community groups will also have educational booths.

The event also includes family-friendly activities like touch tanks, a rescue exhibit and a treasure map hunt with prizes.

What’s scarier than sharks? Inflation. Tickets for this convention have nearly doubled for children from $4.95 in 2021 to $7.31 this year. But it’s still a comparably low-cost event with tickets under $25 and family bundles available. There are VIP packages if you’re bougie.

Tickets start at $8 for SharkFest happening Saturday-Sunday, July 12-13 at Tampa’s The Florida State Fairgrounds.
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