Embark on a nocturnal adventure every Thursday night from 6-10 pm.

  • GIF of alligator, jellyfish, colorful tropical fish
  • Rainforest exterior
  • Masked guest comes eye to eye with an orange fish in the California Coast habitat at the Academy
  • Trex
  • Claude
  • mantis shrimp
  • Rainforest
  • Sea nettle jellyfish glow orange at the California Academy of Sciences
  • A camouflaged scorpionfish rests in an exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences
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NightLife is 6-10 pm every Thursday 
21+ with ID
Prices vary; planetarium passes $5

For guaranteed availability, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Last rainforest entry is 7:30 pm. Proof of full vaccination OR negative test within 48 hours required; boosters and masks strongly encouraged but not required. Learn more

 

Buy Tickets

Calling all creatures of the night: reserve your NightLife tickets in advance and see what’s revealed once the sun goes down. Reconnect with favorite faces (we’re looking at you, Claude!) while exploring new and familiar spaces. With nearly 40,000 live animals, two new exhibits, the iconic Shake House and four-story Rainforest, and outdoor dining beneath the stars the night is sure to be wild. For adults 21+.

Can’t attend in person? NightSchool is still in session! Join us virtually via YouTube or Facebook for an eclectic mix of science and culture. Streaming live monthly (and available as recordings afterwards) on the Academy’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

View upcoming ticketed NightLife events and free virtual NightSchool events below.

Ticketed museum events

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Explore the museum at night
NightLife: Art Lab
August 18th at 6:00 pm

Join us for an evening dedicated to the inspiring intersections of science and art.

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Explore the museum at night
NightLife: Level Up
August 25th at 6:00 pm

From fossil-inspired Pokémon to classic games & a Super Smash Bros. tournament, this NightLife it’s Game On.

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Explore the museum at night
NightLife: September 1
September 1st at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy at night alongside nearly 40,000 live animals. For adults 21+.

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NightLife: Smoke & Mirrors
NightLife: Smoke & Mirrors
September 8th at 6:00 pm

Behold as both humans and animals use the power of illusion to mystify your senses for one magical night.

Free virtual events

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A flock of birds fly across a blue sky
NightSchool: Animal Navigation
August 18th at 7:00 pm

Animals don't use GPS to navigate the world around them, so how do they do it?

More to explore
A group of guests looking at the California Coast exhibit
The Hive

Join this group of donors in their 20s and 30s and enjoy a NightLife season pass and Party After Dark ticket!

An exclusive peek into the Gem and Mineral Vault
NightLife VIP Experience

Live a little at NightLife! Enjoy two free drinks, a tour, and VIP access, plus a snack and sweet discounts.

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