The Tennessee Aquarium Splashes into ODDtober Fun

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium officially launched ODDtober today with a splash of seasonal fun. 

At 11 a.m., two costumed SCUBA divers descended into the River Journey exhibit to carve pumpkins underwater, turning ordinary gourds into glowing jack-o’-lanterns right beside Paddlefish, Lake Sturgeon, Sunfish, and other river creatures.

The unusual demonstration, a mix of Halloween tradition and aquatic adventure, was streamed live on the Aquarium’s Facebook page, giving audiences at home a front-row seat to the action. 

This marks the beginning of ODDtober, the Aquarium’s annual celebration of the wonderfully weird side of nature. 

Each Saturday in October at 2 p.m., guests can enjoy more underwater pumpkin carvings as divers continue the spooky-but-silly tradition.

But pumpkins are just the start. 

Visitors will also discover art displays featuring animal eyes of every shape and color, seasonal animal enrichment, and quirky programs that highlight the fascinating and unusual creatures that call the Aquarium home.

Presented by Food City, ODDtober transforms the Aquarium into a place where cute meets creepy, a family-friendly way to celebrate fall in Chattanooga.