Members' Month

We’re honored to spend the month of October celebrating and thanking our members for their ongoing, vital support of the California Academy of Sciences. Explore this page to see what's in store, from animal feedings and exclusive members-only talks to deep discounts on dining, tours, and more.

Download October Members' Month Calendar!

Not a member? Join or renew today to take full advantage of Members' Month offerings!

From Academy to Zebra: Re-examination of African Hall
Tuesday, October 10 | 3-4 pm PT
Boardroom & Livestreamed

Come travel through time with Head Librarian Rebekah Kim and Research Collections Registrar Lindsay Hazen on the development of natural history dioramas and their continuing legacy. We will be doing a deep dive into the history of the exhibit and the people behind it. As part of our commitment to becoming a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible organization, we will be reflecting on the continuing legacies of colonialism in this space.

Steinhart Larval Rearing Program: Creating sustainable aquarium collections
Tuesday, October 17 | 3-4 pm PT
Boardroom & Livestreamed

Join Margarita Upton, Animal Care Manager, for a deep dive into the Steinhart Aquarium larval rearing program. Learn how our aquarium habitats provide excellent environments for animals to be bred successfully. Explore the life cycles and food requirements of these marine fish and invertebrates. And see how documentation and photography contribute to aquarium collection sustainability.

"Painting" Flower Species in Castilleja
Tuesday, October 31 | 3-4 pm PT
Boardroom & Livestreamed

The "paintbrushes" (a.k.a., the plant genus Castilleja) is an iconic group of western wildflowers with a terrible reputation ... terrible among botanists, that is. These beautiful flowers are notoriously difficult to identify and they hold incredible biological secrets. Join Academy Assistant Curator of Botany, Dr. Sarah Jacobs, during this Member Talk to explore the diversity and evolution of the paintbrushes and ask the "simple" question, "What is a species?"‌.

Member Preview: BigPicture
Friday, October 6 from 9:30 am-5 pm
Piazza | Level 1

Visit the Academy on Friday, October 6 for the Member Preview of the 10th annual BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition to see this year’s winners on display! Each image captures the remarkable beauty and awe-inspiring splendor of the natural world.

No RSVP required to attend.

BigPicture Member Talk: Galápagos Up Close
Friday, October 6 | 2:30-3:30 pm
Piazza | Level 1

Join renowned wildlife photographer Tui De Roy in an exciting conversation with the Academy’s very own Dr. Shannon Bennett, Chief of Science and Research Collections at the Academy. Glimpse into the Galápagos through an exploration of rarely-seen photographs taken by Tui, as well as insights into the Academy’s long-standing connection to the island.

Event is full!

Partial Annular Eclipse Viewing
Saturday, October 14 | 8:00 am-9:30 am
East Garden

Members are invited to join us before the museum opens to safely view the partial annular eclipse with Academy staff and volunteer experts. If you have eclipse glasses, bring them! Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the annular eclipse through solar telescopes and get crafty with DIY eclipse viewers.

Event is full!

Speaking of Steinhart
Sunday, October 1 at 10:30 am PT
Morrison Planetarium & Livestreamed

Members and donors are invited to a special panel of Academy experts sharing insights and anecdotes about Steinhart Aquarium’s one-hundred year history as a San Francisco cultural icon, our current work, and mission for regeneration. Moderated by Executive Director Scott D. Sampson, our esteemed panel includes Bart Shepherd, Rebekah Kim, and Peter Hartlaub.

Sunday Members’ Brunch
Every Sunday in October | 10-11 am PT
Terrace Restaurant | West Garden

Start your Sunday morning at the museum with a complimentary mimosa or orange juice and selection of freshly baked pastries for purchase (while supplies last; limit one drink per member).

No RSVP required to attend.

Swamp Feedings
Tuesday, October 10 & 24 | 8:45 am PT
The Swamp

Join us to learn how Academy biologists take care of our favorite American alligator with albinism, Claude, and his alligator snapping turtle swamp-mates. And if they're feeling hungry, there's a chance you'll get to see what they eat! Questions encouraged!

No RSVP required to attend.

Lagoon Feedings
Tuesday, October 17 & 31 | 8:45 am PT
The Lagoon

Watch in awe as Academy biologists feed our rays as they glide beneath your feet. Explore the fascinating adaptations of these ocean cruisers and their relatives, and learn about what you can do to keep them and their ocean homes healthy.

No RSVP required to attend.

Penguin Feedings
Every Sunday in October | 10:30 am PT
African Hall

Learn all about our charismatic African penguin colony from Academy biologists during these Sunday breakfasts and special enrichment activity. Unable to visit in person? Tune in to the penguin cam to see the feedings live!

No RSVP required to attend.

First time registering for an event in Member Connect? Member Connect is the Academy’s online platform for members-only exclusive livestream programs, in-person event registration, and all ages on-demand science content.

To login, simply click here, enter your email address, and receive an access link in your email to start exploring and registering for programs right away! Visit our FAQ page for more information.