October 1-31, 2026
Come explore the weird and wonderful side of nature during the month-long celebration of ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium. It’s a month filled with the playfully mysterious and delightfully unexpected!
New for 2026: Special spotlights shine on the unique and enigmatic species of the Scuttlebutt Reef gallery in Ocean Journey — Lumpsuckers, Moray Eels, and glowing Swellsharks, to name a few.
Plus, Aquarium educators engage visitors with seasonally themed programs, and the guest favorite underwater pumpkin carving is back on five ODDtober Saturdays at 2 p.m. in River Journey. Don’t forget to ask for your free ODDtober sticker in the gift shop (while supplies last)!
Underwater Pumpkin Carving
Every Saturday at 2 p.m., don’t miss our fan-favorite Underwater Pumpkin Carving show! Watch in awe as SCUBA divers turn ordinary pumpkins into aquatic jack-o’-lanterns — all while fish swirl curiously around them.
October 3 – TN River
October 10 – River Giants
October 17 – TN River
October 24 – River Giants
October 31 – TN River
Printable Pumpkin Carving Templates
Want to try your hand at carving an Aquarium animal on a pumpkin? Check out these printable templates!
ODDtober is sponsored by:
Upcoming Events
Aquascarium 2026
Friday, October 30, 4-8 p.m. ET
Dress in your best Halloween costume and join a family-friendly celebration of all things scaly, spooky, and fun at Aquascarium, the Tennessee Aquarium’s annual trick-or-treat event from 4-8 p.m. on October 30. Attendees can enjoy themed decorations, costumed SCUBA divers, music, candy, and more! From pirates and lemurs to mad scientists delivering candy and aquatic facts, Aquascarium is a playfully good time for the whole family!
Purchase tickets in advance. This event often sells out. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Aquascarium 2026 is sponsored by:
Octo-berfest
October 9th, 2026 | 6-9pm ET
This 21+ event combines the customs of traditional Oktoberfest with a celebration of one of the Aquarium’s favorite eight-armed wonders – the Octopus!
Guests can enjoy various Oktoberfest style beverages, an original German pretzel, and fun Oktoberfest décor all while touring through the Ocean Journey building after-hours.
Please note that our special event tickets are non-transferrable. Our social team works to remove posts from anyone who attempts to re-sell tickets but please be aware of scammers.
Themed Daily Programs
Bones of the Bayou | 12:15 pm in Delta Country (River Journey building)
Rumors of the Reef | 1:00 pm in Scuttlebutt Reef (Ocean Journey building)
Two Chattanooga Icons. One Ticket.
See Chattanooga from the river to the mountain—all in one day! Your Tennessee Aquarium + Rock City Combo Ticket includes same-day admission to both attractions.
This single-day ticket is your pass to two of Chattanooga’s most iconic attractions, designed to fit perfectly into one unforgettable day.
Tickets available online only, now through October 31, 2026.
To make the most of your visit, we recommend beginning with the Aquarium in the morning or early afternoon and exploring Rock City in the afternoon or evening. Last entry at the Aquarium is at 5 p.m. Last entry times at Rock City are available daily at seerockcity.com.
Fall Fun at IMAX
Add an IMAX adventure to your fall Aquarium visit!
