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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NightLife Admission: $15 ($12 Academy members)
Planetarium Passes: $3
21+ with ID.

Rainforest dome access until 7:45 pm. Planetarium passes available for purchase.

Select events subject to premier pricing: $22 ($18 Academy members).

Buy Tickets

Enjoy music, creatures, and cocktails and a thought-provoking new theme every Thursday night. NightLife is your ticket to the nocturnal side of the Academy. For adults 21+ with ID. 

Please Note: There will be no NightLife event on April 25th as we celebrate the Academy's annual gala fundraiser at Big Bang: Party After Dark! Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

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moon walk
NightLife in Space: The Moon
May 2nd at 6:00 pm

NightLife goes to the Moon and back, exploring the origins of space travel and the future of lunar missions.

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other earths
NightLife in Space: Other Earths
May 9th at 6:00 pm

NightLife brings in experts to talk about the missions and spacecrafts currently on the search for exoplanets.

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cosmos
NightLife in Space: Cosmos
May 16th at 6:00 pm

Dive into some of the greatest cosmic mysteries as NightLife travels to the ends of the observable universe.

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Tiny crystals
Tiny NightLife
May 23rd at 6:00 pm

This week, we’re shrinking down to size with a celebration of all things tiny, miniature, and microscopic.

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feathers
NightLife Spotlight: Flight
May 30th at 6:00 pm

Embark on a late-night science adventure: NightLife explores the mechanics of flight in the natural world.

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coral reef
Under the Sea Prom NightLife
June 6th at 6:00 pm

Come dressed to go “Under the Sea” and celebrate World Oceans Day and the wonder of coral reefs.

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pride feathers
Pride NightLife
June 27th at 6:00 pm

Celebrate love, equality, and the rainbow spectrum of self-expression at NightLife's annual LGBTQ Pride party.

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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Visitors explore the Living Roof during NightLife.
NightLife VIP Tours

Book a NightLife 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, and Academy Food Cart located 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