Blu: The Next Wave - white logo on a blue gradient background

Blu: The Next Wave

Hosted by the Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 

7 – 11 p.m. (VIP entry: 6:30 p.m.)

Co-Chairs: Maggie Bird, Taylor Callahan, Margaret Martin 

Tickets

Tickets are sold out. If you would like to be added to a waitlist, please reach out to [email protected]

21+

  • A bue poison dart frog sits among tigs and leaves in its habitat, small but brilliantly blue against its green and brown surroundings.

    DATE

    Saturday, October 24, 2026

  • Water splashes.

    Location

    John G. Shedd Aquarium
    1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
    Chicago, IL 60605

  • Small blue fish in the Wonder of Water exhibit

    Dress code

    Cocktail Attire

The Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board’s signature fundraising event is back with a new name, supporting the same incredible cause! Blu: The Next Wave helps Shedd Aquarium continue its vital work, For Love of Waterkind: world-class animal care, critical conservation science and habitat restoration from the Chicago River to Caribbean coral reefs and beyond.

Step into Shedd’s historic galleries for an elegant evening of curiosity and wonder. See tropical fishes weaving through anemones, snakes slithering across branches and tree frogs perfectly camouflaged in their leafy habitats. Then enjoy an open bar and a buffet of hearty appetizers before dancing the night away to a live DJ set.

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Thank You to Our Blu  Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

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Associated Bank

Gina Baeg | Elytra Holdings

GATX

Susie Hamman

Doug McClure

MokSol Impact

Jeff Ollada

Premier Electric

Kristin & Paul Sutton

Megan Wasyliw

Wintrust

Andy Witt & Grant Gregory

Special Thanks to Our In-kind Sponsors

Haribo

The Tie Bar

Tootsie Roll

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  • A shower of translucent moon jellies over a blue background.
  • Two men in suits and a woman in a blue dress look at fish in a large habitat.
  • Blue tang are small but charming, with protruding mouths that appear to form a curious expression.
  • A Shedd Aquarium animal trainer interacts with a sea lion in front of guests at the Splash auxiliary board cocktail event.
  • Three sitting Splash attendees smile for the camera.

The Auxiliary Board aims to raise $400,000 each year through the generosity of Board members and their network of friends, family and colleagues.

Group photo of the Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board at their signature event.

FAQs

Blu: The Next Wave FAQs

Accessibility

We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected]

Gradient image with teal to blue hues