House Party

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 Lori Branch is a Chicago native and recognized as a pioneer DJ in Chicago's House music scene. She is one of the first women to grace the decks as a DJ and is a member of the Good Girls DJ collective. Lori has held several DJ residencies across Chicago, and she currently hosts the Vintage House radio program/podcast on WNUR 89.3FM Evanston Chicago. As a house music enthusiast and historian, Lori has interviewed numerous local, national and international artists critical to the story of Chicago as the birthplace of house music. Lori also co-curates the Chicago Home of House Exhibit.
• DJ Lady D performs charismatic sets of house, disco and open-format for events throughout the world, including appearances at the North Coast, West Loop Arts, Westfest, Noise Pop, House of Sol, Summerdance, Chosen Few, Wanderlust, SXSW and Lollapalooza festivals. Playing internationally as well as in Chicago's major nightclubs for the better part of two decades has garnered DJ Lady D a loyal following and reputation as a headliner. Since 2004 she has owned and operated D'lectable Music, a premiere house music label and marketing group, within she curates events, produces and remixes music, and provides music supervision for various projects. DJ Lady D has also appeared in print, television and digital campaigns and in the documentaries, “Slipcue,” “Godfather of Disco,” “Girl” and “Girls Gone Vinyl.”
  

Schedule for July 11, 2026

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

7 – 10:45 p.m.
DJ Lori Branch (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

9:45 p.m.
Last Entry to Oceanarium

10:30 p.m.
Last Call

Food will be available for purchase in Soundings Cafe and Bubble Net until at least 10:00 p.m. Outside food and beverage are not permitted. Last call is at 10:30 p.m.

Entrées
Hot Honey Drop Wings - Honey & Sriracha Glazed Wings
Classic Garlic Parm Wings - Lemon Pepper & Garlic Parmesan Wings
Bassline Nachos - Cheese, Barbacoa, Pico, Lettuce, Sour Cream (Reg, V, GF)
Smoked Thick-Cut Bacon - with Honey Bourbon Glaze

Plus a selection of freshly made sandwiches and salads

Sides
Golden Onion Tower - Crispy Fried Onions with Chipotle Mayo (Veg)
Loaded Tots - Cheese, Bacon, Green Onion, Sour Cream, Jalapeño (Reg, V)
Fried Pickles with Cumin Sea Salt Dip (V)
Seasoned Crinkle-Cut Fries + Honey Curry Dip (Veg)

Desserts
Lemon Breakdown Bar (V)
House Tres Leches (V)

Specialty Cocktails
Midnight Frequency (Mezcal, Pineapple, Stregga)
Cherry Static (Cherry Vodka, Maraschino, Lime)

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

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