Some organizational issues but still had a great time. 1. No point in doing timed entry if the timed entry rules are the thing making everyone clump up and enter at once. Totally illogical. 2. No kids should be allowed at an adults event. They run the show every other day, give us a break from them. 3. Jazz band should have been outside. Sad that we barely heard any music the entire night. As usual the animals were amazing! Jubilee drink was yummy. Sunset was gorgeous. read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The music and ambiance were both fantastic. Bumping down a star because there wasn't enough seating outside particularly as people were hogging seats in keeping their stuff on it. They would disappear for long periods of time but keep stuff unattended. There should be some paid seating that can be reserved. Or some active management of chairs so no one hogs tables. One of the most picturesque aquarium locations I've visited. Also, nice exhibits. The food was actually priced reasonably and good as well. It was a nice family friendly atmosphere to experience a jazz event. Particularly as most Chicago jazz venues appear to be 21+. read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - View of lake from the inside venue. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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3.5 stars Who doesn't love the shed But on a particular day that we attended the jazzing at the shut of bent it was very stormy in Chicago and it was cut short because of lightning in the area which forced everyone inside which I didn't feel comfortable was so many people inside and not spread out and we were on a terrace until the lightning till the lightning very hot and humid and kind of uncomfortable drinks very expensive for what they serve food I did not partake in but it was expensive as well nice crowd I did see some children there I would rather people got babysitters if you were trying to have an adult evening So my evening did get cut short unfortunately read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Okay, this is a fun summer Chicago event. Some hits and misses, and if I had paid full price I might be a little more annoyed (I got a discount since I'm a Chicago resident). When we went a few weeks ago there was very little jazz. There was one small group playing inside kind of as you walked in, and the only other jazz was a group outside in one of the tents. And the tent was packed, and it was loud, so not very enjoyable. It's nice that you get to see most of the exhibits, but since the aquarium is still open to the public it doesn't have the quieter feel I expected. Pretty much, you can roam around the aquarium with a glass of wine, then go outside to a loud tent to listen to some loud jazz. If you do want to buy drinks, they are very pricey as well (to be expected, yes, but still pricey. You did have the option to purchase a whole bottle of wine instead of individual glasses, which would save you money). The views of the skyline are very nice from the patio, and getting to see the Navy Pier fireworks is pretty cool too. But that patio also gets packed, as you would expect. People seemed to hog tables and chairs, which isn't really the Shedd's fault but detracted from the experience. It was an effort just to find one chair for my very pregnant friend to be able to sit (and we saw plenty of empty chairs despite being told "these are being used." There were also people standing on chairs-not at the back, but in front of most of the crowd. Come on, you already have a spot towards the front, now you want to block the view for everyone behind you?! Again, there are some fun parts, but I went a few years ago and remembered it being more enjoyable than my recent trip. It's a fun thing to do, but not sure I feel a strong drive to go again anytime soon. read more

This is one of the many great fun things to do in Chicago. Get there early if you want a spot out on the patio. They full up right after opening. It's of spots to grab a drink and the food is really good. Get your drink tickets when you go in. As the night goes on the drink ticket line is long but the drink stations are fast. The music is really good and it's so much fun to walk around all the exibits with a cocktail in hand read more

Jazz at the Shed is one of the members perks that actually make it worth the membership! Amazing views, great photo opportunities and of course the fun after hours way to see the animals. It's hard to tell how to dress - many people are dressed to the nines, but there are also plenty of people who look like they just woke up from under a bridge. Due to this being a drinking event, you dont see a lot of kids (which is nice) but you also get to see some pretty entitled and disrespectful drunk people. Shedd does a good job making sure the animals aren't in any danger, but people sneak drinks in to places all the time. The only improvement that I would ask, is either sell drink tickets or get a better wifi connection in the lower level bars for credit cards. The last time we were there, we paid for a round a drinks for our group and the bartender/cashier kept losing the signal for the handheld. It took about 15 minutes to finish the transaction - which meant that the other people behind us has to wait. Just sell drink tickets at the front entrance and problem solved. read more

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Come out on Wenesday Nights around 5PM after work etc to enjoy a fun filled Evening. 4 live Jazz Bands inside or outside the aquarium. This event is for the grown and sexy. The cost is $20.00 per person. A very reasonable price to enjoy an evening to walk around and see different tropical and unique fishes. Very Romantic. No matter who you come to share the evening with its always a beautiful setting. The food and wine is pricey. But its worth the coins to spend. You get a chance to walk around and listen to 4 live bands play some nice jazz. Or just sit on the patio and view the beautiful lake. This is one summer event I never get tired or boring coming to every year. The jazz line up never falls to be amazing. Its a night of fun. What are you waiting for grab your boo or your girls etc and head out to Jazzin At The Shedd before Jack Frost comes to town. read more

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So much fun, the aquarium is pretty empty compared to normal hours so it's cool to be able to really see everything without the crowds. Nice atmosphere, drinks aren't as expensive as I thought they would be. Bottle of wine was 40$. Food however not so good-- definitely eat before or after. Fireworks were very nice from the terrace. Highly suggest, great date night. read more

Horrible Horrible Horrible! I'm not sure how Jazzin At The Shedd has gotten so many positive reviews but I'm being completely honest here... this experience was horrible. Let me start off and say that prior to the pandemic my boyfriend and I always wanted to go to Jazzin At The Shedd. It sounded like a real romantic and intimate experience. The pandemic hit and as you know all that type of activity was halted. So once it opened back up I was excited to try it. A month ago I planned a surprise date night for us, tickets were a little over $50 for the both of us. Not a bad price. So yesterday we went and the first thing I noticed is how unorganized checking in was. Everyone stands in this long line and there's only 2 people scanning your tickets to get in. Then after you get in the door you have someone there checking your bags. I felt like they could have set that up much better than that. Im not going to lie, I expected a bit more from this experience. I thought they would have a section of the museum sectioned off where you can look at the fish while listening to some jazz. It was nothing like that. As we get on the main level, we noticed where the information booth is there was an area roped off (in the middle of the museum entrances and exits) where people can sit. I assumed that was where the jazz band was playing but they weren't there. It was such a awkward spot to have a jazz band. I went and asked the attendant where is Jazzin At The Shedd taking place. She told me that roped off section was one area but the jazz band is on break. Break? The event started at 6pm and it's 6:15pm. Breaking from what?! She also mentioned there's a terrace outside where they have an additional band. So we went out on the Terrance and it was a complete shit show. First the museum mixed regular museum attendees and the jazz attendees. There's kids running around every where... it was complete chaos. The jazz band wasn't even out on the Terrance playing when we arrived. There wasn't anywhere to sit, the food was overpriced & blah... everything was poorly done. We left after eating, I was so dissatisfied. We ended up finding a spot right outside of the Shedd (FOR FREE) right on Lake Michigan to enjoy the view, and hear the lingering sounds from the band playing (they started playing around 8). All in all I will never pay for JATS again. It's not worth it. Might as well pay for regular museum tickets that's basically what it is. They try to make it more than what it is... it's just a money grab. Save your coins and just find a spot right outside of it for FREE! read more

Came after a flight, so I'm rating with some perspective here. After an hour long drive Downtown from O'Hare, parking was surprisingly easy and we got a paid street spot. A quick walk over to the Shedd, which I hadn't visited in maybe 5 years! Just like I remembered it, except I got to touch a stingray, listen to some smooth Jazz, browse the place after hours and relax with family. There were a large amount of babies and kids there, which I found odd since there were many drink stations and I don't think kids and jazz mix very well, but that's just me. Seahorses, penguins, otters, whales and dolphins-- all fun to experience at night! The Alcott(?) section with the penguins and such in the tanks downstairs close by 7, so get there early for that. Remember, they need to sleep too! Can also touch some crazy lookin' starfish down there as well. Would come back with more people my age and utilize the bars more. Prices were about $7 for a cider. read more

This is an absolute Chicago Summer MUST! I did this 2 years ago for the first time, and again last night. Buy your tickets ahead of time on the shedd website; and go with a group. $25/person for a 5 hour entryway into all exhibits of the shedd - sea otters, dolphins, you name it. Oh and upon entry, you get a wristband so you can walk around while drinking wine! Tip - buy a bottle of wine, way cheaper, but if you're dying to see exhibits, do them first before you buy the wine because a lot of them don't allow food/drinks in the area. After you see the fishies, buy food from the vendor tables and head outside to get a table to listen to the jazz and stay at least until 9:30pm to see the fireworks show. I don't know why I've lived here for 5 summers and only done this twice, I'll be back! read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We're members of the Shedd and we thought it was nice. They offer live jazz music and food and drinks at different prices. They do provide one free drink and a hotdog. You need to be in a mood to splurge for the events as it is a way for the Shedd to raise money for their facilities. It's about $14-$16 for their burgers or food they are cooking up for the attendees. It's kinda nice to walk around with less of a crowd. read more

Not bad at all, considering it's free for IL residents at the time we came. Because of that it was pretty crowded but as you know the place is pretty big and add the outside areas and it's bearable. I imagine that even when they run this Free period they more than make up for it with drinks bc i'd say 80% of ppl were drinking some form of wine, beer and cocktail. Beautiful evening and great way to cap off the Summer! read more

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Great experience. Very nice date venue. Limited availability. Long line if you get there on time but it moves. Once you get inside, all of the exhibits are open. Drinks and jazz outside. Fireworks to close out the night. Makes for a very enjoyable experience. Dress like your going on a date, not like your going to the Shedd. read more

it was my first time going there i really enjoyed it but i wish there have more seating

Jazzin' at the shed is one of my favorite event during summertime Chicago. There's always amazing food, with bars throughout the aquarium with unique drinks and live bands that are incredible. It's absolutely fun for the whole family, although I feel it is not very kid friendly because there is drinking involved. However, I do understand parents need a night out and sometime a babysitter isn't available; so you do see kids there at this event. The good news is as you go later in the evening, you see more of an adult crowd, if your able to get a good spot on the outside deck you can catch the fireworks off of navy pier. The event is held only on Wednesday and throughout the entire summer. The aquarium also offer educational/learning tours conducted by the staff during the event, so you get to walk around and learn about the animals in the aquarium. My favorite place to visit is the Sting ray exhibit as well as the beluga habitat. I love beluga whales. read more

What's better than listening to jazz while at an aquarium? Jazzin' at the Shedd is a great date night experience. Tickets get you access to the main exhibits and music. The outdoor deck is also open for beautiful views, and alcohol and food is sold separately. Very mixed crowd of people-- all ages, races, sexes, etc. A fun event for all ages. The Shedd is also huge so there were two bands-one on the main floor and one on the lower level in the food area. They also had various events like scavenger hunts. Overall a great time! read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - Outdoor deck view of the city - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Next time you and your coworkers/friends/date/family are trying to think of something new and unique to do in the summer, Jazzin at the Shedd should be at the top of your list. Been here two summers in a row and it hasn't disappointed! Music + drinks + adorable fishies. Tips: -Buy your tickets ahead of time online (cheaper) and check Groupon for deals -Try to arrive by 6:15 so you have enough time to explore the oceanarium before it closes at 7:45 -Views from the outside are spectacular; find a spot before 9:40 when the Navy pier fireworks go off! -There's a few different bar stands so don't stop at the first one you see. if it's a long line, try and find another read more

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I was looking forward to this event. For the most part, it was nice. There were several jazz bands playing in various locations around the Shedd. The only turn off; there were so many kids running around. I, like many others, assumed it was gonna be a cool adult thing. I saw couples dressed nicely, holding hands and then mouths dropped at the horror of toddlers, stroller babies, and pre schoolers running around. It was a distraction and took away from the adult night that wasn't adult. Maybe I didn't read the entire description but be warned this is a family friendly event. It doesn't mean you can't have an adult good time, just don't be surprised when some rug rat runs crosses your path making you waste your $10 glass of wine. I'd suggest maybe once a month having an adults only jazz night. It was off putting read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The atmosphere is AMAZING! There could have been a better sound system and just MORE MUSIC! If you are sitting on the open terrace you can hear the vocals ok but the music, each instrument sounds muffled! And the music during intermission you couldn't hear at all! I would do it again but, this is about MUSIC you should hear the MUSIC! Think about it...most of the people listening to jazz are 40+ what is up with these low, hard chairs?! Honestly, it might not sound like it but I did enjoy it but these things should at least be considered!!! Also this is R&B and Pop! You should rename this to Jammin At The Sheds because this IS NOT Jazz! read more

5 starring it. I'm know, I know. I shouldn't be so generous. BUT- it was a magical night. Get some good friends you don't see often. Make them meet you here on a Wednesday eve. It'll be good. read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd is one of the must do summer events! Every Wednesday night, they have jazz bands and food/drink from 5-10pm. Its so nice to enjoy all the exhibits with a glass of wine in your hand, and jazz music playing in the background! Admission is only $20, which is not bad I think. I will say food and drink is where they get you though! Both are expensive, so I would eat beforehand. I love the aquarium, so I nerded out hardcore at all the exhibits; my favorite was being able to touch the starfish! Make your way to the terrace for the fireworks at 915, and you'll have a gorgeous view of the city and the fireworks. Overall, this is a great date night, and a fun activity to learn and still have fun. read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd on Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm is nothing short of spectacular...especially on a cooler picturesque summer night in Chicago like last night! At least 5 alcohol stations keep the lines manageable and offer a variety of wine, cocktails, and beers....including one craft beer, Great Lakes' Eliot Ness, an amber lager...Bottles of wine are available for parties who want to share. Check out the exhibits while sipping on your favorite beverages. Learn all about the peevish asian carp, the great reef, or visit the cutesy little sea horses and snapping turtles... After your fill of the life aquatic, wind your way through the Shedd to hunt for this "patio" you've vaguely heard about... if you start off on your trek early enough..@6:30ish you can take a detour at the dolphin show... ...or simply head out for the patio which feels like an entirely different event altogether. There are two main outdoor spaces. You walk outside to a tented long strip...at the far end, the jazz band is playing. A flight of steps lead to a big open square patio below. The whole patio is filled with tables and chairs. One side of the square runs along the water for couples on their precious dates. This downstairs patio is where I spent the bulk of the night. Corona and lime has never been so refreshing! Much of the patio became standing room only as the evening progressed. It offered great people watching with one of the most age and race diverse and culture-appreciating crowds I've seen in the city. (Not to say there aren't a ton more, but more a testament to the fact that I attend events where the food groups have a "way the same" feel... ie Wicker Park fest, Sheffield Garden Walk, Old Town Art fest, Maifest and other ethnic fests...) I even saw a few babies, but strollers looked difficult to manuveur through the crowds. If the crowds get too heavy, you can opt to sit on the sloped grassfront of the Shedd to take in the view of the lake. Buffet stations offered an assortment of nibbles for those in need of snacking ie chicken wings, onion rings, poppers, a Cajun rice dish, garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette, pasta dish. If you don't like those options, you can head for either the downstairs or upstairs cafeteria. Downstairs offers burgers, hotdogs, Italian beef sandwiches. Upstairs offers other creative salad options. You get to enjoy all this!!! ..while listening to the jazz music played by Chicago OGC, capped off by a 9:30pm firework show at Navy Pier!! Note: Don't forget to plan your way out of the Shedd. If you take a path to the left back to Museum Campus, there may be more cab options than taking the path in front of the Shedd, a longer walk to Michigan or Columbus Ave. read more

Many fish in the sea... My first visit was the last evening of 2017. Mingles, singles, small groups and couples. Maybe get a sitter and leave the kids at home. Nice Jazz in lobby and south terrace. Straight ahead and Salsa jazz being enjoyed by a slightly lubricated crowd. Pretty much everyone had a wine or other adult beverage. Multiple bars and interesting food choice across multiple lines ask around for locations. OK access, but stair abilities required to see Belugas & sea lion. As a bonus the "stingray touch" exhibit was awesome. A marine docent helped us touch the rays. It was an unforgettable feeling. I am going again next year as a wingman for a single friend and enjoy the people watching and music with views... read more

I'm not really sure what the hype is all about regarding this event. I went this summer and it was ok. After reading some do the reviews I was really excited to go but I wasn't impressed. The good thing is that it's just $20 but you pay extra for drinks/food. Food is pricey so I would eat dinner before coming. The view of the city from the terrace is beautiful and it's really nice to hang out with friends/date on a nice summer day. What I was disappointed about was that some of the main attractions of the shedd were closed when I went. We didn't get to see the dolphins or the whales, both of which i was looking forward to. I did get to touch the stingrays which was fun. Overall it was an ok experience for me but could've been better if all the attractions were open. I probably wouldn't come back read more

Jazzin' at the Shedd - The terrace - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First of all, I just have to say this is such a FUN event! It's only $20, you get to walk around the aquarium and drink and listen to live music. Plus, the insane view from the terrace you can watch the fireworks from. The event opens at 5pm, I would recommend getting there sooner than later. I got there around 8pm and only got to enjoy it for 2hrs. Plus I think the sunset/twilight view is the best time to appreciate Chicago's skyline. The earliest exhibit closes at 7:45 so heads up. Bottom line this event is a fun place for young professionals and millentials to hang out, get a drink, and enjoy the aquarium. Plus, I think this event should start promoting the hashtag #NightAtTheAquarium #JazzinAtTheAquarium read more

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One of my favorite events ever! I love all the artists at all the different stages and the laid-back atmosphere at the aquarium Wednesday evenings. I would highly suggest becoming a member of the Shedd and then you will get into this for free. Every time I visit the aquarium I see and experience something new or different and this special evening mixes it up even more with music, drinks and food. Make sure to wear or bring bug spray if you plan on watching the fireworks outdoors as well as cash for food and drink stands. Don't forget to make sure to grab something early as all food and drink stands close an hour or two before closing time. If you don't plan ahead you can end up hungry and thirsty! read more

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It's to pricey for the Beverage such as box of water $4 1 beer $8 to 9dollars and the popcorn small bag $7.50 and what happened to real jazz music!!! And most of kids being there . I haven't been in years and it was so much better then read more

Great date night! You can buy a bottle of wine and walk around the aquarium. It's such a lovely night!

Some of the best views of the city are on the staircase in the back. I actually enjoy sitting out on the lawn outside more than dealing with the crowds on the inside, plus it's free. A must do it the summer. read more

Soooooo much freaking fun! The aquarium is awesome. They had drinks and some food. I can't be sure of what kind but I saw sandwiches. What I can be sure of is that the lakefront view was awesome. The company was good and even the drinks were pretty descent. It really is a good relaxing way to enjoy a Thursday evening. I hate it'll be closing soon but next summer I will be there! read more

I was hesitant about attending as I'm not a huge fan of jazz and also I wasn't happy with my new haircut (stylist Armando was having "one of those days"). But I have always been intrigued by aquatic life, ever since I watched the underwater explorations of the Frenchman, Jacques Cousteau (proving the French aren't afraid of jumping into a body of water, as long as that body of water isn't a bath). Enter Jazzin' at the Shedd, held Wednesdays, $15 members, $20 non-members. But just like the releases of failed blockbuster movies based on superheroes (coming in 2018, "Batman vs. Sponge Bob"), this event only occurs during the summer. There are four bands throughout the venue, but most people go to listen to the one on the terrace. There we listened to Rio Bamba, who played the sassy, sensual rhythms of Brazil, a country known for beaches and partying. I mean, what other country would you trust with a bikini wax, Iran?? Plus you get access to the whole aquarium. This includes access to the area where you can touch a sturgeon. I would describe him as slimy yet smooth, but then again, that's how most of the event patrons described me. I was most mesmerized by the tanks where you could see the beluga whales and dolphins majestically gliding silently through the water. It was the most beautiful thing I've seen through glass since I pulled up alongside that car full of co-eds and told them to "put 'em on the glass." There are very knowledgeable Shedd staff near most of the areas and they usually answered enthusiastically when asked about the animals' diets, habitats, or breeding patterns. I say "usually" because I guess "Next question" was the best one of the staff could come up with when I asked "Could Sharknado happen?" The evening concludes after sundown as most people gather on the patio to watch the fireworks. As we waited for the fireworks, my baby and I gazed up at the stars and reminisced about the time when we first met -- when I came up from behind and relentlessly began grinding on her at that concert (Mozart's Symphony No. 31 in D minor). And since the pyrotechnics happen from way out at Navy Pier, we were far enough away to see them without any residual smoke or falling, torched bird carcasses. Nothing kills a make out session like the thuds of a family of dead sea gulls! read more