55 Music Concourse Dr.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco CA
94118
415.379.8000
Regular Hours:

Daily

9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday

11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Members' Hours:

Tuesday

8:30 – 9:30 am

Sunday

10:00 – 11:00 am
Closures
Notices

The Academy will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

There are no notifications at this time.

 

NightLife at the Academy

Every Thursday night a new adventure unfolds.  Set out with friends on a journey to the stars and to the depths of the sea with a cocktail in your hand and wonder in your eyes— only at NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences.  21+

Sharktober image

Sharktoberfest NightLife

Take a bite (and a sip) out of NightLife this week as Sharktoberfest returns!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

German Music, Ping Pong, & Beer in the East Garden

6:00-10:00pm, Sample local beers from the brew masters at Ale Industries, Almanac Beer Co., Anchor Brewing, Calicraft Beer, Drake’s Brewing Company, Mad River Brewing Company, Social Kitchen and Brewery, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, Triple Voodoo Brewing, Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Lagunitas Brewing Co., 21st Amendment Brewery, and Thirsty Bear Brewery at a pop-up beer garden.

7:30-9:30pm, Hear the German musical stylings of Blow Musik!

6:00-10:00pm, Take a photo in front of one of the world's largest shark cages and play Berlin-style ping pong from American Tripps.

Talks in African Hall

6:00-10:00pm, Get closer to a shark than you’ve ever imagined with stunning images from photographer Skyler Thomas and his "Killer Personalities" photo collection. Photographs curated by White Shark Video.

8:00pm, See newly filmed footage of great white sharks and hear from Academy associate David McGuire, Academy researcher Durrell Kapan, and shark surviver Erik Larsen during a talk titled “Surviving the Shark”. 

In the Swamp

6:00-10:00pm, Chat with ocean advocates from Shark Stewards, Sea Turtle Restoration Project and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Music & Sharks in the East Pavillion

6:00-10:00pm, Chase roving, motor-powered landsharks and hear music by DJs Hotthobo and Daniela “Smouse” Zepeda.

Trivia in the Coral Reef

7:30pm & 8:30pm, Shark Trivia hosted by Ocean Research Foundation.

Buy Tickets

RSVP on Facebook

 

 
Morrison Planetarium earthquake visualization

Planetarium

Enjoy the following planetarium shows this week at NightLife:

6:30 pm
Earth Update with
Academy associate David McGuire.
What’s the latest from Planet Earth? Using actual data from NASA, NOAA, and other sources, discover what’s up on our blue planet!  An immersive look at current, news-making developments in climate study, biodiversity, and the geosciences will give new meaning to the word “planet-arium.” David McGuire will take you around the globe to study the most amazing world of all…The one we live on!

7:30, 8:30 pm
Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet

Excite your senses with a new, visually stunning planetarium show that journeys through the San Andreas fault, delves into the Earth's core and explores the seismic science of earthquakes throughout our world.

Passes to planetarium shows are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pick up your pass at the Planetarium Kiosk.

Otherworldyimage

Otherworldly NightLife

Music by DJ Omar (Popscene) and DJ Roach

Plunge into the mysteries of our Universe (and beyond) with a cocktail in-hand during a cosmic edition of NightLife, part of the Brilliant!Science: Extraterrestrial Life festival.

Catch a special screening of sci-fi classic E.T. the Extra-terrestrial in African Hall. Find out what we’ve found and what we’re still learning in the search for extraterrestrial life during talks from SETI@home co-founder Dan Werthimer and SETI Institute senior astronomer Seth Shostak.

Plus, make your own alien plush toys with the help of GoGo Craft and have your alien alter-ego illustrated by a cartoonist. Ponder the possibility of aliens in your own backyard with Dan Zevin of UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory and chat with experts from SETI@home and NASA Kepler.

In the planetarium, get an astronaut’s view of the only planet known to support life (so far!) with three showings of Fragile Planet. Extraterrestrial life welcome!

Buy Tickets

RSVP on Facebook

 

 
Morrison Planetarium earthquake visualization

Planetarium

Enjoy the following planetarium shows this week at NightLife:

6:30, 7:30, & 8:30 pm
Fragile Planet

Visitors begin their voyage at the Academy, lift off through the atmosphere to gain an astronaut’s view of Earth, then travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond to search for habitats that might host extraterrestrial life. Narrated by Sigourney Weaver and interwoven with talks by a live presenter, Fragile Planet will redefine your sense of "home." For more information about show times, visit the Morrison Planetarium.

Passes to planetarium shows are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pick up your pass at the Planetarium Kiosk.

thaoimage

Treasure Island NightLife

Live music by Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, presented by Noise Pop; additional music TBA


Get marooned for a night of island-inspired entertainment as the Treasure Island Music Festival returns to NightLife.

Get down with a live performance by local folk-rockers Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, whose latest release We the Common (Ribbon Music) has been lauded by the likes of NPR, Spin and Paste magazine.

Sip tiki-style cocktails and catch two special dive shows in the Philippine Coral Reef, then share your desert island must-haves with others.

Meet Academy scientists Terry Gosliner and Brian Fisher, who explore island ecosystems in search of hidden treasures—from colorful corals in the ocean to undiscovered ants on the island floor.

See treasures from the Academy’s geology collection up close with collections manager Jean DeMouthe at the Project Lab, then take a trip to the Gem and Mineral Vault to admire precious stones rarely seen by the public.

Try a hand at mural painting with roving art gallery bus ArtIsMobilUs and marvel at the musical musings of poster artists from the Treasure Island Music Festival.

Buy Tickets

RSVP on Facebook

 

 
Morrison Planetarium earthquake visualization

Planetarium

Enjoy the following planetarium shows this week at NightLife:

6:30 pm
Universe Update

From deep sea to deep space, take a tour of the Universe with a sprinkling of the hottest news stories from astronomy and the space sciences! Ryan Wyatt, Director of the Morrison Planetarium, pilots you through deep space, explaining the latest headlines in easily-digestible terms, and returns you safely to Earth in less than an hour.

7:30 & 8:30 pm
Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet
Excite your senses with a new, visually stunning planetarium show that journeys through the San Andreas fault, delves into the Earth's core and explores the seismic science of earthquakes throughout our world. 
 

Passes to planetarium shows are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pick up your pass at the Planetarium Kiosk.

VIP tour on Living Roof, gem and mineral collection, students and reasearchers in the lab

Food

A variety of food options are available each week at NightLife from 6-9:30pm.

Academy Cafe, Level 1 (across from Rainforest)
Sit and enjoy bites and drinks crafted by San Francisco’s renowned chef Charles Phan. Special guest DJs rotating weekly.

Academy Cafe Food Cart, Lobby
Grab small bites on the go.

The Moss Room, Lower Level (enter at Academy Cafe)
Sit and enjoy an artisan cocktail or variety of local beers and wines with bites from the cafe.
For large groups, please dial:
415.876.6121

 
Earthquake exhibit, baby ostrich

Drink

"Salute to Steinhart" Cocktail Tour

Please note all bars accept cash and credit cards.

Check out this week's cocktail tour designed by our resident mixologist Shane McKnight.

SWAMP BAR
Hot Blooded Margarita
El Jimador Tequila, house-made organic Serrano Chile infused blood orange cordial, lime juice & organic agave nectar

PIAZZA BAR
Moscow Mule
Skyy Vodka, Mixi's "Live" Ginger Beer, lime & handcrafted saffron bitters

PLANETARIUM BAR
Wild Buck
Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon, Mixi's handcrafted "live" ginger beer, lemon, Peychaud's Bitters & mint

AFRICAN HALL SPEAKEASY BAR
Ambassador
Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Benedictine, house-made spiced ginger shrub, lemon juice & egg whites.  Finished with house-made bitters & saffron strands.

AFRICAN HALL JAZZ BAR
Tea Thyme
Bombay Gin, lemon juice, English Breakfast & chamomile honey cordial & soda.  Finished with rhubarb bitters & fresh thyme.

EARTHQUAKE BAR
Zen Fix
Mixi's "Gin-Fusion" of local botanicals, Green Chartreuse, Velvet Falernum, cucumber, lime, local honey & a mist of Clandestine Absinthe.

AQUARIUM BAR
Indian Summer Fizz
Skyy Vodka, fresh canteloupe, house-made ginger shrub, lemon juice, local honey & fresh mint.

3rd FLOOR / LIVING ROOF BAR
Autumn Bourbon Smash
Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon, wine soaked cranberries, orange, mint, local honey & Angostura Bitters


VIP tour on Living Roof, gem and mineral collection, students and reasearchers in the lab

NightLife VIP Tour

Want an entirely different NightLife experience? Join us on our NightLife VIP Tour.

Tickets include:

  • Admission to NightLife with express entry
  • One-hour behind-the-scenes tour with a private viewing of the Academy's renowned gem and mineral collection
  • Open bar in a reserved cocktail area prior to the tour
  • Meet and greet with Academy researchers in the project lab
  • VIP access to the Rainforest, and a reserved pass for the 8:30 Planetarium show

$59/person – limited tickets available each week

6pm - 8pm (event ends at 10 pm)

For tickets and details, please click here.

 
NightLife visitors enjoying cocktails, bar, NightLife Private Lounge

NightLife Private Lounge

Looking for a great space to celebrate landing that big account, throw a birthday party, or just gather with all your old friends, all while enjoying San Francisco’s most exciting Thursday night event?  Rent out the NightLife Private Lounge. You’ll get early access to a premium private room with catering and bar service and access to our Thursday NightLife event.

For more booking information contact Dan Kalin at (415) 379-5837 or dkalin@calacademy.org.

 
Morrison Planetarium earthquake visualization

NightLife Group Bookings

Click here to buy NightLife tickets for a group of 10 or more people.


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NightLife This Week

   

10/3/2013 - "Sharktoberfest NightLife"

Buy Tickets

RSVP on Facebook

Upcoming Events

   

10/10/2013 - "Otherworldly NightLife"

10/17/2013 - "Treasure Island NightLife"

10/24/2013 - "CitiesAlive NightLife"

10/31/2013 - "Creatures of the NightLife"

Need a safe ride?

   

Map

Take UberX! Create an account by downloading the app, or at Uber.com

Maps & Directions

   

Map

Click here for information about how to get to the Academy plus parking and safety tips.

NightLife Sponsorship

   

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring NightLife. For inquiries, please contact:

sponsorship@calacademy.org

What our Visitors Say

   

Nightlife has always been a very entertaining and new experience everytime I have been. Whether from the crazy Dinosaur Burlesque show to seeing Fitz & The Tantrums at the Nightlife Gala I never know.

- Zanni D.

The exhibits are beautifully maintained. Our NightLife visit included a back-of-the-scenes tour. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.

- Nina S.

NightLife is great! Fun and informational events, delicious drinks, good music and great company has been my experience thus far.

- Michael A.

At NightLife, I get a kick out of seeing adults experiment with the exhibits. I've been many times and still have not seen everything. Planetarium is up next!

- Michael A.

The Academy is one of those places that gives you both an educational and entertaining experience and the NightLife is such a fun event!

- Barbara C.

I love NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences because no matter how many times I go, I always find something new to learn.

- Gaby B.

Visited on a Thursday night and did the VIP package. Nice to have a private group tour with a separate area for food and beverage and express entrance to the Planetarium.

- Bill K.

NightLife really is the coolest place in town on Thursdays. Great place to take first dates, groups of friends and out-of-towners.

- Kelly B.

The crowd is happy, fun, no-drama type people. You get good food, good drinks, and great DJ's. If you want to go out and have real fun, this is the place to do it.

- Tracey M.

NightLife is the best thnig going on in the city. You have interesting and unique experiences with every visit.

- Tracey M.