Chateau Domingue

Dive into the wonders of the underwater world at the unique Downtown Aquarium, where you can interact with the ancient legends of El Dorado in the Sunken Temple, sink to the bottom of the neighboring sea, and catch glimpses of offshore rig divers in the Underwater Rig. Tour the marsh and bayous of the Gulf Coast and encounter the alligators, turtles, bullfrogs, and more in the Texas Bayou. Step inside the sunken hull of a 17th-century Spanish Galleon and see the giant octopus, a moray eel, clownfish, and the diversity of species the ocean world has to offer at the Shipwreck. Explore the lush environment of the dangerous tropical life of the red-bellied piranhas and venomous freshwater stingrays in the Rainforest. Step into Discovery Zone and come face-to-face with electric eels, seahorses, and a dazzling array of colorful fish. Interactive monitors let you further explore coral reefs, the arctic seas, and the mysteries of the deep ocean. You may even meet one of our Ambassador Animals up close during the daily Animal Encounters.

Discover the power of art at Project Row Houses, a community that enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape. They engage neighbors and artists in collective creative action to help sustain opportunities with art studios in row homes, exhibition residences, houses for young mothers, and refurbished commercial spaces.

Grab some cold water, ice cream, and milk and get ready as you boldly go where many have dared to go, the Hops N Hot Sauce Festival, where hot sauces, salsas, peppers, spices, chili mixes, wing sauces, and all things hot and mild are waiting for you to taste. Participate in the Hot Pepper Eating Contest, enjoy the free photo booth, taste samples of spicy foods, drink fresh craft beer, enter the Pickle Eating Contest, and enjoy free giveaways and free face painting fun.