Activities at the Aquarium change with the season. The list below highlights special observations and events coming up soon. Check the interactive calendar for daily choices, or download one of the PDFs above for the full lineup of fun. Contact the Registrar at 252-247-4003, ext. 257, for programs that require advance registration.

Special Events and Important Dates

Sept. 6 - Labor Day
The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fall and winter programs begin - see the full schedule or download a  PDF of the Fall-Winter Calendar.

Sept. 25 - Sportfishing Clinic on offshore fly fishing with Joe Shute. Free with admission or membership.

Oct. 8-10 - Annual Surf Fishing Workshop
This hands-on workshop is designed for novice fishermen, but it’s a great refresher course for all skill levels. Instruction covers rods, reels, weights, line, tackle, knots, bait, fish identification, catch and release, cast netting, reading the surf, locating fish from the beach and caring for your catch. The weekend culminates with a fishing expedition to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The fee is $150 and advance registration is required.

Oct. 27 & 28 - Trick or Treat Under the Sea
Come explore the haunted sea for a howling good time. An aquatic twist makes this Halloween festival a real treat for all ages. Enjoy trick-or-treating and other fun and games throughout the Aquarium. Choose the night that suits your schedule or come both nights for a double dose of Halloween hi-jinks. 4:30 - 8 p.m., ticket Sales end at 7:30 p.m. $6 per person, ages 2 and under free. (Discounts, advance tickets and memberships cannot be used for this special event.)

Nov. 11, Veterans Day - Free Admission
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The three North Carolina Aquariums offer free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day.

Nov. 25 -Thanksgiving Day
The Aquarium is closed on Thursday, but open the usual hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - throughout the rest of the holiday weekend.

Dec. 10 - Santa by the Sea
Children tell Santa their wishes among the fishes, meet Santa’s helpers and enjoy other special holiday treats and activities. This magical evening for children and families includes dinner. Advance registration is required and space is limited. Watch the website for fee information.

Dec. 11 - Open House & Food Drive.
Enjoy free admission with one non-perishable food item per person, and visit with Santa. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; watch for Santa’s schedule.

Dec. 25 -Christmas Day
The Aquarium is closed but open as usual - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - throughout the rest of the holiday weekend.

Dec. 27 - 29 - Aquatic Adventurers Camp for Grades 2-3
This Aquarium camp combines fun and learning into wintertime adventure for children in grades 2-3. Participants enjoy outdoor activities, discovery labs, crafts, behind-the-scenes action and more. Camp is limited to 12. 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Advance registration and deposit are required. $100.

Jan. 1, 2011 -New Years Day
The Aquarium is closed but open as usual - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - throughout the rest of the holiday weekend.

Jan. 17, 2011- Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
The three North Carolina Aquariums offer free admission to all visitors on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 17 - 19, 2011 - Coastal Explorers Camp for Grades 4-5
This Aquarium camp combines fun and learning into wintertime adventure for children in grades 4-5. Participants enjoy outdoor activities, discovery labs, crafts, behind-the-scenes action and more. 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Advance registration and deposit are required. $100.

March 12, 2011 - Get Hooked Fishing School
Experts in a variety of techniques present workshops throughout the day. Four sessions of instruction plus drawings, giveaways and a catered lunch are included. The school is sponsored by the Aquarium and Sea Striker. Advance registration is required. Registration begins Jan. 3. Call for fees and other details.