Calendar of Events
Saturday, May 2nd - Free Comic Book Day
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY at Via Aquarium! 
Join us for a super celebration on Free Comic Book Day! Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite heroes, villains, or comic book characters and dive into the fun.
We’ll be handing out free comic books and collector’s cards in our GIFT SHOP while supplies last—so get here early and gear up for an epic day of fandom, fun, and fish!
Costumes are welcome and will receive $2 off admission!
This event is included with general admission!
AND stop by Earthworld Comics’ Free Comic Book Day at 537 Central Ave, Albany, NY!
Friday, May 8th - Mom-Mosa Date Night
Welcome to our MOM-Mosa event!
With the number of families we see going through our Gates, we know firsthand moms can use a little downtime. Of course, this event is open to all adults, but besides MerMAYids, we all recognize what May is about. Why not unwind with us and a couple of mimosas this month?
Whether you’re a mom who needs a little “you” time, someone who enjoys a mimosa (or two), or you’re looking for a less chaotic time to visit the Aquarium, this event has got you covered! Your ticket includes admission to the aquarium and 2 mimosa tickets.
Please note that this event is for guests 18 and older only. You must be 21+ with valid ID to consume alcohol. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with last admission at 7:30 PM. Tickets are non-refundable, and Via Aquarium reserves the right to refuse any guest an alcoholic beverage for any reason.
This is our monthly adult-only night, so come back for future themed evenings—all the fun, none of the kids! Click here for your Date Night Tickets!
Saturday, May 9th - SpongeBob Day
Join us for SpongeBob Day at Via Aquarium on May 9th!
We will have a SpongeBob-themed scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium. Make sure to check all our tanks so that you don’t miss anything! There will also be a small giveaway in the Gift Shop, while supplies last, for participants. Scavenger Hunts are included with General Admission Tickets.
Head over to the arts & craft table for a SpongeBob-themed temporary tattoo, included with General Admission Tickets, while supplies last.
Or sponsor a boat for the boat race for your chance to win a prize! Hopefully, your boat can steer better than SpongeBob! You can pre-purchase your boat sponsorship on our website (click here) or at our arts & crafts table until 12:45pm the day of. The race will start promptly at 1:00pm at the Koi Pond (only 150 boats are available for registration).
Sunday, May 10th - Mother's Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day with us! 
Moms receive FREE admission with the purchase of a child’s ticket.
Please note: complimentary tickets for mothers must be redeemed in person at the admissions desk on Mother’s Day.
Monday, May 11th - Zip Code Monday
On the second Monday of every month, we celebrate our neighbors with a special admission discount — and this month’s lucky ZIP is 12325!
If you live in 12325, show your ID at admissions on Monday, May 11, to use your discount.
Saturday, May 16th - Birds of Prey Day
Endangered Species Day, the third Friday in May, celebrates and offers an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species.
To bring awareness to this day, a local rescue and rehabilitation organization will be bringing their birds of prey from 11:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, May 16th. 30% of the approximately 560 raptors in the world are listed as either near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
We are welcoming the New York Wildlife Rescue Center to provide an educational and fun experience for all guests to learn about local birds of prey, their importance in the wild, and the vital role rescue organizations play in protecting these animals.
Event activities are included with General Admission Tickets.
Saturday, May 23rd - Mer-May Day
May is back—and so is our Annual Mer-May Day! Celebrate the magic of the sea with a day full of wonder and creativity for the whole family:
- Meet & Greet with a Mermaid Princess (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Snap a photo and hear enchanting tales from under the sea.
- Face Painting (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM): Transform into a mermaid or your favorite ocean creature.
- Mermaid Dive Show (to be announced): Watch our mermaid glide and dance beneath the waves.
- Arts & Crafts (Starting at 11:00 AM, while supplies last): Color your own mermaid tail to take home.
All activities are included with General Admission. Don’t miss this fin-tastic day!
Sunday, May 24th - Bingo & Bites
Come hungry and ready for fun! From March through October, join us for our monthly Bingo & Bites! Enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, then dive into a self-guided game of Aquarium Bingo.
Pick up your bingo sheet at Admissions, explore the exhibits, and cross off your squares as you discover the wonders of the aquarium. Complete a winning line? Claim a prize at the Gift Shop while supplies last!
Food truck purchases are separate, but Aquarium Bingo is included with General Admission tickets. Bring your curiosity and sense of adventure—it’s a fun way to uncover something new around every corner.
Mark your calendar for our next Bingo & Bites on Sunday, May 24th!
Tuesday, May 26th - Sensory Friendly Day
Join us for our monthly Sensory-Friendly Day at the aquarium!
Every day, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests. Our lights are always kept dim, music is played at a low volume, and our interactive exhibits are designed with sensory-friendly features in mind.
On the last Tuesday of each month, we take extra steps to make the experience even more comfortable for those who prefer a quieter, slower-paced visit. Attendance is intentionally kept low, including a reduction in field trip groups, to help provide a calm and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Wednesday, May 27th - Fit4Mom Stroller Fitness Class
Join Fit4Mom for a mini Stroller Strides class for you and your kids at Via Aquarium! Be ready to do a fun, 30-minute workout while you sing, work out, and meet other moms and their kids. Kids will stay in their stroller or wagon while you work out and entertain them with your sweet moves and singing (trust us, they LOVE watching their moms jump around and run!). After class, the group will explore the aquarium! We can’t wait to start our day with you and your family!
Advanced registration through Via Aquarium is required. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before class to allow time for parking and attendance. Thank you for your consideration—we look forward to helping you make special memories with your family!
Limited tickets available, click here to reserve yours!
Saturday, May 30th - Mermaid School
Dive into a morning of underwater enchantment at the aquarium! Children in Kindergarten through Fourth grade can join us for a magical Mermaid School. A real Little Mermaid princess will help your child become a mermaid through a read-aloud, sing-alongs, arts & crafts, and more!
Limited spots are available; don’t miss this fin-tastic adventure!
Please note this is a drop-off event, parents are welcome to stick around the mall until the event is over. We recommend the coffee and snacks from our newer neighbors, The Pretty Bake Shop.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, May 29, 2026 in order to attend this event. Click here to reserve yours today!
Saturday, June 13th - Murder Mystery Night
Are you ready for a BOMB Murder Mystery Night?
Rub shoulders with mallrats, valley girls, stoners, and soccer moms during the grand opening of the new mall. Amidst shelves of Beanie Babies and Spice Girls tunes, something is buggin’—will you be able to put down your Tamagotchi long enough to solve the mystery? Or could someone as fly as you be accused of… MURDER?!
Whip out your slap bracelets and bling—you’ll need all your skills for this immersive 90s experience. This is one event you won’t want to dip on!
Event Details:
6:00 PM: Food Court Mingling with performers and a Mall Food Court-inspired buffet
7:00 PM: Crime begins
9:00 PM: Mystery reveal and award presentation
Dress to impress in true 90s style! It’s going to be a phat night, and if you’re not there… talk to the hand.
Please note: This event is for guests 18 and older only. Limited tickets available, click here to reserve yours!
Saturday, November 14th - Quartet by Candlelight
Please join us for our first Quartet by Candlelight event. When putting the program together, we thought what could be more fitting than paying tribute to the composer who gave JAWS teeth using just 2 notes?!
We are honored to be joined by a quartet led by Cellist Laura Melnicoff. Not only is Laura an incredibly accomplished musician and music educator, but she also lives right here in the Capital Region! Learn more about Laura at her website lauramelnicoff.com.
Please note that this event is for guests 13+ and that doors will open at 6pm with last admission at 6:45pm. This is to be respectful to the performers, as the program is scheduled to begin promptly at 7pm. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the aquarium after the performance, scheduled to end at 8pm, until the facility closes at 9pm.
Limited tickets available, click here to reserve yours!
