A new adventure unfolds every Thursday night from 6–10 pm.

  • Fanciful illustration of NightLife guests and Academy animals by artist Lydia Ortiz
    Illustration by Lydia Ortiz
  • Trex
    Photo by Tim Williamson
  • coral reef
    Photo by Milan Bhatt
  • Rainforest
    Photo by Tim Williamson
  • Hot Flash Heat Wave
    Photo By John Hartsfield
  • Amazon exhibit
    Photo by Milan Bhatt
  • Project Lab
    Photo by Jason Mongue
  • live painting
    Photo by Jason Mongue
  • See science differently at NightLife, every Thursday at the Academy from 6-10 pm. For adults 21 and up.
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Plan ahead and save! Buy online at least one day in advance to lock in the lowest price on NightLife tickets.  For more information, see our Plan-Ahead Pricing FAQ.

NightLife is 21+ with ID. Last entry to rainforest dome is at 7:45 pm. Planetarium passes available for purchase online.

Buy Tickets

Enjoy music, creatures, and cocktails and a thought-provoking new theme every Thursday night. NightLife is your ticket to the nocturnal side of the Academy. For adults 21+ with ID. 

Please note: there will be no NightLife on July 4th.

Upcoming Events

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hops
Beer Garden NightLife
July 18th at 6:00 pm

Taste your way through a pop-up beer garden with local breweries slinging their best botanical-forward brews.

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BigPicture
BigPicture NightLife
July 25th at 6:00 pm

Be the first to see the Academy’s sixth annual BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition exhibit.

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future of transportation
Future of Transportation NightLife
August 1st at 6:00 pm

Explore the cutting-edge and eco-friendly ways that transportation is rapidly evolving. Presented by Cruise.

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The Marías
NightLife LIVE: The Marías
August 8th at 6:00 pm

The Marías perform at our 2nd installment of NightLife LIVE, in Partnership with Outside Lands Music Festival.

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analog
Analog NightLife
August 15th at 6:00 pm

Tune out of the digital world & join us for an experimental, phone-free night dedicated to life in the analog.

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Cheetah Fur
Animal Behavior NightLife
August 22nd at 6:00 pm

Join us and a few of our furry, scaly, and feathered friends for a night all about animal behavior.

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Wine
Fermented NightLife
September 5th at 6:00 pm

NightLife breaks down the science of fermentation, from cider to kimchi and everything in-between.

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Duckwrth
NightLife LIVE: Duckwrth
September 12th at 6:00 pm

Duckwrth performs at our 3rd installment of NightLife LIVE, co-presented by Noise Pop.

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Nick Hakim
NightLife LIVE: Nick Hakim
October 10th at 6:00 pm

Nick Hakim performs at our final installment of NightLife LIVE 2019, co-presented by Noise Pop.

More To Explore
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Visitors explore the Living Roof during NightLife.
NightLife VIP Tours

Brighten up your evening with a private reception, 2 free drinks, light bites, discounts, and an Academy tour.

NightLife LIVE 2019
NightLife LIVE

The Academy transforms into an oasis of live music and art one Thursday per month from July to October.

A group of guests looking at the California Coast exhibit
The Hive

Join the newest membership group for people in their 20s and 30s. Hive members enjoy a NightLife Season Pass.

Food & Drink NightLife

Food & Drink

A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6-9:30 pm, including the Academy Café, and Academy Food Cart located in the front lobby.

Enjoy a new seasonal "craft on draft" cocktail at each NightLife bar, designed by resident mixologist Shane McKnight. Plus, enjoy a weekly menu of beer, wine, and spirits.

Join the Hive (NightLife RR, V2)

Join The Hive

Interested in a NightLife season pass? Join the Hive—the Academy's excluive membership for ages 21-40. Perks include a ticket to Party After Dark, and more!

Learn More

Connect With NightLife
#CASNightLife