Calendar of Events
Saturday, October 3rd - Meet Our Snakes Day
Get ready to slither into a day all about one of nature’s most fascinating and misunderstood animals! Meet live snakes up close, explore real snake artifacts, learn amazing facts with our educators, and create your very own snake themed craft to take home. Whether you’re already an enthusiast or still a little unsure about these scaly creatures, this day will be a fun, family-friendly opportunity to discover what makes snakes so unique and why they play such an important role in the natural world!
Friday, October 9th - Adult After Hours Event: Dead as Disco
Step back into the ’70s for a groovy evening of spooky fun, champagne, and romance at Via Aquarium! Join us from 6-8 PM on October 9th for a special adults only afterhours experience surrounded by skeletons, disco decor, and a hauntingly fun ’70s soundtrack. Enjoy a charcuterie board and champagne while you explore the aquarium after dark, and come dressed to impress in your best ’70s inspired look — bell bottoms, jumpsuits, disco glam and all! Whether it’s a date night, a night out with friends, or just an excuse to get your groove on, it’s going to be a night to remember!
Saturday, October 10th - Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Join us at Via Aquarium on October 10th as we come together to support breast cancer awareness and our local community! Guests who make a donation will receive a pink ribbon to add to our special Breast Cancer Awareness Wall, creating a powerful display of support throughout the day. Guests who donate $10 or more will also receive a $2 discount on their admission ticket and enter a chance to win a family of 4 membership. 100% of donated funds will benefit American Cancer Society, supporting their efforts to help people facing cancer and advance the fight against the disease. Stop by, show your support, and help us turn our aquarium into a sea of pink!
Saturday, October 17th - Halloween Around the World
Halloween may look different from one country to the next! Join us at Via Aquarium on October 17th as we explore unique Halloween and seasonal traditions from around the world. Discover how different cultures honor loved ones, celebrate the changing seasons, and embrace the spooky spirit through engaging displays and hands on activities. From Irish Halloween traditions and Mexican ofrendas to Chinese lotus flower send-offs and Nigerian masquerade traditions, there’s a whole world of Halloween to discover!
Saturday, October 24th - Aliens of the Abyss
Dive into the mysterious depths of the ocean at Via Aquarium for Aliens of the Abyss! Our educators will take you on a journey into the deep sea to discover some of the strangest and most fascinating creatures on Earth. Discover how these incredible animals survive in a world of darkness, crushing pressure, and extreme conditions, and learn about the bizarre adaptations that make life possible in the deep. Then create your own deep-sea-inspired anglerfish headband and embrace your inner creature of the abyss!
Sunday, October 25th - 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.
Check out our Facebook event for announcements and updates on the Food Trucks that are joining us!
Tuesday, October 27th - 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.
Saturday, October 31st - Fins & Frights
Celebrate Halloween at Via Aquarium with a day full of spooky fun for the whole family! Follow the trick-or-treat stations throughout the aquarium, then join us at 11:30 AM as our resident alligator snapping turtle, Chappy, goes pumpkin bobbing! At 2:00 PM watch as we take Halloween underwater with a special underwater pumpkin carving demonstration. Plus, Boogie Down Bugs will be here from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM with a table full of creepy, crawly insects to discover. Costumes are encouraged, candy is waiting, and Halloween is calling! Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🕷️
Friday, November 20th - Adult After Hours Event: Paint and Sip
Join us for an ocean-themed evening of art, creativity and fun! Karen’s pARTies will lead you step-by-step through a colorful ocean-inspired painting while you enjoy an evening at Via Aquarium. We’ll provide the wine, you provide the creativity! Tickets are $45 for non-members and $40 for Via Aquarium members. A minimum of 6 seats must be sold for the event to run, so gather your friends and reserve your spot!
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!
Mon-Wed, December 28th to 30th - Winter Day Camp
Looking for a fun and educational way to keep your child engaged over winter break? Dive into the underwater world at Via Aquarium’s Winter Day Camp. Our Day Camp is the perfect place for kids to learn, explore, and have fun! It’s the ideal blend of creativity and adventure—all in one unforgettable day at the Aquarium.
Open to children ages 8-12
10:30AM – 4:00PM
Price: $65 per day for non-members, $55 per day for members
Space is limited, click here to reserve your spot and read more information!
