Featured Events ~ Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Meet Virginia Beach Police K-9 Officer Chewie

Friday, August 23, 2019 10:00 AM

Come meet Virginia Beach Police Department Officer Chris Tull and his very special partner, Chewie! Meet them outside the Cats and Dogs exhibit and learn about what they do as members of the Virginia Beach K-9 Police.

VBPD K-9 Chewie is a chocolate labrador retriever trained to locate explosive odors. He has worked as a police dog for approximately 7 years protecting the citizens of Virginia Beach and the entire surrounding Hampton Roads. Prior to becoming a police K-9, he was a military working dog that completed 2 tours in Afghanistan serving in Operation Enduring Freedom for the United States Marine Corps. He is a decorated veteran with confirmed IED finds.

SOLD OUT: Adult Overnight

Saturday, August 24, 2019 8:00 PM

**This event is SOLD OUT**

Experience the Aquarium after dark at this year's Adult Overnight! Participate in exclusive experiences, play games, and even get a look behind the scenes. Find a new fish best friend. Then, snuggle up with your favorite animals when the lights go down. This event is perfect for singles, couples, friends, or small groups. Participants must be 21 or older. Get tickets here for this special overnight event!

Craft Brews Cruise

Friday, September 13, 2019 7:00 PM

Enjoy a sunset over the water as you indulge in some of the area's best craft beers presented by Sensible Seafood supporter, Bold Mariner Brewing Company. This special 21 and over, two hour boat trip, sponsored by Hoffman Beverages, begins boarding at 6:30 p.m. and a valid photo ID is required at check-in. Snacks will be available to purchase onboard the ship.

Tickets available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/shows/craft%20brews%20cruise/events/3

Dr. John Cook: Making Sense of Climate Change Misinformation

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 5:30 PM

The Eleanor & Henry Watts Conservation Speaker Series presents Dr. John Cook, a research assistant professor at the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University. He obtained his PhD at the University of Western Australia, and his research focus is understanding and countering misinformation about climate change.

The doors open at 5:30 for happy hour and the talk will begin at 6:30pm. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Clean the Creek

Saturday, September 21, 2019 9:00 AM

Trash that finds its way into the ocean can travel long distances with the currents and winds. Not only can it impact marine life, it also washes onto beaches, is caught in fishing nets and can damages boat motors. Plastic bags and plastic wrap can suffocate marine animals and fish. Birds can easily entangle themselves in plastic six-pack rings and strings. Animals can also get sick or die from swallowing trash, such as cigarette butts. Humans, animals and plants all need unpolluted water to survive.

We're looking for individual volunteers, families, work teams, and military groups to clean by foot or personal kayak. The cleanup will help keep trash and debris from our waterways.

To participate, register by email at aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com or call the Aquarium's volunteer office at (757) 385-0274 no later than noon on Tuesday, September 17. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5pm on Thursday, September 19.

Youth Conservation Series: Eastern Shore Collection Adventure

Saturday, September 28, 2019 8:30 AM

Our Youth Conservation Series provides opportunities for middle and high school students to explore science through field experiences and conservation in action. Join us for this first field experience and become a field biologist for a day! Students will seine for fish and invertebrates on the Eastern Shore and kayak to mud flats searching for clams and other interesting wildlife.

Advanced registration is required.

E-Cycling

Saturday, September 28, 2019 9:00 AM

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, the City of Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling, will offer its semi-annual E-cycling event at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot. There is no fee to drop off items, but donations are always appreciated.

Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:
Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA's
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.

***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted.***

Acceptable household hazardous waste items include:

Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), Boat, Car, Camera, Cell phone, Hearing aid, Lead acid, Lithium, Rechargeable, Trucks
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

For further tips visit www.VBgov.com/landfill

Night At The Aquarium

Saturday, October 5, 2019 8:00 PM

Come and join us for exclusive night time fun with a local's only feel. Meet animals, see mermaids, and sample a "taste of Virginia Beach" from local restaurants. Featuring entertainment from the Deloreans, this 21 and over event on October 5, from 8 p.m. until midnight, is going to be an evening to remember!

General ticket price includes two drink tickets. A cash bar wil be available on-site.

VIP Shark Lounge Tickets include exclusive access to a lounge area with an open bar where you can relax and view our resident sharks and fish in the Norfolk Canyon Exhibit.

Click HERE for more information and to buy tickets!

Special Needs Under the Sea

Sunday, October 13, 2019 7:30 AM

Join us as we invite families with children or adults with special needs to visit the Aquarium before we open to the general public. See all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable, sensory-friendly environment and explore at your own pace. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 9:00 a.m., but guests may stay as long as they like after the doors open to the public.

Advanced registration is suggested and regular admission rates apply.

REGISTER HERE

Please note: One caretaker is admitted at no charge if they are working with a guest who is visiting the Aquarium. A caretaker is defined as a required attendant without whom the guest could not tour the Aquarium. The disabled guest may request an additional caretaker be admitted at 50% of the regular admission.

Clean the Creek

Saturday, October 26, 2019 9:00 AM

Trash that finds its way into the ocean can travel long distances with the currents and winds. Not only can it impact marine life, it also washes onto beaches, is caught in fishing nets and can damages boat motors. Plastic bags and plastic wrap can suffocate marine animals and fish. Birds can easily entangle themselves in plastic six-pack rings and strings. Animals can also get sick or die from swallowing trash, such as cigarette butts. Humans, animals and plants all need unpolluted water to survive.

We're looking for individual volunteers, families, work teams, and military groups to clean by foot or personal kayak. The cleanup will help keep trash and debris from our waterways.

To participate, register by email at aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com or call the Aquarium's volunteer office at (757) 385-0274 no later than noon on Tuesday, October 22. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5pm on Thursday, October 24.

Clean the Creek

Saturday, November 16, 2019 9:00 AM

Trash that finds its way into the ocean can travel long distances with the currents and winds. Not only can it impact marine life, it also washes onto beaches, is caught in fishing nets and can damages boat motors. Plastic bags and plastic wrap can suffocate marine animals and fish. Birds can easily entangle themselves in plastic six-pack rings and strings. Animals can also get sick or die from swallowing trash, such as cigarette butts. Humans, animals and plants all need unpolluted water to survive.

We're looking for individual volunteers, families, work teams, and military groups to clean by foot or personal kayak. The cleanup will help keep trash and debris from our waterways.

To participate, register by email at aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com or call the Aquarium's volunteer office at (757) 385-0274 no later than noon on Tuesday, November 12. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5pm on Thursday, November 14.

Special Needs Under the Sea

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 5:00 PM

Join us as we invite families with children or adults with special needs to visit the Aquarium after we close to the general public. See all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable environment and explore at your own pace. The event begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 6:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is suggested and regular admission rates apply.

REGISTER HERE

Please note: One caretaker is admitted at no charge if they are working with a guest who is visiting the Aquarium. A caretaker is defined as a required attendant without whom the guest could not tour the Aquarium. The disabled guest may request an additional caretaker be admitted at 50% of the regular admission.

Youth Conservation Series: Citizen Scientist Sampler

Monday, December 30, 2019 9:45 AM

Our Youth Conservation Series provides opportunities for middle and high school students to explore science through field experiences and conservation in action. For this event students will go behind the scenes with Aquarium staff to meet live animals and get hands-on experience in our water quality lab.

Advanced registration is required.

Youth Conservation Series: Career Day at the Aquarium

Saturday, March 28, 2020 11:00 AM

Our Youth Conservation Series provides opportunities for middle and high school students to explore science through field experiences and conservation in action. Meet with scientists and Aquarium professionals to learn about their job duties, what skills and training they need, and how you can get started in their field.

Registration is not required.

Youth Conservation Series: Trash Talking Art

Saturday, June 6, 2020 8:30 AM

Our Youth Conservation Series provides opportunities for middle and high school students to explore science through field experiences and conservation in action. Students will kayak around Owls Creek to collect trash, track their data, and turn it into art during our World Oceans Day event.

Advanced registration is required.