Aquarium of the Pacific's 2023 Schedule of Events!

Looking for something fun to do in 2023? Look no further than the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California! Quite literally one of our family's favorite SoCal destinations. From cultural events to environmental programs, the Aquarium's upcoming event calendar is packed with happenings for both kids and adults.

These public events include the Festival of Human Abilities, First Wednesdays guest speaker series, Wetlands Restoration, African American Festival, Noche de Estrellas (Night of the Stars), Night Dive, and more.

Let's take a look at the Aquarium of the Pacific's 2023 schedule of events, so you can start planning your visit now!

Festival of Human Abilities

This event celebrates the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities and features a range of activities to showcase the incredible skills and accomplishments of our special guests.

This year’s festival includes wheelchair dance, live music performances, and art demonstrations. Visitors will have the chance to attend free classes led by individuals with disabilities, as well as learn about adaptive SCUBA diving from a certified instructor. In addition, sign language interpreters will be present at all major shows, and an audio tour and a visitor guide in Braille will be available for those who are visually impaired.

This event is sure to be an incredible experience that you won't want to miss! So make sure to reserve your spot today, and come on down to the Aquarium of the Pacific to celebrate the amazing abilities of all people!

Teen Science Cafe

Throughout 2023, the Aquarium will host five sessions with experts from the National Science Foundation-funded Antarctic Women in Science Project. Each session will focus on a different topic and the scientists will share their expertise.

The first session, taking place on January 19th, 2023 will feature Chi-Hing “Christina” Cheng who will discuss Adaptations for cold in polar fish. Skye Moret will take over the stage on February 16th to discuss Art, design, and environmental data. On March 16th, Erin Pettit will lead a discussion about Glacier and ice sheet dynamics, followed by Deneb Krentz on April 20th who will dive into Plankton ecology and ultraviolet photobiology. To end the series, Cassandra Brooks will discuss Marine science, policy, and science communication on May 18th.

Be sure to mark your calendars and come learn from these amazing scientists at the Aquarium of the Pacific's Teen Science Cafe in 2023!

Wetlands Restoration

Restoration takes place the first Saturday of each month: February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6, 2023, at Los Cerritos Wetlands Habitat Restoration, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific also hosts a series of events on the first Wednesday of each month. This series includes special guest speakers who come to the Aquarium to share their knowledge and experiences about the ocean and its inhabitants. Topics discussed at these events range from climate change and its effect on marine life, to local efforts to restore wetlands, to marine conservation and preservation. These events are free and open to the public. They are also a great opportunity to learn more about the ocean and how to help protect it.

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.

Tip: 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.

African American Festival

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-first annual African American Festival on Saturday and Sunday, February 25-26, 2023. This event features music, dance, storytelling, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony.

The festival includes a wide variety of activities to celebrate African American culture and heritage. Live performances by renowned local musicians and dancers will take place throughout the day. Cultural experts will tell stories and provide historical context to enlighten attendees.

Visitors can also view an array of African American-related artifacts and memorabilia at the festival. The Aquarium will announce and celebrate the recipients of its 2023 African American Scholar Program, which recognizes young people for their achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

At the end of each day, visitors can join in a joyful procession to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show. This vibrant celebration is sure to be a memorable experience for all who attend!

Noche de Estrellas (Night of the Stars)

The Aquarium of the Pacific is inviting everyone to join in their Noche de Estrellas (Night of the Stars) event on Friday, March 10th, 2023. The aquarium will remain open until 10:30 PM so you can enjoy a night of live Latin music, dancing, food, and more.

At Noche de Estrellas, guests can enjoy music from cumbia, rock en Español, salsa, and other Latin rhythms. There will be live bands and DJs, as well as booths by participating organizations and educational programming in English and Spanish. Food, coffee, beer, and drinks will be available for purchase. During the event, guests can explore the aquarium and get up close with over 12,000 animals, including 150 sharks that they can touch!

Admission to the event is $24.95 per person and free for kids under three years old and Aquarium members (food and drinks sold separately). Make sure to join us at the Aquarium of the Pacific located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Don’t miss out on this special night of Latin rhythms and fun!

Night Dive

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Aquarium of the Pacific's Night Dive event! On Friday, March 17, 2023 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., experience an adults-only night filled with music, art, food, drinks, and more. Grab a bite from one of our food trucks, visit the cash bar for some refreshments, and explore our galleries with live DJs. End the night with a live band performance on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance for this unforgettable evening. Join us for a night of fun and festivities!

$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

First Wednesdays

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays events are a perfect way to get your month off to an exciting start! Every first Wednesday of the month, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts expert speakers, book signings, and more in its theatre. This unique program is great for high school and college students as well as adults of all ages who want to learn more about the amazing animals and ecosystems that call the Pacific home.

The First Wednesday events include illustrated talks from a visiting experts, such as a scientists, author, or conservationists. The speakers discuss fascinating topics such as climate change, ocean health, wildlife conservation, and more. After the presentation, attendees have the chance to meet the speaker and have their books signed, ask questions, and take photos.

In addition to the talks and book signings, First Wednesdays also feature cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. You can relax, mingle, and enjoy snacks and beverages while listening to live music. It’s a great way to kick off the week and connect with other like-minded individuals who care about conserving the planet’s precious resources.

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your Wednesday night, look no further than the Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays events! It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the world around us and meet people passionate about making it a better place.

$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

Earth Day Festival presented by the Aquarium’s Teen Climate Council

Check out the upcycled fashion show featuring Aquarium Teen Climate Council members and their designs. Learn about various sustainable fashion initiatives with different booths from fashion companies, researchers, and more!

Join us for a panel discussion on environmental fashion with Aquarium Teen Climate Council members and other guest speakers.

The Aquarium of the Pacific's Earth Day Festival presented by the Teen Climate Council is a great opportunity to learn about our planet, sustainability, and fashion all in one place! Join us on April 22, 2023, to celebrate Earth Day and explore ways we can help protect our environment.

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