A large crowd in the Great Hall cheer “Happy New Year!” in unison as the clock strikes midnight during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s New Year’s Eve celebration, captured on Jan. 1. Jason Green | Long Beach Current
With mere seconds to go before the clock struck midnight, surrounded by a buzzing crowd all around her, Stephanie Wall—one half of the country duo Franklin Wall—took charge in leading the countdown.
When the clock finally hit the midnight hour, cheers of “Happy New Year!” erupted as blue confetti poured down over everyone.
For those in attendance, 2026 didn’t begin at a banquet hall or a nightclub; it started at an aquarium.
The Aquarium of the Pacific welcomed 2026 with its annual Night Dive New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2025, offering an evening of music, entertainment and a midnight countdown celebration surrounded by marine life.
While awaiting the countdown, attendees were entertained by various DJs and live performances, as well as other activities, such as karaoke.
Music, art and culture are hallmarks of the aquarium’s Night Dive events, an 18-plus series taking place several times a year.
Attendees had the opportunity to see the Aquarium of the Pacific’s diverse animals during the New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31, 2025. Jason Green | Long Beach Current
Along with live entertainment, Night Dives allow guests the opportunity to explore the aquarium’s exhibits and see its diverse marine life after hours. However, some areas, such as the bird habitats, were closed off to allow those animals to rest.
2025 marked the ninth year that the Aquarium has hosted this event, according to Erin Keim, the aquarium’s event coordinator.
“[For 2026] I’m hoping that the aquarium can invite more guests to come learn about the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants and those of us that care about it,” Keim, also a Long Beach State alum, said. “I have lived here [Long Beach] for, off and on, for about 20 years now. And I feel like the aquarium is a cornerstone to our community.”
Singing covers throughout the night in the Great Hall were the country music duo Franklin Wall, made up of Stephanie Wall and fellow musician Dan Franklin. They sang popular songs, including Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” and Jessie J’s “Price Tag.”
Country music duo Franklin Wall, Dan Franklin and Stephanie Wall, sing popular song covers in the Great Hall during the New Year’s Eve event at the Aquarium of the Pacific on Dec. 31, 2025. Jason Green | Long Beach Current
Making a magical appearance was celebrity magician Johnny Wu.
With 22 years of experience overall, this was Wu’s second year performing at the aquarium, wowing attendees throughout three shows that night. Wu’s clientele includes celebrities such as Logan Paul, Jamie Foxx and Jessica Alba.
“I did it a little differently every single time ‘cause for me I also need to keep this fresh and fun for me,” Wu said.
Wu engaged playfully with the audience in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater, correctly guessing participants’ card numbers through creative tricks—such as revealing the correct card with a dramatic whiteboard reveal.
He also materialized a bottle of champagne after an audience member selected it from a magazine without knowing their selection in advance.
Celebrity magician Johnny Wu hypnotizes an attendee at the Honda Pacific Visions Theater at Aquarium of the Pacific during the New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31, 2025. Jason Green | Long Beach Current
For 2026, Wu is focusing on growing his social media presence. This month, he will be working on a project with Netflix.
John McGrath, one of the night’s DJs, acknowledged that this was a year of ups and downs, “but at the same time, we have to stay resilient.”
McGrath, also a saxophonist and music producer, started a record label last year with his friends, Vermont Avenue Records, based in Los Angeles, which specializes in R&B and fusion jazz.
As the celebration got close to midnight, a large crowd gathered in the Great Hall—sipping cocktails and enjoying bites from the event—before counting down to the New Year, which culminated in a shower of ocean-blue confetti raining down as 2026 began.
The Aquarium will host many events early this year, including the Festival of Human Abilities on Jan. 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating the creative talents of people with disabilities.
In celebration of Black History Month, the aquarium’s annual African American Festival will be held from Feb. 21 to 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aquarium visitors will soon have the chance to get up close with small sharks during Shark Lagoon Nights, where they can touch bamboo sharks and observe larger sharks and rays in the outdoor lagoons.
Shark Lagoon Nights are scheduled for Jan. 13, 27 and Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and attendance is free with a reservation made through the Aquarium’s website.
Jason Green is a fourth-year journalism major entering his last year at CSULB. He transferred from Cypress College as a third-year student. Jason was previously a contributor and is now an Arts & Life assistant editor. He previously interned for EdSource, with two articles published under them. Jason plans on reporting on disabilities after graduation, as he is disabled himself.