What’s the story? Hear firsthand how diverse lived experiences shape our life paths and nurture connections.
Creatures + cocktails. Music + movements. Science + spectacle. Culture grows in the dark—Thursday nights at the Academy.
Upcoming events
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 The Oaklash Festival & 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.
Know before you glow
Hours + tickets
When is it?
NightLife is every* Thursday from 6-10 pm. Last entry into the building is 9 pm. All guests must be 21+ with valid, physical photo ID.
*Well, *almost* every Thursday. We hibernate for the holidays from mid-December through early-January, and there are a couple other NightLife-less Thursdays during the year due to other events in the building.
Are all exhibitions open?
Unless otherwise noted on a NightLife event page, everything that’s open during the day is open during NightLife, and all exhibitions and activities (except for planetarium shows, see below) are included with the price of admission.
Heads up: Osher Rainforest closes at 7:45 pm, with last entry at 7:30 pm. It’s one of our most popular exhibitions, so please queue up early if you want to trek through the tropics. (Our free-flying birds and butterflies operate on a different schedule than night owls like you—thanks for understanding.)
How much are tickets?
NightLife ticket prices vary by event, but are always lower than daytime prices. While we love spontaneity, a little planning pays off in three ways: You’ll save an average of $3+ per ticket when you buy 3+ days in advance; you’ll skip the ticket line at the door; and you’ll guarantee your tickets, because sellouts do happen.
Want a season pass to NightLife? Join the Hive and feel the buzz every Thursday, for free.
How do I see a planetarium show?
Morrison Planetarium passes are not included with NightLife admission, and are sold separately for $5 each. When purchasing NightLife tickets online, you’ll be prompted to add an available showtime to your cart. Shows are at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
Heads up:
- Please queue up at the planetarium 15 minutes before your showtime. For your safety, there is no late entry into the theater once shows have started.
- Planetarium passes almost always sell out in advance, so we strongly recommend purchasing them online instead of hoping for a miracle at the museum. A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transportation + parking
What’s the best way to get to the event?
Walk, bike, or let someone else do the driving. MUNI’s 44 O’Shaughnessy stops right at our front door (as do Uber and Lyft), with the 5 Fulton, 7 Haight, and N Judah lines mere blocks away. See our Getting Here page for transit tips.
What are my parking options?
Parking can be a challenge, especially during big nights. Music Concourse Garage (not operated by the Academy) is steps away from our entrance, but can fill up fast. Street parking is more plentiful, but be prepared to walk. For best results, arrive early. See our Parking page for details.
Heads up: Golden Gate Park is dark at night. Please walk, bike, and drive carefully as nocturnal creatures (including your fellow NightLife revelers) may be scuttling around.
Food + drink
Where can I get a drink?
Bars are located on the Main Floor (usually in the Piazza and next to the Swamp) and downstairs in the aquarium, with beer and wine available for sale in the Academy Café. Our friendly bartenders sling a smorgasbord of specialty cocktails, craft beer, and delicious wines, plus a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Pay with cash, card, or Apple Pay. *Clink!*
Where can I grab some food?
The Academy Café offers a range of grab-and-go options, from pizza and pasta to salads and sandwiches. Some events have a food theme, with samples and munchies available while supplies last.
Can I eat and drink throughout the museum?
Yes and no. You’re welcome to roam around with your drink everywhere except the planetarium, rainforest, and Swamp, but can only eat in the Academy Café or outdoors.
What is NightLife?
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NightLife is musical
There is a rhythm to the natural world. Chase the beat every week with DJs and performances.
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NightLife is animal
About 60,000 creatures. A couple thousand humans. Be outnumbered in the best way.
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NightLife is cultural
Talks, demonstrations, provocations. Bring an open mind so we can fill it with ideas.
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NightLife is Claudeful
Stop searching for the meaning of life. He lives here, has albinism, and loves gentle exfoliation.
Are you getting the full story? Explore how storyteller privilege impacts science in this new three-part series.
Join this group of donors in their 20s and 30s and enjoy a NightLife season pass and Party After Dark ticket!
It’s International Museum Day! We’re celebrating with glass flowers, digitized collections, & community science.
Live a little at NightLife! Enjoy two free drinks, VIP access, plus a snack and sweet discounts.