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.

For guaranteed availability, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets 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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Holiday Bazaar NightLife
NightLife: Holiday Bazaar
December 9th at 6:00 pm

NightLife’s annual holiday bazaar returns featuring a merry marketplace of gift-worthy treasures + more.

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NightLife of the Party
NightLife of the Party
January 13th at 6:00 pm

Start the new year off with a bang, NightLife style! Featuring good music, good friends, and good art.

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Explore the museum at night
NightLife: January 20
January 20th at 6:00 pm

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

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Fungus Among Us NightLife
Fungus Among Us NightLife
January 27th at 6:00 pm

Celebrate the myriad applications of mycelium in a night dedicated to the fascinating world of fungi.

Free virtual events

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sea star
NightSchool: New Year, New Species
January 6th at 7:00 pm

From forests to reefs, Academy scientists described 68 new species this year—& here’s a closer look at a few.

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!

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Masked child face to face with African penguin at the Academy
Science Under the Sea Stars

On 12/15, celebrate the science and spirit of the season at an all-new evening event just for kids and families.

An exclusive peek into the Gem and Mineral Vault
NightLife VIP Experience

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

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