The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF), a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is celebrating the North Carolina Aquariums’ 50th anniversary with a Birthday Splash featuring mermaids, aquatic animals, and hands-on activities for the whole family. The event will be held Sunday, Nov. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Discovery Bay, the Aquarium’s free mini aquarium inside Independence Mall. Guests can enjoy ocean-themed festivities, including mermaid meet-and-greets, crafts for all ages, and animal encounters led by Aquarium experts.
The celebration also highlights Discovery Bay's role in keeping the Aquarium connected with the Wilmington community while Fort Fisher undergoes a major renovation and expansion. Opened in July 2026, Discovery Bay offers marine and freshwater habitats, ambassador animal encounters, and educational programming throughout construction.
Aquarium members are invited to start the celebration early from 10 a.m. to noon with a special morning experience that includes a continental breakfast, mermaid story time, and photo opportunities. Tickets for the members-only experience are $5 and must be purchased online. Each attendee will receive a $5 coupon to use in the gift shop with their event ticket.
Since 1976, the North Carolina Aquariums have connected millions of visitors with the wonders of aquatic life through education, conservation, animal care, and immersive exhibits. As Fort Fisher prepares to become the largest aquarium in North Carolina — complete with a 400,000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, a new coral reef habitat, interactive shark and ray touch pool experiences, and expanded education spaces — the 50th Birthday Splash celebrates five decades of inspiring wonder while looking ahead to the next 50 years.
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. While NCAFF is closed for a transformative renovation and expansion, visitors are encouraged to stroll into Discovery Bay at Independence mall, a complimentary experience or reserve their tickets at NCA Pine Knoll Shores and NCA Roanoke Island or to visit Jennette’s Pier for some great fishing. The mission of the North Carolina Aquariums is to inspire care and conservation of nature by connecting people with the aquatic world.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The 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 www.dncr.nc.gov.
About the North Carolina Aquarium Society
The North Carolina Aquarium Society is the nonprofit partner organization of the North Carolina Aquariums, celebrating 50 years of connecting people with the wonders of aquatic life. NCAS raises private funds to champion the Aquariums and enhance the aquarium experience for all visitors. The private support raised by NCAS ensures the Aquariums can support their priorities – opening new habitats, nurturing aquatic life, and facilitating educational programs and conservation research.