NightLife: June 15
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Calling all creatures of the night: explore the nocturnal side of the Academy at NightLife and see what's revealed. With live DJs, outdoor bars, ambiance lighting, and nearly 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.

Step inside the iconic Shake House and our four-story Osher Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies. Reservations for these exhibits are no longer required. However, please note that the last entry into the rainforest is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep.

Venture into our latest aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.

Bask in the glow of one of the largest living indoor coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef habitat.

Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Café and head to the West Garden outdoor bar to drink and dine under the stars. For adults 21+.

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

  • NightLife guests are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. We still strongly encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, and to mask up indoors. As always, if you’re feeling under the weather, please NightLife another time. View health and safety information here.
     
  • Last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep.
     
  • Morrison Planetarium is now open at NightLife with 4 showtimes. To maximize staff and guest safety, planetarium passes are required and capacity is limited. Passes are available online in advance for an additional $5 while supplies last to reserve a seat at a 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, or 9:30 pm planetarium show. Please see our FAQs for more details. (Please note: A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drink are not permitted inside the planetarium.)
     
  • Beverages are available at various bars throughout the building, but food must be enjoyed outdoors or in the Academy Café only.
     
  • NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
     
  • Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.

Music

Planetarium Shows

Dark Universe title slide
8:30 pm, 9:30 pm

Explore two of today's greatest cosmic mysteries—dark matter and dark energy. Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

6:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Take a tour of the Universe with a sprinkling of the hottest news stories from astronomy and the space sciences!

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Upcoming events

June 1st at 6:00 pm

What’s the story? Hear firsthand how diverse lived experiences shape our life paths and nurture connections.

June 8th at 6:00 pm

Will you go to prom with us? Dust off your best prom look and shell-ebrate the return of Under the Sea Prom.

June 15th at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy at night alongside nearly 60,000 live animals.

June 22nd at 6:00 pm

Kick off SF Pride in style at NightLife! Featuring fierce performances by Oaklash & so much more.

June 29th at 6:00 pm

What's gender got to do with it? More than you think. Hear how scientists defy gender barriers to create change.

July 6th at 6:00 pm

See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy.