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Dance to the Rhythms of Nature at Shedd After Hours

Guests can encounter guitars and guitarfish at the aquarium’s evening events

March 05, 2024

Shedd's Jazzin' summer event features fireworks and outdoor socializing on Shedd's North Terrace with a commanding view of the Chicago Skyline as the sun sets.

Sea horses sway. Jellies pulse. Penguins hop. Join the aquatic animal world in moving to the beats, tunes and melodies at Shedd Aquarium’s after hour events. Whether it’s jazz, salsa, house music or something in between, there’s a festival-worthy lineup of Chicago’s top music at this world-class aquarium.

RITMO DEL MAR

¡Muévelo! At Ritmo del Mar, enjoy a night of music, cuisine, culture and mesmerizing animals with an aquatic backdrop like nowhere else in Chicago. Returning for its second year, this event brings the sounds of salsa, cumbia, merengue and Latin jazz to the aquarium. Guests can participate in animal chats with experts in both English and Spanish, games of lotería, bachata dance lessons and all the wonders of the underwater world. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. ¡Será una noche inolvidable!

  • Ages: 21+; photo ID required for entry
  • Dates: Saturday, March 23; Saturday, May 25; and Saturday, July 27, from 7-11 p.m.
  • Costs: Members - $14.95; Chicago residents - $19.95; Non-Chicago residents start at $39.95

PRIDE NIGHT

Kick off the Pride Month festivities in style with Shedd Aquarium and A Queer Pride’s annual celebration of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. This event features multiple DJs, an ocean-themed drag showcase and countless opportunities to come face-to-face with nature in a welcoming environment that embraces all identities. Make new friends, reconnect with old ones and dance the night away surrounded by sturgeons and stingrays.

  • Ages: 21+; photo ID required for entry
  • Dates: Saturday, June 1 from 6-10:30 p.m.
  • Costs: Members - $14.95; Chicago residents - $19.95; Non-Chicago residents start at $39.95

JAZZIN’ AT THE SHEDD

Chicago’s top jazz ensembles bring the bass and largemouth bass together for the ever-popular Jazzin’ at the Shedd midweek series. Every summer, guests soak in the unbeatable city view from Shedd’s terrace, stroll through the aquarium and relax with a drink while listening to the artistry of local musicians. As the sun goes down, fantastic fireworks from across the glimmering lake only add to the magic of the night.

Members will receive free admission on June 5 for a Members Only Jazzin’ from 6-10 p.m.

  • Ages: All ages
  • Dates: Wednesdays, June 5 – August 28, from 5-10 p.m. (June 5 is the Members Only Jazzin’ and June 19 is HBCU/Divine 9 Night)
  • Costs: Members - $14.95 (free on Members Only Jazzin’); Children (3-11) start at $29.95 ($14.95 for Chicago residents); Adults start at $39.95 ($19.95 for Chicago residents)

HOUSE PARTY

What better place to experience house music than overlooking the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan? Bright and vibrant sea stars and anemones provide the perfect setting to vibe with local DJs while exploring fascinating exhibits around the aquarium. With the stunning, ocean-themed architecture of Shedd, this after-hours party is fit for even King Neptune.

  • Ages: 21+; photo ID required for entry
  • Dates: Saturday, June 8; Friday, June 14; Saturday, July 13; and Friday, July 19, from 6-10:30 p.m.
  • Costs: Members - $14.95; Chicago residents - $19.95; Non-Chicago residents start at $39.95

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos below: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8e6f628c5b6072b3a1aa.
Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium.