AquaScarium at the Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium’s October fun goes out with a bang — or maybe a “Boo!” — on Friday, Oct. 26, with the return of AquaScarium.

AquaScarium is the Aquarium’s annual family friendly Halloween bash. This after-hours event has become a tradition for many, and one of Chattanooga’s biggest Halloween events.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume for a spooky (but not TOO spooky) party from 4 to 8 p.m. that will sprawl throughout both buildings and the Aquarium plaza.

Touring the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings after-hours offers guests the chance to see animal activity that is different from what they would witness during the day.

When they arrive, guests can get their faces painted before snapping a selfie or two with popular costumed characters and Aquarium mascots. They can also get their groove on during the Monster Mash dance party.

Inside, visitors can bag some of the sweet stuff at more than a dozen trick- or- treat stations throughout both buildings. As they explore the galleries, visitors will encounter mer- maids, pirates and other costumed guests, some of whom will be leading special animal programs.

AquaScarium is a safe Halloween party for all ages, but younger guests must be accompanied by an adult. Aquarium members and their children can attend for $8. Nonmember tickets are $40 for adults, $30 ages 3-12. All tickets include admission to both Aquarium buildings and AquaScarium activities.

Purchase AquaScarium tickets online at https://community.tnaqua.org/events/member- programs/fall/2018/aquascarium-2018. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

CASEY PHILLIPS PHOTO A young visitor at 2017’s AquaScarium watches penguins swimming.