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

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

Please note: There are no NightLife events on November 22, December 20, December 27, and January 3, 2019.

*A note about planetarium passes: Starting January 10, 2019, planetarium passes will be required for the 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm shows. This will allow more guests to reserve their preferred showtimes in advance and better plan their evenings—and also help us manage high demand for limited planetarium seats. Passes are $3 each and may be purchased online or at the ticket window. Since shows do sell out, we always recommend buying in advance. The 6:30 pm live show is always free and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upcoming Events

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Magical Mushrooms
Fungus Among Us NightLife
January 10th at 6:00 pm

Step away from the baby bellas and learn how to unleash fungi’s true potential.

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Smiles
Sketchfest NightLife
January 17th at 6:00 pm

Laugh your face off as SF Sketchfest takes over the museum for a knee-slapping night.

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Neon tropics
Tropical NightLife
January 24th at 6:00 pm

Escape the winter doldrums with a trip to Tropical NightLife.

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

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

Girl in tie-dye dress ice skates gleefully at the Academy ice rink
Holiday Ice Rink

Celebrate the season at the only place to ice skate in Golden Gate Park! Open daily through January 6; $10.

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