Museum Events
May 2024
Endangered Species Day
May 18th
Discover, learn, and act for the future of our planet! Dive deep into the fascinating world of endangered species and explore how you can make a difference in their conservation. Join us for a day packed with fun-filled activities—including keeper talks, science shows, ambassador animal meet-and-greets, scavenger hunt, and more!—all designed to ignite curiosity and passion for wildlife conservation.
Included with Museum admission.
Military Family Weekend
May 18th - May 19th
The Virginia Living Museum salutes military families with 50% off admission (must present an active military ID). That’s not all—enjoy exclusive discounts including $20 off memberships and 10% discount in the Wild Things Museum Store. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Bacon Bash 2024
May 23rd
Kick off your summer with the tastiest event of the season! The Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center welcomes you to our signature annual charity event hosted at the Virginia Living Museum.
Enjoy bacon-themed dishes from favorite area restaurants and food trucks, along with live music, a signature bourbon cocktail battle, and local craft beer and cider. Vote for your favorites to decide the annual “People’s Choice Award.”
Get your tickets today! $65 in advance, $75 at the door.
Wild Exploration
May 25th - August 4th
This summer, let your imagination run wild as you uncover the wonders of the natural world right in your own backyard! Explore interactive displays and immerse yourself in the fun of classic lawn games that showcase the diversity of flora and fauna. Challenge your friends and family to a game of giant Jenga, Cornhole, or Connect Four. As you play, you’ll learn valuable lessons in the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation. From buzzing bees to chirping crickets, you’ll marvel at the intricate web of life that surrounds us.
Memorial Day Planetarium Shows
May 27th
Cost: Members free, non-members $6 per show.
Time: 1:30pm
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer.
Recommended for all ages.
June 2024
Celebrate World Ocean Day & Clean the Bay Day
June 8th
Join the Virginia Living Museum to celebrate World Ocean Day and Clean the Bay Day! Make a splash by taking a pledge to prevent waterway litter, learning about our native aquatic wildlife, and participating in hands-on activities about the importance of protecting our oceans and the Chesapeake Bay.
Included with Museum admission.
June 8: Stargazing Night
June 8th
Cost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show.
Time: 6:00pm
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer.
Recommended for all ages.
Time: 7:00 pm
Recommended: ages 6 and above
Celebrate our great nation and her heroes with this dazzling mix of music of and inspired by America. Enjoy hits from Lee Greenwood, Kansas, The Beatles, Gloria Estefan and many others! Enjoy laser fireworks in the cool of the Abbitt Planetarium!
Show Playlist
- Summon the Heroes by John Williams
- Beautiful Day by U2
- Music by Madonna
- Beatles Medley by The Beatles
- Reach by Gloria Estefan
- Santorini by Yanni
- Rock Lobster by The B52s
- Birds Fly by Icicle Works
- Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas
- Patriotic Medley including Aaron Copeland & Lee Greenwood
Time: 8:30pm
Laser Aerosmith features hits by the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers including “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “Dream On,” “Back in the Saddle,” and “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” The songs may be retro, but the light displays and multimedia experience are state of the art.
Show Playlist
- Sweet Emotion
- Livin’ on the Edge
- Jaded
- Janie’s Got a Gun
- Walk this Way
- Dude (Looks Like a Lady)
- Dream On
- Angel’s Eye
- Train Kept a-Rollin’
- Love in an Elevator
- Back in the Saddle
- What Kind of Love are You On
Time: 10pm
Recommended: ages 15 and above
From the very beginning of lasers, this album has represented the ultimate in laser show experiences. And it’s still true today. Join us for the seminal laser show experience with one of the most incredible albums of all time. Considered by many critics to be the album that brought the commercial breakthrough to Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon offers a mixture of psychedelic, rock and jazz sounds. Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes combined with a unique assortment of sound effects yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere.
Some of these songs contain lyrics some parents may find objectionable. Please be aware that volume levels during our Pink Floyd program will be high and the imagery can be intense.
Show Playlist
- Speak to Me
- Breathe
- On the Run
- Time
- The Great Gig in the Sky
- Money
- Us and Them
- Any Colour You Like
- Brain Damage
- Eclipse
Warning: Please be advised that laser shows contain bright, sometimes flashing lights and loud music. This experience is not recommended for guests who are highly sensitive to light and noise.
Beach to Bay Safari
June 15th
Explore the shores and water of the Chesapeake Bay as you collect water quality data and learn about the role of different living and nonliving factors in the ecology of the Bay.
More Info Beach to Bay Safari Registration
The Great Dismal Swamp: A refuge for people, Underground Railroad site for freedom seekers and Spiritual energy for reflection, healing and hope for future generations
June 20th
Speaker: Eric ‘Mubita’ Sheppard | Founder & President, Mubita, LLC
The Moses Grandy slave narrative entitled “The Life of Moses Grandy; Late a Slave in the United States of America” was published in 1843 by the British & Foreign Anti-Slavery Society in London, England. I uncovered this document during my family genealogy research in 2001. It is an honor for me to be a descendant of the Grandy family from Camden, North Carolina and it is also the birthplace of my ancestor Moses Grandy. The presentation will take you on the journey through the Moses Grandy slave narrative that leads into the historical significance for people at the Great Dismal Swamp, which opened the doors of strategic partnership between the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the historic Barotse Kingdom in Western Province, Zambia.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management from the University of Maryland, University College and holds Associate in Arts Degree from Catonsville Community College and Associate in Applied Science Degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
Dino Pajama Jam 2024
June 21st
Time: 6-8:30pm
Cost: $12.00 per member, $15.00 per non-member, children ages 2 & under are free.
Join us for dino-sized family fun! Kids aged 3+ are invited to don their comfiest PJs and get their dino dance on. Fuel up with light snacks and lemonade, hit the dance floor, embark on a prehistoric scavenger hunt, and unleash creativity with a dino-themed craft to take home. Get ready to make the summer ROAR!
Juneteenth Celebration
June 23rd
Join us as we explore the natural resources of Virginia’s waterways and their role in freedom with interactive exhibits and activities. From a resource guide to team-building challenges, we commemorate Juneteenth with the theme “Living the Dream: Together We Make the Dream Work.” Don’t miss out on this day of learning, collaboration, and celebration.
Included with Museum admission.
Turtle Census 2024
July 20th - July 27th
The Virginia Living Museum Education and Herpetology staff began a multi-year research project to monitor the population changes of freshwater turtles in a local watershed over time.
Every year in June and July we set out live-capture, baited hoop nets in Deer Park Lake to catch and survey as many turtles as possible. VLM Staff and volunteers gather all of the turtles that are collected in these nets and spend the morning identifying the species and sex of the turtles, cleaning the shell to remove any stuck-on algae, and using a special marking system to determine whether each turtle is new for the year or a recapture from previous years.
In 2024 the dates are:
Please wear weather appropriate attire, this event will take place outside. Gloves will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle.
You will be handling wild turtles during this event. By purchasing tickets, you are assuming all risks.
Photos will be taken at this event and may be used for promotional material.
July 2024
July 4: Independence Day Celebration
July 4th
Cost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show.
Please purchase tickets in advance. This show is likely to sell out.
Join us in the Abbitt Planetarium for a celebration of America. Spirit of America mixes great patriotic music with America-inspired rock & roll and songs that have defined American music. Rock on to great artists like John Fogerty, Garth Brooks, Lee Greenwood and so many, many more.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
This program made possible by Heck Industries.
Show Playlist
- God Bless America by Celine Dion
- Hoedown by Aaron Copeland
- Centerfield by John Fogerty
- Fifties Medley by Various Artists
- The Star Spangled Banner by KISS
- Servicemen on Parade by various artists
- Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks
- Pink Houses by John Cougar Mellencamp
- Only in America by Brooks & Dunn
- State Medley by Various Artists
- God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood
Spirit of America tickets
Shark Pajama Jam 2024
July 12th
Time: 6-8:30pm
Cost: $12.00 per member, $15.00 per non-member, children ages 2 & under are free.
Get ready to groove at our fin-tastic DJ-led dance party, where kids aged 3+ can unleash their inner sharks! Sink your teeth into snacks, play games that’ll have you ‘hooked,’ embark on a hunt for treasure that’s jaws-dropping, and craft fin-tastic creations to take home! Get ready to make waves this summer!
Shark Day
July 13th
Dive into the fascinating world of sharks! Sharks are more than just predators; they’re crucial to the health of our oceans. Join us for a fin-tastic event where you’ll learn all about these incredible creatures and discover how you can contribute to their conservation.
Get ready for a jaws-dropping adventure:
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Photo Opportunities: Strike a pose with our larger-than-life shark displays, including inflatable shark jaws, a shark cage, a megalodon shark jaw, and a shark cutout and platform.
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Scheduled Talks: Delve deeper into the world of sharks with informative talks led by experts. Learn about shark habitats, conservation efforts, and more. Don’t miss our special shark talk tied in with the thrilling Chesapeake Bay Aquarium feeding experience!
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Shark Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a hunt to discover fascinating facts about sharks hidden throughout the Museum. Pick up your scavenger hunt sheet at the front desk and dive into the adventure!
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Hands-On Activities: From fossil digs to creating your own shark tooth necklace or bracelet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore our shark and ray conservation table, test your skills with our shark toss game, and navigate the shark obstacle course like a pro.
Plus, don’t miss the Behind-the-scenes Aquarium tour.
(Included with Museum admission; behind-the-scenes tours require an additional ticket)
July 13: Stargazing Night
July 13th
Cost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show.
Time: 6pm
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer.
Recommended for all ages.
Time: 10pm
Recommended: ages 15 and above
The Wall is best considered as a continual story rather than a collection of individual songs. It tells the tale of a rock star named Pink and his downward spiral into madness. To the listener, and indeed many critics, The Wall is a gripping and spellbinding musical journey – beautiful, haunting, powerful and thought provoking. It is a timeless classic, and one of Pink Floyd’s best, becoming the group’s second best seller behind Dark Side of the Moon.
Now coupled with spectacular and mesmerizing laser art, Pink Floyd’s classic 1979 epic about personal struggle takes on a unique look, weaving its story in one of the most popular laser shows ever produced! Visitors will become lost and spellbound as their senses join this timeless journey.
Please note that we do not recommend this program for children under the age of 15.
Some of these songs contain lyrics some parents may find objectionable.
Please be aware that volume levels during our Pink Floyd program will be high and the imagery can be intense.
Show Playlist
- In the Flesh
- The Thin Ice
- Another Brick in the Wall (Part I)
- The Happiest Days of Our Lives
- Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)
- Mother
- Goodbye Blue Sky
- Empty Spaces
- Young Lust
- Another Brick in the Wall (Part III)
- Hey You
- Comfortably Numb
- Stop
- The Trial
Warning: Please be advised that laser shows contain bright, sometimes flashing lights and loud music. This experience is not recommended for guests who are highly sensitive to light and noise.
August 2024
August 10: Stargazing Night
August 10th
Cost: Members $5, non-members $8 per show.
Time: 6pm
A live guided tour of the current evening sky with a staff astronomer.
Recommended for all ages.
Time: 7pm
Recommended: ages 6 and above
Hear some of today’s hottest pop artists combined with awesome laser effects! This combination of electronic pop music and visual thrills will have you shaking in your seat. A great show for the entire family.
This program is family-friendly: Inappropriate song lyrics have been eliminated or blanked.
Show Playlist
- Applause by Lady Gaga
- Turn Down for What by Lil Jon & DJ Snake
- Pompeii by Bastille
- Red Lights by Tiesto
- Royals by Lorde
- #SELFIE by The Chainsmokers
- This is How We Do by Katy Perry
- Happy by Pharrell Williams
- Tongue Tied by Grouplove
- Get Lucky by Daft Punk
- Neon Lights by Demi Lovato
- Ten Feet Tall by Afrojack & Wrabel
Time: 8:30 pm
Recommended: ages 15 and above
Almost a full hour of amazing rock with Led Zeppelin. See incredible laser images custom-created for awesome songs like Kashmir, No Quarter, Over the Hills and Far Away and many more. Led Zeppelin is proclaimed by many critics to be the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, and their individualistic style reset the standards for many musical genres in the 1960s and ‘70s. Indeed, they have been hailed as one of the most successful, innovative and influential bands, alongside Pink Floyd, U2 and the Beatles. Now you can relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying a visual treat of custom laser imagery.
Many of these songs contain lyrics some parents may find objectionable.
Please be aware that volume levels during our Laser Zeppelin program will be high and the imagery can be intense.
Show Playlist
- Song Remains the Same
- Over the Hills and Far Away
- Good Times, Bad Times
- Immigrant Song
- No Quarter
- Black Dog
- Livin’ Lovin’ Maid
- Kashmir
- Stairway to Heaven
- Whole Lotta Love
- Rock ‘n’ Roll
Time: 10pm
Recommended: ages 15 and above
From the very beginning of lasers, this album has represented the ultimate in laser show experiences. And it’s still true today. Join us for the seminal laser show experience with one of the most incredible albums of all time. Considered by many critics to be the album that brought the commercial breakthrough to Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon offers a mixture of psychedelic, rock and jazz sounds. Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes combined with a unique assortment of sound effects yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere.
Some of these songs contain lyrics some parents may find objectionable. Please be aware that volume levels during our Pink Floyd program will be high and the imagery can be intense.
Show Playlist
- Speak to Me
- Breathe
- On the Run
- Time
- The Great Gig in the Sky
- Money
- Us and Them
- Any Colour You Like
- Brain Damage
- Eclipse
Warning: Please be advised that laser shows contain bright, sometimes flashing lights and loud music. This experience is not recommended for guests who are highly sensitive to light and noise.
Space Pajama Jam 2024
August 16th
Time: 6-8:30pm
Cost: $12.00 per member, $15.00 per non-member, children ages 2 & under are free.
Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure at our stellar DJ-led dance party, where kids aged 3+ can explore the galaxies in style! Fuel up with cosmic snacks and drinks, hit the dance floor, embark on an intergalactic scavenger hunt, and craft out-of-this-world creations to take home. Get ready to blast off into FUN!!
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