Aquarium of the Pacific January-May 2023 highlighted events

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Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruise
Ongoing, Weekdays
12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The waters off the coast of Long Beach are home to one of the largest and most diverse assemblages of whales. Join an Aquarium of the Pacific educator aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises in search of dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, whales, and other animals. The cruise lasts approximately two to two and a half hours. All cruises are weather dependent.

Where: Cruise departs from dock on Rainbow Harbor, adjacent to the Aquarium
Price: Includes Aquarium admission: $58.95 per adult (ages 12+), $44.95 per child (3-11), and $54.95 per senior (62+). Discounted price available for Aquarium members.
Aquarium Info: (562) 590-3100 or https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/education/info/whale_watching_and_dolphin_cruise
 
Los Cerritos Wetlands Habitat Restoration
First Saturday of each month: February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6, 2023
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a habitat restoration event at the Los Cerritos Wetlands on the first Saturday of every month. This provides an opportunity to visit and learn about local wetlands while joining the Aquarium and the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority in helping to restore this important habitat. The restoration focuses on non-native weed removal and rare native plant conservation in a habitat essential for local wildlife and endangered species. The restoration itself is accessible to all. Restoration work may include traveling on trails made of dirt or mulch, watering, weeding, or planting. These events will be led by trained naturalists and local educators. Participants are eligible to win a free ticket to the Aquarium and other prizes. 

Where: Participants will be met and greeted by restoration staff at the corner of Pacific Coast Hwy and 1st Street in Seal Beach. Arriving around 10:15 a.m. is recommended.
Age: All ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Free. No registration required.
Please Bring: The wetlands are wildlands, so please dress accordingly. Closed-toe shoes are required. Hat and sunscreen are recommended. Drinking water will be provided, but this is a single-use plastic-free event. Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Aquarium Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/los_cerritos_wetlands_habitat_restoration/
Please visit the event webpage for safety protocol information.

Teen Science Café
Thursdays, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, and May 18, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Teen Science Café continues its series associated with the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Women in Science Project. High school and middle school students are invited to learn from these scientists working in Antarctica. 

Topics: 1/19/23 Chi-Hing “Christina” Cheng – Adaptations for cold in polar fish; 2/16/23 Skye Moret – Art, design, and environmental data; 3/16/23 Erin Pettit – Glacier and ice sheet dynamics; 4/20/23 Deneb Krentz – plankton ecology and ultraviolet photobiology; and 5/18/23 Cassandra Brooks – Marine science, policy, science communication
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Free with RSVP 
Ages: 13-19
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/teen_science_cafe/
 
Underwater Parks Day
Saturday, January 21, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Just like there are parks on land, there are also parks underwater. California’s network of underwater parks are important spaces for promoting animal conservation and biodiversity. Learn more about Southern California’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through films, educational booths, and activities in the Aquarium’s Great Hall in celebration of Underwater Parks Day. Guests will be able to learn about the commercial and recreational activities permitted and ways to explore these ocean places. 

Cost: General Admission: $36.95 adult (12+), $33.95 senior (62+), $26.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members / Advance reservations required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
 
What Am I Supposed To Eat? The Don’t Panic Pantry Cookbook
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Food is confusing, complex, and highly personal. Everyone is invited to see chef and author Noah Galuten, comedian Iliza Shlesinger, and environmentalist and Aquarium of the Pacific president Dr. Peter Kareiva in conversation about a more straightforward way to approach food, nutrition, sustainability, pleasure and shame. Chef Galuten will discuss his ideas on how food can be made joyful, delicious, and good for the planet and your health. The conversation with audience Q&A will be followed by a cocktail/social hour, music, and a book signing of The Don’t Panic Pantry Cookbook in the Aquarium’s Pacific Visions art gallery.

Where: Aquarium of the Pacific’s Honda Pacific Visions Theater, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802  
Cost: 15.00 per ticket / $10.00 per Aquarium member ticket. Cash bar. Please visit the Aquarium of the Pacific website for tickets. Advance reservations required.
Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/what_am_i_supposed_to_eat/
 
Festival of Human Abilities
Saturday and Sunday, January 28 and 29, 2023
9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes guests to its twentieth annual Festival of Human Abilities, which celebrates the creative talents of people with disabilities. All attendees will be able to experience live performances and workshops by dancers, musicians, and artists who have learned unique adaptive skills to hone their craft. This festival will include sign language interpreters, and the Aquarium will have visitor guides in Braille and audio tours available for guests. 

Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/festival_of_human_abilities/

First Wednesdays
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Topic: Sea Otters

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students and adults of all ages.  

Cost: $5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door. Cash bar. / Advance reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org 
 
Valentine’s Day Dinner 
February 14, 2023
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Dive into Valentine’s Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific this year for an exclusive experience. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind date night with dinner and a movie, surrounded by over 12,000 animals. Bask in the sunset, overlooking the harbor during the cocktail hour before finding your seats in the Ocean Theater for a special showing of La La Land. Your evening will continue at your private table with a chef-crafted duo entrée offering. Tickets to this event will include admission for the entire day to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Reservations are required and limited.  

Cost: $109 per guest for regular admission or $129 per guest for VIP admission (no children’s pricing), limited VIP seating available. Cash bar at the Veranda from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
 
Night Dive
Friday, February 17, 2023
7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Kick the holiday weekend off at the first Night Dive of the year. This adults-only event features food trucks, cash bars, DJs throughout the Aquarium galleries, art, and a live band performing on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. The Aquarium recommends early advance ticket purchase as Night Dive tends to sell out.

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 
Cost: $29.95 per person / $24.95 per Aquarium Member – Advance reservations required
Food and drink sold separately.
Ages: 18+. Alcohol will only be available for purchase to those 21 and over who have valid ID.
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/night_dive/
 
African American Festival 
Saturday and Sunday, February 25-26, 2023
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-first annual African American Festival. The event features music, dance, storytelling, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. The Aquarium will also announce and celebrate the recipients of its 2023 African American Scholar Program.

Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required 
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org  
 
First Wednesdays
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students and adults of all ages.  

Cost: $5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door. Cash bar. / Advance reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org  

Noche de Estrellas
Friday, March 10, 2023
6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Live Latin Music, Dancing, Food & More 

Party with the sea stars at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Noche de Estrellas (Night of the Stars) event. The Aquarium will remain open until 10:30 p.m., so you can dance under the sea stars to the sounds of cumbia, rock en Español, salsa, and other Latin rhythms. Noche de Estrellas will feature live bands, DJs, booths by participating organizations, and educational programming in English and Spanish. Food, coffee, beers, and drinks will be available for purchase. Guests can journey through the Pacific Ocean to meet over 12,000 animals, including more than 150 sharks they can touch. 

Cost: $24.95 per person and free for kids under age three and Aquarium members (food and drinks sold separately)
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org

Autism Families Night
Sunday, March 12, 2023
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Spend a special evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific exclusively for families with adults or children with autism. The Aquarium will be open until 9:00 p.m. On this evening, guests can enjoy the tranquility of the Aquarium’s exhibits and meet 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean. 

Cost: $12 per person, exclusively for families with adults or children with autism, and free for Aquarium members and children under age three
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org

Night Dive
Friday, March 17, 2023
7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

You can don your favorite shade of green for a St. Patrick’s Day themed Night Dive. This adults-only event features food trucks, cash bars, DJs throughout the Aquarium’s galleries, art, and a live band performing on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. Advance ticket purchase required.

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way
Cost: $29.95 per person / $24.95 per Aquarium member – Advanced ticket required (Event often sells out, and tickets are available on a first-serve basis)
Food and drink sold separately
Ages: 18+. Alcohol will only be available for purchase to those 21 and over who have valid ID.
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/night_dive/

International Children’s Festival
Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19, 2023
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s twentieth annual International Children’s Festival is a special festival for kids. Celebrating the amazing talents of children of many cultures, this festival features cultural presentations and performances by children. The Aquarium will also honor a local youth with its annual Young Hero Award in recognition of the student’s efforts to make our planet a better place. 

Cost: Included with general admission: $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required 
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
 
First Wednesdays
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Topic: Frogs/Amphibians

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students and adults of all ages.  

Cost: $5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door. Cash bar. / Advance reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org  

Earth Day Festival presented by the Aquarium’s Teen Climate Council 
Saturday, April 22, 2023
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific Teen Climate Council is taking over Earth Day with the Teen Climate Fest: Earth Day Edition! Aiming to engage attendees in sustainability and climate action through sustainable fashion, the event will feature an upcycled fashion show, fashion company and teen researcher booths, and a panel discussing environmentally-friendly fashion. This Aquarium twenty-second annual Earth Day event aims to celebrate our ocean planet while exploring ways to minimize our carbon footprint.

Cost: Included with general admission: $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required 
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
 
Scout Day
Sunday, April 30, 2023
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Scouts, with their family and friends, are invited to the Aquarium on April 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at a special price. With many animals to discover and learn about, the Aquarium has self-led activity sheets, available online to download and print, for Scouts to complete for badge requirements. 

Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost:  Special Scout Pricing: $24.95 per adult (ages 12+), $19.95 per child (ages 3-11), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
 
First Wednesdays
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Topic: Giant Sea Bass

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high school and college students and adults of all ages.  

Cost: $5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door. Cash bar. / Advance reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org
 
Night Dive
Friday, May 5, 2023
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Night Dive returns in May on Cinco de Mayo. This adults-only event features food trucks, cash bars, DJs throughout the Aquarium galleries, art, and a live band performing on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. The Aquarium recommends early advance ticket purchase as Night Dive tends to sell out.

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 
Cost: $29.95 per person / $24.95 per Aquarium Member – Advance reservations required
Food and drink sold separately.
Ages: 18+. Alcohol will only be available for purchase to those 21 and over who have valid ID.
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/night_dive/

Public Opening – SAVE THE DATE
Starts May 26, 2023, and then ongoing (celebration through April 2024 / permanent new exhibits)
Celebrate the Aquarium of the Pacific’s twenty-fifth anniversary as you explore new exhibits and meet new animals.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
 
**Please note: prices, events, and safety protocols are subject to change. Please visit aquariumofpacific.org for the latest information.