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+
![]() | Birds & Bees NightLifeIn the mood for some cross-pollination? Event Schedule Pollinators at the Project Lab 6:00-10:00 pm, Play a round of Flutter: Butterfly Sanctuary, a mobile game where you care for your own rainforest and raise butterflies through their incredible life cycle-- then adorn yourself with butterfly wings and get snapped in the Say Ya! photo booth Pollination Exploration in the East Pavilion The Science of Hooking Up in African Hall 7:30 pm, Talk by Crave toy designer Ti Chang 8:30 pm, Talk by Paul C. Brunson, presented by Swoon Sex Ed in the Swamp & Forum Theater Birds & Bees Cocktail Tour Planetarium |
![]() | PlanetariumEnjoy the following planetarium shows this week at NightLife: Science Tonight: LIVE @ 6:30pm 7:30 & 8:30pm Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet Passes to planetarium shows are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick up your pass at the Planetarium Kiosk. |
![]() | Pride NightLifeMusic by Hard French vs. Stay Gold, and Viennetta Discotheque NightLife is back and better than ever! This year we have a spectacular drag show and “transpecies” costume contest with special guests Pandora Boxx and Willam, stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race! San Francisco drag super stars Heklina and Peaches Christ will host the show featuring a rare duet by legends Juanita MORE! and Glamamore. Plus, fascinating talks by the founders of the Center for Sex and Culture, Carol Queen and Robert Lawrence. In the Piazza, it’s Hard French DJs vs. Stay Gold DJs Pink Lightnight and Rapid Fire. Additional music in the coral reef is by Viennetta Discotheque DJs Stanley Frank and Robert Jeffrey. Learn about flamboyantly-colored opisthobranchs (a group which includes sea butterflies, pelagic sea angels, and sea slugs to name a few) from graduate students Josh Hallas and Ryan Hulett. Then make some flair of your own to wear all night—think sparkle pins and personal pride emblem—at stations by SCRAP and Friends of Sharon Art Studio. Artist Jeremiah Jenkins will also be on-hand to host his popular “ego-system” social experiment. In the planetarium, catch a live chat at 6:30 with Academy curator David Blackburn currently doing field work in Africa, followed by two showings of Earthquake. |
![]() | PlanetariumEnjoy the following planetarium shows this week at NightLife: Science Tonight: LIVE @ 6:30pm 7:30 & 8:30pm Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet Passes to planetarium shows are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick up your pass at the Planetarium Kiosk. |
![]() | FoodA variety of food options are available each week at NightLife from 6-9:30pm. Academy Cafe, Level 1 (across from Rainforest) Academy Cafe Food Cart, Lobby The Moss Room, Lower Level (enter at Academy Cafe) |
![]() | DrinkOn the Rocks Cocktail Tour Please note all bars now accept credit cards! Welcome to this weeks "on the rocks" cocktail extravaganza! We are featuring some fun Pop Rocks cocktails and some super premium ice. Ask about our featured craft spirits "on the rocks" as well as the new artisanal wines at each bar. |
![]() | NightLife VIP TourWant an entirely different NightLife experience? Join us on our NightLife VIP Tour. Tickets include:
$59/person – limited tickets available each week 6pm - 8pm (event ends at 10 pm) For tickets and details, please click here. |
![]() | NightLife Private LoungeLooking 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. |
![]() | NightLife Group BookingsClick here to buy NightLife tickets for a group of 10 or more people. |
Upcoming Events |
6/27/2013 - "Pride NightLife"
7/4/2013 - No NightLife this week. Happy holidays!
7/11/2013 - "How-to NightLife"
7/18/2013 - "Deep Sea NightLife"
7/25/2013 - "Science of Brewing NightLife"
Maps & Directions |
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:











