Special Events

February


Shark Days

Shark Days

Feb. 11-12 (Sat.-Sun.)
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Free with Aquarium admission
This fun-filled weekend features shark and bat ray feedings, stories from our staff about sharks behind the scenes, and special programs and activities. "Sherman's Lagoon" creator Jim Toomey will join us for a demonstration and book signing.
Learn more

Member Night Dinner

Member Night Dinner

Feb. 18 (Sat.)
6 p.m.
Fee & reservations required
Join us for a delicious and sustainable dinner inspired by Chef Cindy Pawlcyn, our culinary partner. Her farm-to-table menus incorporate the finest local, organic and sustainable ingredients including seafood exclusively from our Seafood Watch “Best Choices” list. $36 for adults; $15 for children under 12 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations available beginning at 6 p.m. Call (831) 648-4870.
Not a member? Join now online.

Member Night—Sharks

Member Night—Sharks

Feb. 18 (Sat.)
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Member event
Explore the mysterious world of sharks and rays during quieter hours when we're open just for members and guests. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now online.

March


Member Preview—The Jellies Experience

Member Preview—The Jellies Experience

March 30 (Fri.)
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Member event
Be one of the first to see our new special exhibition, "The Jellies Experience." This magical exhibit will feature three amazing galleries showcasing species like elegant jellies, and past favorites like blubber jellies, Mediterranean jellies and crystal jellies Free for members; registration not required. Guest cards honored. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now online.

April


Dia del Nino

Dia del Nino

April 22 (Sun.)
Free with Aquarium admission
Celebrate children and families with live Latin performances, bilingual feeding shows, a craft room, prize drawings and more. Children 12 and under admitted free all day.

Member Night Dinner

Member Night Dinner

April 28 (Sat.)
6 p.m.
Fee & reservations required
Join us for a delicious and sustainable dinner inspired by Chef Cindy Pawlcyn, our culinary partner. Her farm-to-table menus incorporate the finest local, organic and sustainable ingredients including seafood exclusively from our Seafood Watch "Best Choices" list. $36 for adults; $15 for children under 12 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations available beginning at 6 p.m. Call (831) 648-4870.
Not a member? Join now online.

Member Night—"The Jellies Experience"

Member Night—"The Jellies Experience"

April 28 (Sat.)
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Member event
Did you miss the Member preview of our new special exhibition, "The Jellies Experience?" Not a problem! Come explore our new galleries and take part in special programs during quieter hours when we're open for members and guests. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now online.

May


Cooking for Solutions

Cooking for Solutions

May 18-20 (Fri.-Sun.)
Fee & reservations required
Tickets Now on Sale for Members
Enjoy three days of remarkable culinary experiences with some of the finest chefs in North America. From our fabulous Friday Gala to small-group Food and Wine Adventures and the exciting Sustainable Seafood Challenge you'll have a weekend of fun opportunities to enjoy great chefs, fine food and wine, and to discover ways to save the oceans—one meal at a time.
Learn more

Not a member? Join now online.

June


World Oceans Day Celebration

World Oceans Day Celebration

June 9-10 (Sat.-Sun.)
Free with Aquarium admission
Join in for a celebration of the amazing ecosystem that covers 70 percent of our planet. You’ll learn about the treasures of the ocean, the threats it faces and what we can do to keep it healthy.
Learn more

Evenings by the Bay

Evenings by the Bay


Free with Aquarium admission
Spend Evenings by the Bay with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays all summer. This gives you a few more hours to commune with your favorite animals, enjoy special programs and live music.

July


Evenings by the Bay

Evenings by the Bay


Free with Aquarium admission
Spend Evenings by the Bay with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays all summer. This gives you a few more hours to commune with your favorite animals, enjoy special programs and live music.

Member Night—Picnic by the Bay

Member Night—Picnic by the Bay

July 19 (Thurs.)
7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Member event
Join us for this popular evening when you can picnic on our oceanfront decks or in front of your favorite exhibit. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, or purchase them in the Aquarium. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now.

August


Evenings by the Bay

Evenings by the Bay


Free with Aquarium admission
Spend Evenings by the Bay with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays all summer. This gives you a few more hours to commune with your favorite animals, enjoy special programs and live music.

Member Night

Member Night

Aug. 31 (Fri.)
7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Member event
Help us celebrate the end of another fantastic summer this Labor Day weekend. Take part in special programs or explore our exhibits during quieter hours when we’re open just for members and guests. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now.

September


Evenings by the Bay

Evenings by the Bay


Free with Aquarium admission
Spend Evenings by the Bay with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays all summer. This gives you a few more hours to commune with your favorite animals, enjoy special programs and live music.

Fiesta del Mar

Fiesta del Mar

Sept. 9 (Sun.)
Free with Aquarium admission
Celebrate ocean conservation and Latin American cultural traditions. The day includes live music, cultural dance, bilingual feeding shows, crafts for kids and more. Children 12 and under admitted free all day.

October


Halloween at the Aquarium

Halloween at the Aquarium

Oct. 27 (Sat.)
7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Member event
Put on your costume and join the skeletons and sea stars, black cats and bat rays for an evening of haunted activities and ghostly good times. Kids of all ages love this event featuring face painters, strolling magicians and stilt walkers. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now online.

November


Member Night—Nocturnal November

Member Night—Nocturnal November

Nov. 10 (Sat.)
6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Member event
Ever wonder what bioluminescence is and which animals produce it? Take part in special programs or explore our exhibits showcasing some of these unique animals. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now online.

December


Member Night—Holiday Event and Sale

Member Night—Holiday Event and Sale

Dec. 7 (Fri.)
7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Member event
Help us kick off the holidays with a special Member Night featuring our Gift & Bookstores! Shop for unique holiday gifts and enjoy local wines while strolling through the Aquarium at its festive best. Member Nights are free for members and guest cards are honored. Registration not required. Please enter through the Main Entrance.
Not a member? Join now online.

Community Day

Community Day

Dec. 9 (Sun.)
Local conservation and environmental organizations share their contributions with residents and provide opportunities to get involved on December 9. Free admission to Monterey County residents December 1-9. Please bring current identification. This can include identification from California State University Monterey Bay, Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College and the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Sleepovers
Adventures & Tours
Behind-the-scenes tours and Sleepovers are just a few of the special adventures we offer. There's something for everyone, so join the fun and take your Aquarium visit to a whole new level.
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Membership Office
  • Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., M–F
  • Tel: (800) 840-4880
    (831) 648-4880
  • Fax: (831) 644-7554
  • E-mail Membership
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