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.

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

Escape the winter doldrums with a tantalizing trip to Tropical NightLife.

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Color Wheel
NightLife Spotlight: Color
January 31st at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy through rose-colored glasses: Tonight we’re celebrating the wonderful world of color.

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beer close up
SF Beer Week NightLife
February 7th at 6:00 pm

NightLife partners with SF Beer Week for a froth-filled evening of brews!

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DJ Liquid Lights
Noise Pop NightLife
February 14th at 6:00 pm

Come celebrate your Valentine's, Palentine's or Galentine's at the official Noise Pop Music Festival pre-party.

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lion mask
Lunar New Year NightLife
February 21st at 6:00 pm

Kick off the Year of the Pig with lion dancers, masked performers, and pigs!

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.

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