The Georgia Aquarium, a top attraction in Atlanta and the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, is radiating excitement this summer with its innovative Glow Nights event and a stunning new bioluminescence exhibit debuting in 2025. This immersive experience runs daily from May 30 through August 17, inviting guests into a magical glowing wonderland inspired by the natural bioluminescence of marine life such as corals and jellyfish. Visitors can enjoy blacklight theatrics, glowing décor, live performances, and interactive activities including glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos, making this event engaging for families and all ages. This summer activation is a highlight among numerous 2025 events celebrating the aquarium’s 20th anniversary, with an Aqua Pass offering unlimited visits at a discounted price, granting access to Glow Nights and other seasonal festivities.
Alongside Glow Nights, the aquarium introduced the captivating bioluminescence exhibit in May 2025, which showcases how marine creatures illuminate underwater environments using light triggered by motion, sound, and air. This exhibit reconnects guests with the mesmerizing glow of ocean life in a visually spectacular way. Complementing the summer happenings, Georgia Aquarium offers an exciting fall lineup including the Halloween-themed Haunted Seas event from October 3 to November 3, featuring costumed characters, trick-or-treating, and themed animal presentations aimed at family fun. Entering the holiday season, the aquarium transforms with festive lights and events from mid-November through early January, including daily tree lightings and a chance to meet Santa, promising magical experiences during winter.
The aquarium also recently partnered with ReBokeh Vision Technologies to enhance accessibility for visitors with low vision. This partnership offers free access to innovative assistive technology that helps guests with low vision customize their visual experience of the aquarium’s exhibits. This makes the Georgia Aquarium the first of its kind in the U.S. to provide such an empowerment-driven tech to a wide audience including both visitors and staff, enhancing inclusivity and enjoyment for all.
However, amid this abundance of new offerings, the Georgia Aquarium faced a poignant moment this week with the passing of Taroko, one of its male whale sharks. Taroko arrived at the aquarium in 2007 after being rescued from a seafood market in Taiwan and lived as a beloved ambassador for nearly two decades. Despite meticulous veterinary care, Taroko’s health deteriorated, leading to a humane decision to euthanize. He contributed significantly to scientific knowledge about whale shark biology and behavior throughout his life and was admired by over 43 million visitors. The aquarium is focusing now on the welfare of its remaining whale shark, Yushan, while honoring Taroko’s memory and legacy.
Beyond the big events and heartfelt remembrances, Georgia Aquarium continues to offer daily presentations such as the new game-show-style Sea Lion Presentation debuting this spring in the Truist Sea Lion Studios, combining education with entertainment. Other upcoming highlights include adult-focused evenings like Aqua Vino on September 26, featuring fine wine, gourmet food, and exclusive after-hours access to the aquarium.
In sum, the Georgia Aquarium in 2025 stands as a beacon of innovation, education, and conservation with its dazzling Glow Nights, new interactive exhibits, impactful accessibility initiatives, and enduring commitment to marine life conservation. Whether visiting for an immersive summer experience, joining special events, or learning about ocean creatures, guests are sure to find inspiration and wonder throughout the year.
Have you visited the Georgia Aquarium recently or experienced Glow Nights? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates from this iconic Atlanta destination. The aquatic adventure continues to evolve and enchant visitors year-round.