Jazzin' at the Shedd

Schedule

1. Wednesday, May 27, 2026 — Members Jazzin': 6-10 p.m.; free for members with member-only programming.
2. Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — HBCU/D9 Jazzin': 5-10 p.m.; Shedd currently marks this date sold out.
3. Wednesdays through September 2, 2026 — Jazzin' at the Shedd: Generally 5-10 p.m. with live jazz, exhibits, touch experiences, food, and beverages.

What to expect

Jazzin' at the Shedd runs Wednesdays, May 27-September 2, 2026, generally 5-10 p.m. It is an after-hours aquarium night with live jazz, food and drink for purchase, all exhibits and touch experiences included, and a moodier evening read on the galleries. Important 2026 caveat: Shedd says its building is evolving and the North Terrace will be unavailable during construction, so do not plan the night around terrace lounging; plan it around music and aquarium access first.

Tickets

2026 prices on Shedd's official page: adults $29.95, children 3-11 $24.95, members $19.95. Members Jazzin' on May 27 is free for members. June 17 HBCU/D9 Jazzin' is marked sold out by Shedd. Buy through Shedd and check the date page because warm Wednesday nights can sell through.

Transit

Red/Orange/Green Line to Roosevelt then a 15-minute walk east through Museum Campus, or hop the 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express bus straight to the campus. Free shuttle from McCormick Place after 5 p.m. some nights. Bike: Lakefront Trail straight in, racks at the Shedd's south entrance. Driving means the Soldier Field garages — pricey ($35+) and they fill on Bears events.

Bag policy

Standard Shedd policy applies: bags subject to search at the door, no outside alcohol, no oversized backpacks. Strollers allowed but must be left in designated areas during certain galleries.

Family-friendly

All ages are welcome, but it is still an evening event with bars and a grown-up tempo. Families should arrive early, do exhibits first, and expect the crowd to skew more adult as the night goes on. Outside food and drink are not allowed at evening Shedd events.

Local tips

1. Treat 2026 as an indoor jazz-and-aquarium night first: Shedd says the North Terrace is unavailable during construction, so do not build the plan around outdoor terrace viewing.
2. Eat before if you are price-sensitive; food and drink are available inside, but outside food and beverage are not allowed for evening events.
3. Members at $19.95 vs $29.95 adult GA can make sense if you are likely to return to Shedd this season.
4. Do exhibits early, then linger for music. Some habitats may dim or close earlier for animal care needs.
5. Bring a cardigan; the aquarium can feel cool even on humid summer nights.
6. For families, arrive at 5 p.m. and leave before the late-evening bar crowd thickens.
7. Aux Board Jazzin' is a separate ticketed event later in summer with a different, more social benefit-event feel.

Frequently asked questions

When is Jazzin' at the Shedd in 2026?

Wednesdays from May 27 through September 2, generally 5-10 p.m.; the members-only opener on May 27 runs 6-10 p.m.

How much are tickets?

Shedd lists adults at $29.95, children ages 3-11 at $24.95, and members at $19.95. Members Jazzin' is free for members.

Is the North Terrace open?

No. Shedd's 2026 event page says the North Terrace is unavailable while new exhibits are being built, so plan for an indoor aquarium-and-jazz night.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

No. Shedd says outside food and drink are not allowed at evening events; food and beverages are available for purchase.