NightLife: May 9
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Calling all creatures of the night: explore the nocturnal side of the Academy at NightLife and see what's revealed. With live DJs, outdoor bars, ambiance lighting, and nearly 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.

Step inside our four-story Osher Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies. Please note that the last entry into the rainforest is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep.

Venture into our latest aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.

Bask in the glow of one of the largest living indoor coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef habitat.

Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Café and head to the West Garden outdoor bar to drink and dine under the stars.

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

  • NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
  • Last entry into Osher Rainforest is 7:30 pm — our animals need their sleep.
  • Gems and Minerals Unearthed opens to the public at 8:30 pm. It is reserved for NightLife Plus guests from 6 - 8:30 pm.
  • Morrison Planetarium passes are available online in advance for $5 each while supplies last. Showtimes are 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm. A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Food and drink are not permitted in Osher Rainforest, Morrison Planetarium, or the Swamp.
  • While not required, we encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and to mask up indoors. If you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, please visit another time. View our health and safety page.
  • Still have Qs? Click here for As.

Music

Planetarium Shows

8:30 pm, 9:30 pm

Where did the building blocks of life come from? Journey across space & time to explore how elements are made.

6:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Take a tour of the Universe with a sprinkling of the hottest news stories from astronomy and the space sciences!

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Upcoming events

October 10th at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy at night alongside nearly 60,000 live animals.

October 17th at 6:00 pm

NightLife’s reppin’ the YAY AREAAA with Bay Area history, music that slaps, and hella local love.

October 24th at 6:00 pm

See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy.

October 31st at 6:00 pm

Everyone’s entitled to one good scare–serve up your spookiest looks at NightLife. With performances by Oaklash.

November 14th at 6:00 pm

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