The event includes all exhibits, touch experiences and entertainment. Some exhibits may close early due to animal care needs, and lights in certain habitats will be dimmed to create a natural nighttime environment for the animals. Wild Reef closes at 9 p.m. Oceanarium and Amazon Rising close at 10 p.m. Please refer to event signage for more information.

Please note, this year’s event festivities are fully indoors - the North Terrace will be unavailable as we build new exhibits that will enhance your future visits and make events even more spectacular!

• DJ Gene Hunt: One of the true representatives of Chicago House Music, Gene is one of the top artists to emerge from the city, with a career spanning back to the initial wave in the early 1980s. As a teenager, he played at many of the key touchstones of the first generation of House Music spots, including the Warehouse, The Playground, and The Music Box; he’s been best known in the last few years for a series of tracks made then with the legendary Ron Hardy.In the years following, Gene Hunt released some of his best records on labels including Dope Wax, Track Mode, Got Soul and Unified, and delivered a tour de force in 2011 when noted Dutch label Rush Hour released Gene Hunt Presents Chicago Dance Tracks, a collection of some sixteen unreleased records from the likes of Larry Heard & Marshall Jefferson, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Lil Louis and Ron Hardy. As a follow-up, in early 2012 Gene released an original two-track EP, May The Funk Be With You, also on Rush Hour, with a remix from Theo Parrish.

• DJ Heather: DJ Heather, born in Brooklyn and shaped by Chicago’s vibrant music scene, has become a respected and versatile selector in the industry. What began as a “happy accident” behind the decks at the Artful Dodger quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit that’s taken her from local residencies at Red Dog and Gramaphone Records to global stages and festivals like Movement, the Winter Music Conference, and the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. Known for her seamless fusion of house, hip-hop, jazz, soul, R&B, disco, and rare groove. She’s shared the stage with Chicago house legends including Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Diz, and Green Velvet, earning her place among the city’s elite. Whether spinning at iconic venues like Smart Bar and Spybar or performing internationally in London, Paris, Berlin, and beyond, DJ Heather continues to embody the soulful, inclusive, and ever-evolving spirit of Chicago house music.

Last entry for the event is at 10 p.m., one hour before the event concludes.

Yes, costumes are encouraged but must follow Shedd Aquarium’s Visitor Code of Conduct. Additionally, full-face masks and prop weapons of any kind are not permitted.

Info coming soon!

7 – 10:45 p.m.
DJ Heather (Grand Hall Stage)

7 – 10:45 p.m.
DJ Gene Hunt (Bubble Net Stage)

7:30 p.m.
Shark Chat (Wild Reef)

8 p.m.
Cart Program (Amazon Rising)

8:30 p.m.
Shark Chat (Wild Reef)

9 p.m.
Kelp Forest Chat (Oceans Gallery)

9 p.m.
Last Entry to Wild Reef

10:30 p.m.
Last Call

Please fill out our Performer Interest Form and a member of our team will contact you. Thank you!