New Stars of the Sea experience
The Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating the delicate beauty and superhero powers of over twenty species of sea stars from around the globe in a new experience this summer. Stars of the Sea opens May 24, 2025, and continues through April 30, 2026. Guests will be able to meet sea stars like the venomous crown-of-thorns and spider-like brittle stars and learn about how the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is working to save the largest sea star of them all: the critically endangered sunflower sea star. Guests will also be able to visit a reimagined section of the Aquarium’s California Terrace that focuses on coastal habitats, featuring the new immersive outdoor touchpool experience, Our Living Coastline. This new exhibit includes a life-like rock structure, multiple viewing windows, and surging cascades of water, designed to mimic a real tidepool on a rocky shore. Visitors of all ages will be able to learn about and touch different sea star species, including bat and ochre sea stars, along with sea urchins and sea anemones from California’s northern and southern coastal regions. Sea stars can be found in over twenty exhibits at the Aquarium, representing habitats from coastal tidepools stretching from Mexico to Alaska, coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, the deep seas of Japan and the Galapagos Islands, and beyond. In addition, guests can discover the diversity of sea stars in a new film that will play throughout the day in the Aquarium’s Great Hall. As guests explore Stars of the Sea, they can learn about the stories behind each sea star species and the Aquarium’s groundbreaking research and breeding programs, including raising baby sunflower sea stars, offering hope for the species’ recovery.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general Aquarium admission and free to Aquarium members / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/
Digital images and press materials available for download for editorial use only: https://aop.canto.com/b/K65I1
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
2025 HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS CALENDAR
Los Cerritos Wetlands Habitat Restoration
First Saturday of each month: June 7, July 5, August 2, October 4, November 1, December 6, 2025
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific partners with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Stewardship Program to host a habitat restoration event in partnership at the Los Cerritos Wetlands on the first Saturday of every month. This provides an opportunity to visit and learn about local wetlands while joining the Aquarium and the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority in helping to restore this important habitat. The restoration focuses on non-native weed removal and rare native plant conservation in a habitat essential for local wildlife and endangered species. Restoration work may include traveling on unpaved trails made of dirt or mulch trails to assist with watering, weeding, or planting. These events will be led by trained naturalists and local educators. Participants are eligible to win a free ticket to the Aquarium and other prizes.
Where: Participants will be met and greeted by restoration staff at the corner of Pacific Coast Hwy and 1st Street in Seal Beach. Arriving around 10:15 a.m. is recommended.
Age: All ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Free / Please register for this offsite event. For information email: iwanttohelp@tidalinfluence.com
Please Bring: The wetlands are wildlands, so please dress accordingly. Closed-toe shoes are required. Hat and sunscreen are recommended. Drinking water will be provided, but this is a single-use plastic-free event. Please bring a reusable water bottle.
Aquarium Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/los_cerritos_wetlands_habitat_restoration/
Please visit the event webpage for safety protocol information.
Daily, Ongoing Whale Watching
The waters off the coast of Long Beach are home to one of the largest and most diverse assemblages of whales. You can join an Aquarium of the Pacific educator aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises in search of dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, whales, and other animals. All cruises are weather dependent.
Where: Cruise departs from dock on Rainbow Harbor, adjacent to the Aquarium
Price: Price includes Aquarium admission and varies depending on the season. Please visit the Aquarium’s website for the latest pricing and schedule.
Aquarium Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/education/programs/boat_programs
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
First Wednesdays
First Wednesday of each month: June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 8, November 5, and December 3, 2025
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays brings scientists, authors, and other experts into the Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The adult-oriented programs are best suited for high school and college students, young professionals and adults of all ages. Lectures are also live streamed.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: $5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door. Cash bar. / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/first_wednesdays/
Sponsor:
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Night Dive
Fridays, July 25, August 22, and October 31, 2025
7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This adults-only event features DJs throughout the Aquarium galleries, art, cash bars, and a live band performing on the stage in front of the Honda Blue Cavern. The Aquarium recommends early advance ticket purchase as Night Dive tends to sell out.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Please check the Aquarium’s website closer to the event date for ticket pricing information.
Ages: 18+. Alcohol will only be available for purchase to those 21 and over who have valid ID.
Info/Tickets: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/night_dive
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Pacific Islander Festival
Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, 2025
9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to celebrate Pacific Islander cultures, including Chamorro, Fijian, Hawaiian, Māori, Marshallese, Tahitian, Tongan, and Samoan, at the Aquarium of the Pacific during its twenty-second annual Pacific Islander Festival. This weekend festival will feature cultural displays, artisanal craft demonstrations, and live music and dance performances. Guests are also invited to explore the Aquarium’s Tropical Pacific Gallery to get up close with marine life found off the coast of Pacific islands, from colorful reef fish to sea turtles. The event will also include its annual Heritage Award ceremony.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: General admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pacific_islander_festival/
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Pride Night
Friday, June 13, 2025
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All are welcome to attend Pride Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific in partnership with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach for a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities. This all-ages event will include drag queen storytelling (a family-friendly activity where a drag queen reads a children’s book with the aim of inspiring and celebrating inclusivity), rainbow-themed programming, and a DJ spinning at the Honda Blue Cavern. Attendees will also get the chance to learn about The Center and other local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach. Pride Night is a celebration of local communities. The Aquarium welcomes everyone and hopes this event brings people together to appreciate each other and work together to protect our ocean planet. During Pride Night the Aquarium will be honoring an individual or organization for outstanding community service and promoting diversity awareness.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: $24.95 General Admission. Free for Aquarium Members / Food and drinks sold separately / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/pride_night/
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Father’s Day BBQ
Sunday, June 15, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific will host a Father’s Day BBQ, where visitors can celebrate dad and see ocean animals. Tickets include all-day admission and a meal served on the Aquarium’s rooftop Veranda dining area overlooking Rainbow Harbor. Reservations will be offered hourly between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Please check the Aquarium’s website closer to the event date for ticket pricing information.
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/fathers_day_bbq/
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Juneteenth Celebration
Thursday, June 19, 2025
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Learn about the history of this holiday and its significance to the African American community and beyond. Discover the traditions of this annual celebration through music, storytelling, and more. The Juneteenth Celebration will also be live streamed on the Aquarium’s YouTube page.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
To Tune in Live: Please visit the Aquarium’s YouTube page at pacific.to/juneteenth at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time on June 19, 2025.
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/juneteenth/
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Whale’s Tail After Party
June 28, 2025
8:00 PM – 11:30 PM
This signature event raises vital funds that enable the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific to continue its mission of instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. The Whale’s Tail After Party will include food sampling from local restaurants, live entertainment, and opportunities to learn about the Aquarium’s impactful conservation work.
Cost: Whale’s Tail After Party Ticket: $150 general admission
Information: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/gala/
4th of July BBQ
Friday, July 4, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
You can break out your red, white and blue and join the Aquarium of the Pacific for a special 4th of July. Reservations for the buffet meal will be available at 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. with each reservation lasting one hour, beginning at your selected time. Tickets include all-day Aquarium admission and lunch.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: $70 per adult, $55 per child (ages 3-11) / Members: $45 per adult, $35 per child (ages 3-11) / Admission included / Reservations required.
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/july_4th/
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Autism Families Morning
Sunday, August 10, 2025
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Join the Aquarium for a special morning exclusively for families with children or adults with autism. The entire Aquarium, except Lorikeet Forest, will open at 7:00 a.m. This will be a morning when guests can enjoy the tranquility of Aquarium exhibits and meet 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean.
Cost: $12 per person, exclusively for families with adults or children with autism, and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
First Responders Day
Thursday, September 11, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Aquarium celebrates our nation’s first responders on September 11. Firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), police officers, and sheriff’s deputies with valid ID receive free admission.
Cost: FREE for firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and sheriff’s deputies with valid ID. General admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info/Tickets: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Moompetam American Indian Festival
Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You are invited to join the Aquarium of the Pacific for its twenty-first annual Moompetam American Indian Festival. Moompetam (pronounced \’mohm peh tahm\), meaning “People of the Ocean,” is derived from the word for ‘saltwater’ in the Tongva language. For the California Indigenous coastal peoples, the ocean has always been a sacred entity. The festival celebrates indigenous California maritime cultures, including Tongva, Acjachemen, Chumash, Costanoan, Kumeyaay, and Luiseño. This celebration features traditional cultural craft demonstrations, storytelling, music, and dance, and an award ceremony.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Sponsor:
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Baja Splash Cultural Festival
Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-fourth annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival in celebration of cultures from México, Central and South America, and beyond. The event features traditional dance, live music, educational programming in English and Spanish, and booths from participating organizations.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Aquarium of the Pacific 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 4, 2025
5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific will partner with the Long Beach Marathon events team to host their 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 4, at 5:00 a.m. The scenic course will loop through Shoreline Village Park, past the lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park, through Queensway Bridge, and around the Aquarium. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and reduced Aquarium admission on the morning of race day with advance ticket purchase. Reservations required.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Visit website active.com for more details https://runlongbeach.com/events/aquarium-of-the-pacific-5k/
Info: (562) 590-3100 / For registration: Visit active.com and search Long Beach Marathon
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Photographers Night
Sunday, October 5, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Professional and amateur photographers are invited to capture the Aquarium of the Pacific’s wildlife in photos during exclusive photographers-only hours. Meet vendors, test new equipment, attend workshops, and meet other wildlife photo enthusiasts.
Cost: $44.95 per person / Reservations required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Seniors Day
Monday, October 6, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific will open its doors for free to people ages fifty and above on Seniors Day. Special presentations and booths for seniors will be featured.
Cost: FREE to people ages 50 and over with a valid photo ID or general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info/Tickets: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Southeast Asia Day
Sunday, October 12, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You can join the Aquarium of the Pacific for its twenty-first annual Southeast Asia Day festival. The festival’s program will highlight the beauty and diversity of cultures from this region. Guests can enjoy music, dance, cultural craft demonstrations, and other programming representing countries such as Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Scarium Family Night
Friday, October 17, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Dive into spooky Halloween activities for the whole family at the Aquarium’s Scarium Family Night. Guests can touch sharks, rays, and sea jellies as they venture on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Event highlights include a costume contest, Pacific Pals, trick-or-treating with provided goodie bags, a vampire magician, and kids activity booths. Children in costume will receive discounted admission.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Discount to be announced or included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Autism Families Night
Sunday, October 19, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Spend a special evening at the Aquarium exclusively for families with adults or children with autism. The entire Aquarium, except Lorikeet Forest, will be open until 9:00 p.m. On this evening, guests can enjoy the tranquility of the Aquarium’s exhibits and meet 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean.
Cost: $12 per person, exclusively for families with adults or children with autism, and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Scout Day
Sunday, November 2, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Scouts, with their family and friends, are invited to the Aquarium on Scout Day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at a special price. With many animals to discover and learn about, the Aquarium has self-led activity sheets, available online to download and print, for Scouts to complete for badge requirements.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Special Scout Pricing: $32.95 per adult (ages 12+), $27.95 per child (ages 3-11), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In celebration of Veterans Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific honors veterans and military personnel. These individuals are invited to enjoy the Aquarium with free admission on this day with reservations.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Free for veterans and military personnel with service I.D. / General admission for others: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images
Autumn Festival
Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s twenty-fourth annual Autumn Festival highlights the traditions and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines through a weekend of learning opportunities and family entertainment celebrating the diversity of Asian and Asian American cultures. The festival will feature traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, cultural arts exhibits, and storytelling.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org
Images available for download for editorial use: Aquarium Images