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

  • GIF of alligator, jellyfish, colorful tropical fish
  • Rainforest exterior
  • Masked guest comes eye to eye with an orange fish in the California Coast habitat at the Academy
  • Trex
  • Claude
  • mantis shrimp
  • Rainforest
  • Sea nettle jellyfish glow orange at the California Academy of Sciences
  • A camouflaged scorpionfish rests in an exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences
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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 is 7:30 pm. Proof of full vaccination required; boosters and masks strongly encouraged but not required. Learn more

 

Buy Tickets

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.

View upcoming ticketed NightLife events and free virtual NightSchool events below.

Ticketed museum events

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orchid mantis

"A large-scale model of a beautiful orchid mantis demonstrates her dazzling camouflage in the Display chamber." Photographer Mike O’Neill © Te Papa 2016

NightLife: Buggin' Out
June 2nd at 6:00 pm

Crawl over to NightLife and meet the stars of our newest exhibit: Bugs.

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La Dona at Under the Sea Prom
NightLife: Under the Sea Prom
June 9th at 6:00 pm

Will you go to prom with us? Bust out your best prom fit for a night of dancing, live music, and more.

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Explore the nocturnal side of the Academy and see what makes the museum at night different.
NightLife: June 16
June 16th at 6:00 pm

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

Free virtual events

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Small corals growing in a lab

Photo: Elora López-Nandam

NightSchool: Life on Reefs
June 2nd at 7:00 pm

Get a closer look at the cutting-edge coral reef research being done at the Academy & across the world.

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Close-up of a land snail face

Credit: Anjiro08 on Flickr

NightSchool: Snails of Land and Sea
June 16th at 7:00 pm

Explore the wide world of snails, from venomous ocean-dwellers to big-city inhabitants.

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.

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Masked guests socialize during NightLife on the Academy's Living Roof
S'mores & Snores: An Adult Sleepover

Pack your sleeping bag and sense of adventure for an adults-only indoor “camping” experience at the Academy.

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