Music, Movement and Marvelous Animals: Shake Up Summer with Unique Offerings at Shedd Aquarium

During the day, Shedd Aquarium welcomes guests to come eye-to-eye with sea otters, sturgeon, snakes and more. By night, the aquarium’s halls transform into dance floors as lively melodies and conversations fill the air.

This summer, music lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and curious explorers can encounter aquatic life in unique ways with Shedd’s lineup of summer events and offerings. Dance to the rhythms of nature at Ritmo del Mar, sip a cocktail at the ever-popular Jazzin’ at the Shedd, paddle down the Chicago River on a Kayak for Conservation tour and enjoy many more memorable experiences.

Ritmo del Mar

¡Muévelo! Join Shedd for a night of music, cuisine, culture and mesmerizing animals with an aquatic backdrop like nowhere else in Chicago. Guests at Ritmo del Mar can dance to the sounds of salsa, cumbia, merengue and Latin jazz and maybe learn a new skill with bachata dance lessons. This event includes all aquarium exhibits along with animal chats in both English and Spanish, games of lotería, a chef-curated menu of food available for purchase and more. ¡Será una noche inolvidable!

• Ages: 21+; photo ID required for entry

• Dates: Saturday, June 21; Saturday, July 12; and Saturday, Aug. 16 from 7-11 p.m.

• Costs: Members $14.95; Chicago residents $19.95; Non-Chicago residents start at $39.95

Jazzin’ at the Shedd

Live jazz revels at Shedd Aquarium! This year marks the 30th anniversary of the popular mid-week series Jazzin’ at the Shedd, which brings talented musicians from Chicago and beyond to serenade guests as they wander through an underwater world. Grab a drink, eat delicious food and spend time with family or friends exploring all the aquarium has to offer in the evening. As Shedd builds new exhibits that will enhance future visits, the North Terrace will be unavailable this summer, but guests can now enjoy a jazz soundtrack while admiring the new Wonder of Water and Amazon Rising exhibits.

Members will receive free admission on May 28 for Members Jazzin’ from 6-10 p.m.

• Ages: All ages

• Dates: Wednesdays, May 28 – August 27 from 5-10 p.m. (May 28 is Members Jazzin’ and June 18 is HBCU/Divine 9 Night supported by Allstate [SOLD OUT])

• Costs: Members $19.95 (free on Members Jazzin’); Children (3-11) $24.95; Adults $29.95

Pride Night

High-energy DJs, a stunning ocean-themed drag showcase, diverse aquatic animals and a welcoming environment create the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Pride Night! Celebrate Chicago’s vibrant and creative LGBTQ+ community alongside Shedd and A Queer Pride at this unique event. Connect with friends while discovering the amazing adaptations of aquatic life from around the world.

• Ages: 21+; photo ID required for entry

• Dates: Saturday, June 14 from 6-10:30 p.m.

• Costs: Members $14.95; Chicago residents $19.95; Non-Chicago residents start at $39.95

House Party

Jellyfish pulse, sea horses sway and guests vibe to the beats at Shedd’s House Party. In the city that built house music, attendees can experience a one-of-a-kind adults-only night of dancing and exploring the aquarium’s exhibits, from bright corals to massive arapaima and everything in between.

• Ages: 21+; photo ID required for entry

• Dates: Saturday, July 19 from 7-11 p.m.

• Costs: Members $14.95; Chicago residents $19.95; Non-Chicago residents start at $39.95

Kayak for Conservation

Discover the biodiversity of the Chicago River, immerse yourself in nature and get some exercise outdoors with Kayak for Conservation tours. Participants paddle on the Chicago River and learn about innovative efforts to improve the health and habitats of the Chicago River for wildlife and how everyone can get involved in protecting this critical resource. There’s also the possibility of encountering local wildlife like soft-shell turtles, common snapping turtles, great blue herons, kingfishers, monarch butterflies and more – all while enjoying beautiful views of the city.

• Ages: Varies by program

• Dates: Fridays and Saturdays June through September

• Costs: Members $52; Non-members $65; Group rates also available for private tours

Stingray Touch

Get up close to a magnificent marine animal! The seasonal Stingray Touch exhibit returns giving guests the opportunity to connect with cownose rays through touch. Guests can feel the unique texture of a stingray and learn about their behaviors and traits with bilingual signage. As an add-on experience, guests can also feed a seafood treat to the stingrays and feel the animals suck in their food from between guests’ fingers.

• Ages: All ages for exhibit, ages 6+ for feeds

• Dates: Open on Wednesday, May 7

• Costs: Exhibit is free with general admission; feeds are $3 for members and $5 for non-members while supplies last

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e70658e5e5f6f7d6d98&C=50.

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium