New Year, New Nighttime Offerings at Birch Aquarium
The popular Oceans at Night Returns for 21+ Guests, Alongside the Debut of All-Ages Birch After Hours
Photo by: Jordann Tomasek, Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA (Jan. 8, 2026) —As the New Year begins, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is inviting guests to experience the aquarium after dark in two exciting new ways. In 2026, the aquarium is relaunching its popular Oceans at Night series for adults 21+ and introducing Birch After Hours, a brand-new evening experience for guests of all ages — both designed to showcase the wonders of the ocean after the sun goes down.
“Nighttime at the aquarium reveals a completely different side of the ocean,” said Executive Director Harry Helling. “With the return of Oceans at Night and the launch of Birch After Hours, we’re giving guests of all ages new opportunities to connect with ocean science, conservation and each other while exploring what happens in the ocean when the lights go out.”
Both events underscore Birch Aquarium’s commitment to innovative, immersive experiences that blend science, culture and community — making 2026 the year to stay out a little later and dive a little deeper. Guests of both will experience Living Seas as it transforms from day-to-night with special lighting and glowing surprises around every corner.
Oceans at Night Returns
Returning on select nights throughout the year, Oceans at Night brings back the energy, creativity and curiosity that made the event a guest favorite, with fresh themes, new partnerships and immersive nighttime experiences. Adults can recapture the magic of childhood by exploring the aquarium after hours, enjoying music, drinks and fascinating ocean science — all in a fun, child-free environment.
Oceans at Night kicks off January 29, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. with an Aquanauts theme in honor of the aquarium’s newest exhibition, Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base. During the event, guests will explore an underwater research station, experience life as an aquanaut, enjoy moments to meditate and connect with Scripps science all while enjoying Oceans at Night’s adults-only atmosphere.
Additional Oceans at Night dates and themes will be announced at a later date.
Launching Birch After Hours
Beginning February 15, Birch Aquarium will kick-off Birch After Hours, an all-ages evening experience held Sunday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. Designed for families, couples and anyone looking to wind down the weekend, Birch After Hours features discounted tickets, music, food offerings and a relaxed nighttime vibe inviting guests to experience the aquarium in a whole new light.
Tickets for January’s Oceans at Night: Aquanauts are on sale now starting at $53.95 for members and $59.95 for the general public. Birch After Hours tickets are also available for the first several weeks. Note tickets for Birch After Hours must be purchased online in advance to receive the discounted price. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more details and to reserve tickets.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which it achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.