A new adventure unfolds every Thursday night from 6–10 pm.

  • Fanciful illustration of NightLife guests and Academy animals by artist Lydia Ortiz
    Illustration by Lydia Ortiz
  • Trex
    Photo by Tim Williamson
  • coral reef
    Photo by Milan Bhatt
  • Rainforest
    Photo by Tim Williamson
  • Hot Flash Heat Wave
    Photo By John Hartsfield
  • Amazon exhibit
    Photo by Milan Bhatt
  • Project Lab
    Photo by Jason Mongue
  • live painting
    Photo by Jason Mongue
  • See science differently at NightLife, every Thursday at the Academy from 6-10 pm. For adults 21 and up.
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Members: $12; Non-Members: $15
New! Planetarium Pass Reservations: $3*
21+ with ID

Select events subject to premier pricing: $18 members, $22 non-members.

Buy Tickets

Enjoy music, creatures, and cocktails as you set out with friends on a journey to the stars and the depths of the sea. Featuring a new theme each week, after-hours access to all exhibits, and special programming, NightLife is your ticket to the nocturnal side of the Academy.

*Guarantee your seat under the stars! Reserve a Planetarium Pass to select your showtime in advance. Optional, but recommended. $3 per pass. Available online only.

Upcoming Events

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California Academy Roof
NightLife Spotlight
September 27th at 6:00 pm

Tonight is a #TBT of epic proportions: Celebrate 10 years of the Academy's new building in Golden Gate Park!

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Underwater sharks
Sharktoberfest NightLife
October 4th at 6:00 pm

It’s that time of year—when toothy sharks and thirsty humans unite for a salute to brews with an aquatic twist.

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Kevin Morby
NightLife LIVE: Kevin Morby
October 11th at 6:00 pm

Close out your San Francisco summer with the final NightLife LIVE performance of the year from Kevin Morby.

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Nebula
Extraterrestrial NightLife
October 18th at 6:00 pm

Explore the mysteries beyond our solar system with a night dedicated to the search for extraterrestrials.

More To Explore
A group of guests looking at the California Coast exhibit
The Hive

Join the newest membership group for people in their 20s and 30s. Hive members enjoy a NightLife Season Pass.

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NightLife LIVE

The Academy transforms into an oasis of live music and art one Thursday per month from July to October.

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Visitors explore the Living Roof during NightLife.
NightLife VIP Tours

Join our VIP Tour for an entirely different NightLife experience. Cocktails are, of course, included.

Food & Drink NightLife

Food & Drink

A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6-9:30 pm, including the Academy Café, The Terrace (located in the West Garden), and convenient food cart in the front lobby.

Enjoy a new seasonal "craft on draft" cocktail at each NightLife bar, designed by resident mixologist Shane McKnight. Plus, enjoy a weekly menu of beer, wine, and spirits.

Join The Hive

Join The Hive

Interested in a NightLife season pass? Join the Hive—the Academy's exclusive membership for ages 21–40. Perks include a ticket to Party After Dark, and more!

Learn More

Connect With NightLife
#CASNightLife