Chattanooga, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium invites visitors to enjoy autumn foliage from October 21-28, featuring unique programs during the ODDtober celebration. Guests can explore two exhibits, engage with wildlife, and witness the Lake Sturgeon release on October 23. The aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater and Rock City Combo Pass further enhance the experience, making it a perfect day trip for families and adventure seekers.
Chattanooga is preparing for a vibrant autumn as the Tennessee Aquarium invites visitors to experience the peak of fall foliage from around October 21–28. This enchanting time makes it an ideal opportunity for a day trip, especially for those traveling from Murfreesboro, which is located approximately an hour and a half away.
The Tennessee Aquarium, a standout attraction in Chattanooga, offers two main exhibits: River Journey and Ocean Journey. These exhibits showcase a wide array of wildlife, including otters, sea turtles, and penguins, while also providing exciting hands-on experiences, such as a touch tank with rays.
In addition to the natural exhibitions, the aquarium hosts its annual ODDtober celebration throughout October. This event promises a quirky and unique experience, featuring giant eyeball art and glow-in-the-dark stickers. Every day during ODDtober, the aquarium presents special programs focusing on less popular wildlife. Programs include “Not-So-Creepy Creatures” at 1 p.m. and “Bones in the Bayou” at 12:15 p.m., emphasizing hands-on learning about misunderstood animals. Additionally, every Saturday at 2 p.m., SCUBA divers will entertain guests by carving pumpkins underwater surrounded by fish.
For movie enthusiasts, the aquarium’s IMAX 3D Theater is showcasing two fascinating films: Shark Kingdom 3D and Elephants: Giants of the Desert 3D.
For those looking to maximize their experience, a Rock City Combo Pass is available for $59 for adults and $49 for youth. This pass allows guests to visit both the aquarium and Rock City’s Enchanted Pumpkin Patch until October 31.
Significantly, October 23 marks the 25th anniversary of the aquarium’s Lake Sturgeon reintroduction program. The aquarium has successfully raised and released 430,000 state-endangered Lake Sturgeon since the program’s inception in 2000. A public release event is scheduled for 12 p.m., where approximately 500 juvenile Lake Sturgeon will be set free into the Tennessee River near Coolidge Park. Freshwater scientists, along with local high school students, will participate in this important release.
Moreover, the Tennessee Aquarium will host the F3: Future of Freight Festival on October 21-22, 2025, offering an opportunity for industry professionals to network and explore advancements in freight transport.
Furthermore, the aquarium has garnered recognition, ranking #6 among the top ten aquariums in the USA Today 2025 Readers’ Choice 10Best Awards. This accolades highlight sustainability and animal care, as the aquarium has maintained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for 32 years since it opened in 1992.
Key Features of the Tennessee Aquarium Events
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fall Foliage Peak | October 21–28 |
| Location | Chattanooga, approximately 1.5 hours from Murfreesboro |
| Exhibits | River Journey and Ocean Journey |
| Special Programs | “Not-So-Creepy Creatures” and “Bones in the Bayou” |
| Underwater Pumpkin Carving | Saturdays at 2 p.m. |
| Lake Sturgeon Release | October 23, approximately 500 juvenile sturgeons |
| Rock City Combo Pass | $59 for adults and $49 for youth |
FAQ
When is the peak fall foliage at the Tennessee Aquarium?
What special events does the Tennessee Aquarium host during October?
What is the significance of October 23 for the aquarium?
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Additional Resources
- WGNS Radio: Day Trip from the Boro – Enjoy the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga
- FreightWaves: Hang Out at the Tennessee Aquarium with Freight’s Biggest Leaders
- Local 3 News: Tennessee Aquarium Ranks #6 in USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards
- Cleveland Banner: Tennessee Aquarium Welcomes 29 Millionth Guest
- Chattanooga Pulse: Tennessee Aquarium Marks Major Lake Sturgeon Conservation Milestone
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Aquarium
- Google Search: Tennessee Aquarium
- Google Scholar: Tennessee Aquarium
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Aquarium
- Google News: Tennessee Aquarium
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
