Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Virginia Beach, VA – This Valentine’s Day, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is celebrating love with a special evening event called ValenTide’s . Forgo the usual chocolates and flowers for a romantic evening surrounded by a picturesque aquatic atmosphere.
ValenTide’s will be an all-inclusive evening with gourmet food stations located throughout the exhibits at the North Building and an open bar with beer and wine. This event is for ages 21 and up, and identification will be checked at the door.
Menu for the evening includes four movie-themed food stations:
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” — Miniature assorted quiche, chicken and waffles, pancake stacks, and scones.
“Mamma Mia!” — Antipasto skewers, spanakopita, green chicken skewers, spinach and artichoke dip.
“Under the Sea” — Fresh oysters on the half shell, bacon wrapped scallops, champagne pickled shrimp, and Chesapeake Bay crab dip.
“Chocolat” Charcuterie — Chocolate covered strawberries, assorted truffles, and ganache brownies.
In addition to the four food stations, there will be baby potatoes hors d’oeuvres and take-home macarons.
Additionally, guests can celebrate their love with a custom underwater message that’s placed in an aquarium for an added $100. Limited quantities available. The sign size may vary based on exhibit placement, and messages can be up to 50 characters long.
Event proceeds support the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to provide quality care for the Aquarium’s animals, offer educational programs, conduct research and conservation work, and operate the nationally recognized Stranding Response Program.
Keep the tides high with this memorable date night experience from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Building. Tickets are $150 per person and available for purchase at VirginiaAquarium.com.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
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