Georgia Aquarium’s 2026 Event Calendar

2026 at Georgia Aquarium: One Incredible Year of Events

Get ready for a year packed with unforgettable moments at Georgia Aquarium. Our 2026 event calendar features elevated adults-only experiences, refreshed after-hours parties, and fan-favorite seasonal events. Each is designed to offer new ways to connect and explore the Aquarium like never before. Whether you’re planning a night out, family adventure, or holiday celebration, something exciting is always waiting beneath the surface.


Seasonal Activations

Glow Nights – Summer 2026

Summer comes alive with Glow Nights and our bioluminescence exhibit. Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening event that highlights the dazzling bioluminescence of marine life, including corals and jellies. Through blacklight theatrics and glowing décor, the Aquarium transforms into an immersive, glowing wonderland for all ages. Guests become part of the experience with interactive elements like glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos, audience participation, and live performances.

Glow Nights pairs perfectly with the bioluminescence exhibit, where guests can experience bioluminescence in action as animals light up in response to motion, sound, and air. Access included with Aqua Pass.

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Haunted Seas – Fall 2026

Get ready for spooky fun all October with Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium. This seasonal Halloween celebration features costumed characters, trick-or-treating throughout the Aquarium, themed animal presentations, and plenty of festive surprises. It’s the perfect way for families to celebrate the season and get into the spooky spirit together. Access included with Aqua Pass.

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Holidays at Georgia Aquarium – Winter 2026

From November through January, celebrate the season with Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. Stroll through festive holiday lights, gather for a daily tree lighting, and snap a photo with Santa himself. It’s a magical time to visit, filled with seasonal cheer and unforgettable moments for the whole family. Access included with Aqua Pass.


Adults Only Events

Sips Under the Sea: Valentine’s Day
February 13, 2026

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an adults-only night at Georgia Aquarium during Sips Under the Sea: Valentine’s Day. On Friday, February 13, 2026, from 7–10 p.m., enjoy specialty cocktails, themed bites, and live entertainment inspired by the season of love—all set against the stunning after-hours backdrop of the Aquarium. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or planning a fun night out with friends, it’s a memorable way to toast the occasion.

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Glow Nights After Hours
August 7, 2026

Experience Glow Nights after hours during this adults-only evening at Georgia Aquarium. On Friday, June 5, June 10, and August 7, 2026, from 7–10 p.m., explore the Aquarium during a glowing, immersive night featuring bioluminescent-inspired lighting, themed cocktails, and live entertainment. As part of the summer Glow Nights experience, this event offers a vibrant nightlife twist on our summer celebration.

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Haunted Seas After Hours
October 16 & 30, 2026

Celebrate Halloween after hours with this adults-only edition of Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium. On Friday, October 16, and October 30, 2026, from 7:30–10:30 p.m., enjoy spooky-themed cocktails, live entertainment, and an immersive Halloween atmosphere throughout the Aquarium. As part of our seasonal Haunted Seas experience, this experience delivers a thrilling, grown-up take on a fan-favorite fall tradition.

Get October 16 Tickets

Get October 30 Tickets

 

WinterTide After Hours
November 20 & December 18, 2026

Celebrate the season after hours with this adults-only edition of Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. On Friday, November 20 and Friday, December 18, 2026, from 7–10 p.m., enjoy festive-themed cocktails, live entertainment, and a holiday atmosphere throughout the Aquarium. As part of our seasonal Holidays at Georgia Aquarium experience, this event is the perfect way to enjoy the magic of the season without the kids.


Fundraising Events

Georgia Aquarium’s 5k Race – March 7, 2026

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join Georgia Aquarium’s 5K Walk/Run, returning for its ninth exciting year! This Peachtree Qualifier 3.1-mile course takes participants on a quick “out and back” journey through some of downtown Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks. Open to individuals aged eight and up, it’s perfect for runners, joggers, and walkers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re tackling your first 5K, training for the Peachtree Road Race, or just looking to stay active, every step you take supports aquatic animal conservation – plus, with our virtual option, you can participate from anywhere and make an impact for the ocean, even from your own neighborhood. Every stride helps fund Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts locally and globally.

Registration Is Now Open

 

Aqua Vino – September 18, 2026

Indulge in an evening of fine wine and culinary delights at Aqua Vino, Georgia Aquarium’s premier annual food and wine fundraiser. On Friday, September 18, 2026, from 7–10:30pm, enjoy expertly curated wine pairings, gourmet food stations, and a silent auction, all while exploring the Aquarium after hours. Guests will also have the opportunity to mingle with Aquarium experts and experience the exhibits in a whole new way. Proceeds from Aqua Vino directly support Georgia Aquarium’s ocean research, rescue, and conservation efforts.

Get Tickets

New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2026

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Georgia Aquarium’s exclusive VIP after-hours event. On Thursday, December 31, 2026, enjoy access to the galleries, a live DJ and dance floor, gourmet cuisine by Wolfgang Puck Catering, and a premium open bar. Ring in the midnight countdown surrounded by stunning aquatic views, all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from this event benefit Georgia Aquarium’s ocean research, rescue, and conservation programs.


Plan Your Visit

Georgia Aquarium’s 2026 calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences for every season. From the dazzling Glow Nights bioluminescence exhibit to the spooky Haunted Seas, festive family-friendly holiday celebrations, and adults-only parties, there’s something new to explore and enjoy all year long. Signature fundraising events, such as Aqua Vino and our New Year’s Eve celebration, also provide guests with the opportunity to support vital ocean research, rescue, and conservation efforts while enjoying an exceptional night out.

Don’t forget to snag your Aqua Pass to enjoy unlimited* visits throughout 2026 (blackout dates apply), with access to general seating for dolphin and sea lion presentations and the seasonal activations above—all while helping support ocean conservation. For details, dates, and tickets, visit our official Events Calendar.

Plan your year of adventure with Georgia Aquarium!

Celebrate World Ocean Day at Georgia Aquarium

By Harlee Goldermann, Guest Programs Team Specialist

Have you heard June 8th is World Ocean Day? World Ocean Day is a United Nations-recognized day to raise awareness, help create policy, and inform the public of the importance of our ocean and what we can do to help protect it!

Did you know that the ocean covers 70% of the planet and contributes 50% of the oxygen we breathe? Our ocean also protects us by absorbing nearly 30% of carbon dioxide created by humans, reducing the impacts of global climate change. The ocean contains most of the earth’s biodiversity, with many of the species found on our coral reefs. Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but account for 25% of all known ocean life. Unfortunately, many of the species that diversify our ocean and reefs are depleted. Many of these negative impacts are caused directly by humans. Overfishing, plastic pollution, and chemical runoff are hurting the ocean – furthering the importance of protecting our ocean ecosystem. All of this has led many to campaign for a global ocean protection effort. This effort is one of the many reasons why World Ocean Day came to fruition!

World Ocean Day at Georgia Aquarium

We are committed to conservation efforts that not only aim to restore coral reefs that contribute so much to the ocean’s biodiversity but also fish populations and other animals to help restore order to our ocean ecosystems. One of the ways we are doing that is by partnering with conservation institutions around the globe. Georgia Aquarium is a founding partner of the StAR Project. This project brings facilities around the world together to help replenish zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) populations in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. These waters have been protected since 2004. However, zebra sharks have been functionally extinct from this area for so long that the young people of that region no longer have a common name for them in their language. Georgia Aquarium is one of 76 partners and 15 countries involved with the project. Read more about this project at https://www.reshark.org/project-star

Wold Ocean Day Over the Years

World Ocean Day was first proposed in 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. In December of 2008, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized and established June 8th as World Ocean Day. Over the years, thousands have participated in global World Ocean Day events and pledged to help with their latest campaign #30×30. This is an effort to protect 30% of our planet by 2030. Currently, less than 17% of our lands and only 8% of our oceans worldwide are protected. Protecting our ocean is vital as we have reached a point where we are taking more than what can be replenished.

Help our ocean this World Ocean Day, too! Come visit us at Georgia Aquarium on June 8th for World Ocean Day. Enjoy festivities for the whole family and learn more. The proceeds from your visit will go towards helping us care for our animals and our conservation efforts protecting animals around the world, including our work with the StAR Project. We cannot wait to see you there! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit georgiaaquarium.org.

Published on May 24, 2023.