Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Celebrates 50 Years July 11 with Two Events

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores turns 50 this year. To celebrate, the Aquarium will offer two unique events on July 11 as part of a year-long run of events celebrating the three North Carolina Aquariums. NCAPKS is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

A Birthday Splash daytime event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 11 at the Aquarium and is free with admission or membership. Rock the Reef, an evening event for ages 21 and up, will follow from 7-10 p.m. and will be a ticketed event.

"We'd like to thank our local community for all of the support they've given us over the last 50 years," said Aquarium Director Clint Taylor. "To show our appreciation, we're showcasing our history, sharing stories and photos, and highlighting our progress and how much we hope to continue to grow."

During the daytime event, guests will enjoy special animal encounters, hands-on themed crafts, historic photos and video exhibits throughout the Aquarium, and birthday treats.

Enjoy special birthday themed events throughout the day including otter birthday cake enrichment, crafts, and animal encounters.

That evening, the Aquarium will turn into a retro-inspired lounge for an evening of music, food, and fun. Participants ages 21 and over will enjoy live dueling piano music, food and beverages, a 70s-themed selfie photo booth, and a 70s costume contest all at the Aquarium after hours. Finish the evening with a celebratory toast and a commemorative champagne flute. Tickets for Rock the Reef are $50 per person and $40 for members. Rock the Reef is event sponsored by Southern Bank and all proceeds from event benefit the NCAPKS through the nonprofit NC Aquarium Society.

"We wanted everyone in our community to be able to participate and celebrate in one way or another. Either visiting us during the day or dressing up and going to the event in the evening. And if someone can't participate in either we'd still love for them to get involved and share their favorite memories and photos on our anniversary website," said Shannon Kemp, NCAPKS communications manager.

In 1976, three Marine Resource Centers opened in North Carolina. Ten years later, they were renamed as the North Carolina Aquariums. The three facilities are located along the coast, on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores, and at Fort Fisher. Since the beginning, conservation has been a cornerstone of the Aquariums' mission.

While NCAPKS and the other two North Carolina Aquariums will officially turn 50 in September, there are several anniversary and birthday events happening throughout the year across the division. There will be a Golden Gala on September 9 at NCARI, a Birthday Bash at NCARI on Sept. 12, a birthday party at Jennette's Pier in October, and look for birthday beach cleanup events with NCAFF throughout the year.

To get tickets or make membership reservations for the daytime event, visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores. To get tickets for the evening Rock the Reef Event visit www.ncaquariums.com/tickets-pks. To get tickets for the July 11 Rock the Reef event visit www.ncaquariums.com/pks-special-events. To share your favorite memories, stories, and photos visit www.ncaquariums50.com.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural ResourcesThe N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov.

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