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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Heads up! Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a scheduled visit is now required for all Academy guests ages 12+. View our vaccination policy and health and safety details here.

All NightLife guests must reserve timed-entry tickets online in advance. Members, please log in after adding tickets to your cart to receive your discount.

Please note that the last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep!

NightLife is 21+ with ID, from 6-10 pm.

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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See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy. For adults 21+.
NightLife: September 23
September 23rd at 6:00 pm

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

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Come together and connect with the Bay’s AAPI community in an evening of music, storytelling, and fashion.

Photo Credit: Andria Lo / Chinatown Pretty

NightLife: Culture Clash
September 30th at 6:00 pm

Come together and connect with the Bay’s AAPI community in an evening of music, storytelling, and fashion.

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Explore the museum at night
NightLife: October 7
October 7th at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy at night alongside nearly 40,000 live animals. For adults 21+.

Free virtual events

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trees
NightSchool: Resilient Forests
October 7th at 7:00 pm

Fire is essential to forest life—hear from experts tending fires and ensuring a more resilient California.

More to explore
Guests enjoying NightLife VIP Experience on the Living Roof
NightLife VIP Experience

Live a little at NightLife! Enjoy two free drinks and VIP access, plus a snack and sweet discounts.

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!

Best of 2020 Livestreams

Get to know our new livestream series, Breakfast Club and NightSchool, with a list of 10 viewer favorites from 2020.

Watch now
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