Shedd Aquarium Offers Many Ways to Celebrate Sharks and Make a Difference in July
Discover incredible shark adaptations with a special Jazzin’, sensory experiences, aquarium chats and more
July 01, 2026
It's time for a redemption arc for the ocean’s often vilified predator: sharks. This July, for Shark Awareness Month, Shedd Aquarium invites the public to shift their focus to the spectacular unique traits, incredible adaptations and essential importance of sharks, which inhabit almost every marine ecosystem on the planet.
While the nearest ocean is hundreds of miles away, Shedd brings guests in Chicago face-to-face with sharks of all shapes and sizes, from the bottom-dwelling spotted wobbegong to the small skateboard-sized horn shark. Activities and pop-up programs throughout the aquarium this summer provide plenty of portals into the world of sharks, from multi-sensory splashy adventures to Q&As with aquatic experts.
Every visit, membership or donation to Shedd makes a positive difference for sharks around the world by supporting Shedd’s shark research and conservation efforts in the wild.
“Despite their sometimes-scary portrayal in movies and pop culture, sharks are vastly misunderstood and are critical to healthy oceans. Looking in the eyes of a shark, a type of animal that has existed since before the dinosaurs, it’s an indescribable feeling. Sharks are far from villains – in fact, we need to be heroes for their protections, now more than ever.”
Anna Byczynski, supervisor of tropical marine fishes at Shedd Aquarium
JAZZIN’ AT THE SHEDD: SHARK FRENZY
Fans of sharks and saxophones, now’s your moment. On Wednesday, July 29, guests attending Jazzin’ at the Shedd will experience a special evening of shark-focused programming. At this first-ever shark takeover of the popular midweek music series, guests will have opportunities to hear from shark researchers, discover why shark eggs are called “mermaid purses,” make a difference for shark protections and more. Plus, like other Jazzin’ nights, guests will enjoy performances from live musicians and explore all the aquarium has to offer, from the sharks of the deep to the fish of the reef.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, July 29 from 5-10 p.m.
- Price: Members $19.95, Adults $29.95, Children (3-11) $24.95
- *Tickets will be purchased as standard Jazzin’ at the Shedd tickets, with shark-themed programming on July 29 only
SCHOOL'S OUT, SHARKS ARE IN
During any visit to Shedd, guests can tap into their childlike sense of wonder and discover the breathtaking beauty of sharks from around the planet. For an extra-splashy adventure, guests can add on BBC Earth’s Shark: A 4D Experience and watch a short film about the world’s most strange and mysterious shark species while feeling mist, wind, rumbles and other special effects in a brand-new, first-of-its-kind theater. Keep the immersion going with a Virtual Reality experience, where guests get a 360-degree virtual look at tiger and hammerhead sharks. The aquarium also hosts daily Shark Chats, free with general admission, where guests can get the inside scoop on the shark species that live at Shedd.
- 4D Experiences: $5.95 per person ($2.95 for Members), purchase when reserving tickets online, at the aquarium’s ticket kiosks or at Phelps Auditorium once inside the building
- Virtual Reality Shark Dive: $9 per person ($7 for Members), located on the ground level near Soundings Cafe and the Shedd store
- Shark Chats: Daily in Wild Reef, free with general admission, check “Today at Shedd” on the website for times
- Must See Tour: Book this behind-the-scenes tour, which includes a stop above Wild Reef for a special, up-close look at the sharks that call Shedd home
BECOME A HERO FOR SHARKS
In the last 50 years, global shark populations have declined by more than 70% and more than one-third of all shark and ray species now face the threat of extinction. Sharks are essential to marine ecosystems and provide environmental services like nutrient cycling and mid-level predator control, maintaining a balance for all other aquatic life to thrive.
Shedd is asking the public to help Keep Sharks Swimming and add their name to the global movement to save sharks from extinction. By signing the Act with Shedd petition, Shedd guests, community members and shark lovers alike can show their support for governments and fisheries to make positive changes for sharks such as fishery management, climate solutions and habitat restoration.
VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e71658d5f6072b4a79a&C=50
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Samuel RC Elia