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

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  • nightlife performer dancing in front of audience
  • nightlife attendees viewing jellyfish
  • nightlife attendees dancing and laughing
  • nightlife attendees looking at exhibit
  • nightlife attendees viewing aquarium
  • nightlife scientist speaking to audience
  • nightlife attendees talking and laughing
  • nightlife attendees playing video games
  • nightlife attendees talking and laughing
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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 7:30 pm. Vaccination and indoor masking encouraged but not required.

Buy Tickets

Heads up! There will be no NightLife events on December 15, 22, 29, and January 5. 

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.

Ticketed museum events

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Explore the museum at night!
NightLife: December 8
December 8th at 6:00 pm

See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy. 21+.

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NightLife: MOVE
NightLife: MOVE
January 12th at 6:00 pm

Get your move on for a night that’s all about our devotion to motion. 21+.

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NightLife: January 19
NightLife: January 19
January 19th at 6:00 pm

Explore the nocturnal side of the Academy and see what makes the museum at night different. 21+.

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NightLife: Lunar Underground
NightLife: Lunar Underground
January 26th at 6:00 pm

Mahjong parlor. Tattoo pop-up. Local eats. We’ve got everything you need to celebrate Lunar New Year. 21+.

Free virtual events

Seated figure with papier-mache dinosaur head in front of green background; Photo: Rachel Garber Cole
NightSchool: Words for a Changing World
December 15th at 7:00 pm

Reflect on a changing world with performers and poets whose work sits at the intersection of art and science.

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.

Triple your impact—deadline extended

Make your Giving Tuesday gift by December 2 and it’ll be tripled by a generous donor.

Triple my gift
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