Below you will find detailed Aquarium Aglow information that covers topics of our most frequently asked questions. Should you have additional questions or need further assistance, please call us at (843) 577-FISH (3474). 

Event Time:  Aquarium Aglow runs 5:30–9 p.m. with scheduled entry times. Please check your tickets to ensure you arrive at your entry time, and have your tickets on your phone or printed to expedite your access to the event. All guests are welcome to stay until the event concludes at 9 p.m. 

Tickets: Member special pricing for tickets will apply automatically once signed in and cannot be combined with other offers. Utilize our ticket calendar to select the date and entry time that best fits your schedule and budget, and remember, you can save more by choosing a later entry time. All tickets, including those purchased by members, increase by $3 on the day of the event — buy early to save! Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and only tickets purchased through the South Carolina Aquarium will be honored. The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and proceeds help fund our mission.  

Food and Beverage: Food and drinks, including a selection of alcoholic beverages, will be available for purchase. Please be aware that refreshments at Aquarium Aglow may contain or come in contact with common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and others. Only guests 21 and over with a valid I.D. may purchase alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. 

Parking: The most convenient parking for Aquarium guests is a city-operated parking garage located at 24 Calhoun Street, adjacent to Liberty Square and our campus. There is also metered parking on streets surrounding the Aquarium. Please note: Both options are pay-to-park and not operated by the Aquarium. 

Accessibility: The South Carolina Aquarium is committed to providing engaging and full experiences for all. For accessibility resources, including information on transportation to our building, wheelchair rental and more, please visit our Accessibility page. 

Sensory Inclusion: For those with sensory sensitivities, we offer free checkout of KultureCity sensory bags which include tools, like noise-reducing headphones and specialized strobe glasses, that may help make the Aquarium Aglow experience more comfortable. Read our tips for a sensory friendly Aquarium Aglow visit to feel confident when attending.

Weather: Aquarium Aglow will take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather that results in temporary Aquarium closure, refunds will be issued to ticket holders scheduled for those dates. 

Gift Shop: The Gift Shop will be open during Aquarium Aglow. 

Safety Information: Though there are no strobe-like effects, portions of Aquarium Aglow utilize flickering lights and may not be suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Some areas of the Aquarium may have low lighting, and outdoor exhibits may have damp flooring, so please use caution as you explore. 

Children: All ages are welcome at Aquarium Aglow. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

Aquarium Animals: Animal wellbeing is our top priority, and this includes giving animals the choice to “take a break” from light and sound stimulation. During your visit to Aquarium Aglow, some animals, such as our river otters and American kestrel, may not be in full view. In addition, curtains in Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery™ are lowered every evening at 8 p.m. to mimic a natural light cycle for our sea turtle patients.

Photography: We encourage you to capture memories at Aquarium Aglow and share your experiences on social media (Remember to tag us!); however, no flash photography is allowed. Commercial photography, videotaping or recording without prior authorization from the Aquarium is prohibited. To learn more about commercial photography at the Aquarium, click here. 

Conduct: All guests are expected to follow the Aquarium’s official Code of Conduct. Please note: Smoking and/or vaping are not allowed anywhere on Aquarium property nor in the surrounding area of Liberty Square. The Aquarium reserves the right to ask guests to leave at any time with no refund should inappropriate or dangerous behavior, including excessive inebriation, be displayed. 

For additional information, please call us at (843) 577-FISH (3474).