If your kid would happily spend an entire aquarium visit looking at the octopus, put October 8 on the calendar. The Oregon Coast Aquarium, a sponsor of That Oregon Life, is celebrating Octopus Day in Newport with crafts, a keeper chat, and a collectible card to take home.
The event falls on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Most of the special activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the Aquarium stays open until 5 p.m. You can find the latest details on the Octopus Day event page.
Start in the Rocky Coast Gallery, home to the Aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus and the day’s Octo Biofacts table. Arts and crafts will be in the Gleason Event Room, along with a short midday talk from an octopus keeper.
The posted schedule includes:
| Activity | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus arts and crafts | Gleason Event Room | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Octo Biofacts table | Rocky Coast Gallery | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Octopus Keeper Chat | Gleason Event Room | 12:30–12:45 p.m. |
If you want to catch the keeper chat, plan around that 15-minute window. The crafts and Biofacts table give you more flexibility to stop by between exhibits. The Aquarium says the schedule may change as the event approaches.
Ask about the free trading card at admissions when you arrive. This year’s Octopus Day card features the giant Pacific octopus, with animal facts and stats. Cards are available while supplies last. The Aquarium releases different animal cards throughout the year, so October 8 is another date to remember if your family has started a collection. You can see the lineup on its trading card page.
Leave time for the rest of the Aquarium, too. Sea otters, jellies, and the seabird aviary are among the other stops, along with touch pools where visitors can get a closer look at sea stars and anemones. Much of the visit is indoors, though some exhibits are outside, so bring a layer for the walk between them. The Aquarium’s visitor guide has more on what to see.
For anyone hoping to meet an octopus behind the scenes on another visit, the Aquarium also offers a separate paid Octopus Encounter for ages 8 and older. Guests learn about octopus care and may get what the Aquarium calls a “slimy handshake,” depending on the animal’s willingness to participate.
That program currently runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so it is separate from Thursday’s Octopus Day activities. The encounter fee does not include Aquarium admission, and advance booking is recommended. Check the Octopus Encounter details before making plans.
The Aquarium’s fall and winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current Thursday admission is $29.95 for adults ages 18–64, $23.95 for teens ages 13–17 and seniors 65 and older, and $19.95 for children ages 3–12. Children under 3 enter free. Tickets are available online or at the door, and parking is included.
You’ll find the Oregon Coast Aquarium at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road in Newport. Before heading out, check the event page for the final schedule.
