Scales & Ales Adds Sparkle to the Riverfront
Audubon Nature Institute invites you to swim over to Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium for the 14th annual Scales & Ales for a sparkling evening along the Mississippi Riverfront. Scales & Ales is happening Friday, November 6, 2026 and attracts more than 2,000 guests to help raise money to support Audubon Aquarium Rescue and its important work in Louisiana.
Along with the best regional cuisine and beverages, guests can stroll through Audubobn Aquarium and Insectarium and take in the stunning views of the Mississippi River at night. Music from headliner Flow Tribe and strolling encounters with the Sirens of New Orleans will keep things lively throughout the evening. There will be a selection of Abita Beer on tap, and for the first time at Scales & Ales, Abita will have its new Upbeat vodka cocktails for guests to enjoy.
“Scales & Ales brings together an evening of great food, drinks, and Aquarium experiences in support of an important conservation mission. Through this special event, guests can enjoy all the Aquarium has to offer while making a meaningful contribution to the protection of sea turtles and marine mammals along the Louisiana coast,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Audubon Nature Institute CEO and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership.
Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) is the primary stranding responder and only rehabilitation facility for marine mammals (dolphins, whales, manatees) and sea turtles in Louisiana. Since its formation, AAR has rescued, rehabilitated, and released hundreds of stranded animals back into their natural habitats.
Since inception, party-goers at Scales & Ales have helped raise more than $4 million for the Aquarium’s conservation and education programs, allowing Audubon to reach millions of guests and community members through education and outreach initiatives and protect animals in the wild.
Tickets for Scales & Ales are now on sale and can be purchased online at https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/scales-ales. Audubon Aquarium will close at 2:00 p.m. November 6, 2026 to prepare for the event.
Please note: this is an adults-only (21+) event; babies and children will not be admitted. The event will occur rain or shine. Dress code is dressy casual attire.