The “-ber” months are here… are you ready?
We’ve rounded up our plans for the remainder of 2026 at the Aquarium so you can start putting things on your calendar before the hustle and bustle of the upcoming months.
September
School is back in session and there’s a hint of pumpkin spice in the air, but September at the Aquarium still offers lots of opportunities for end-of-summer fun!
This month, college students, faculty, and staff get half-price admission on certain dates. Plus, our fall session of Sea Sprouts begins, Hispanic Heritage Month begins, and more.
Sept. 10-30 | College Days and Partner Days – Special discounts on admission and memberships!
Sept. 15-22 | Aquarium’s annual online fundraiser – Proceeds from the fundraiser contribute to the Aquarium’s non-profit mission, conservation efforts, and animal care.
Sept. 15-Oct. 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 18 | Sea Sprouts (Preschool classes) fall session begins, through Nov. 20
Sept. 27 | World Rivers Day – Educational programming & activities at the Aquarium
Sept. 20-27 | Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration in East TN
According to a map made by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are predicted to be migrating south, through the Chattanooga area, from Sept. 20-27 this year. If you have a hummingbird feeder, learn when you should take it down for the season.
October
During October, or as we call it at the Aquarium, ODDtober, we celebrate the “weird and wonderful” side of nature all month long. Plus, we have some fin-tastic fall events and programs coming up.
Oct. 3 | Tennessee River Rescue – River cleanup event 🚮
Oct. 9 | Octo-berfest (21+) 🐙🍺
Oct. 12-16 | Fall Camp: Changing with the Seasons – Registration now open!
Oct. 19 | Fall Camp: Fungi Friends
Oct. 26 – Nov. 2 | Fourth annual Aquarium Animals & Beloved Pets Ofrenda
Oct. 30 | Aquascarium 👻🎃
Oct. 25 | 7 Bridges Marathon
With the choice between five different races – Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Family Fun Run, and 5K – more than 5,000 registrants are expected this fall’s 7 Bridges Marathon, Chattanooga’s oldest and biggest marathon event.
Register for the race and use promo code “AQUARIUM10” for 10% off any distance.
November
Families are gathering, leaves are changing, and the weather is really cooling down. This month, holiday celebrations are beginning at the Aquarium and all around.
Nov. 20 | Holiday Cheers (21+) 🌟 Save the date!
Nov. 27 | “Holidays Under the Peaks” begins – Festivities & decorations at the Aquarium
🚂🍿 PLUS: The Polar Express 3D begins showing in IMAX on Nov. 27, playing through end of December!
Consider leaving the leaves in your yard this fall 🍁
“Leaving” a scattering of leaf litter across your yard instead of removing this fallen foliage can be of substantial benefit to wildlife. Read more on why you should leave the leaves this fall.
December
“Holidays Under the Peaks”, the Aquarium’s holiday festivities, are in full force in December. Guests can experience an underwater wonderland with holiday music, décor and daily seasonal programming included with regular Aquarium admission.
Dec. 1-27 | Holidays Under the Peaks + The Polar Express 3D in IMAX
Dec. 11 | Sleep in the Deep: Public Overnight – Tickets on sale soon!
Dec. 28-31 | Winter Camp: Winter Wonders