Explore the nocturnal side of the Academy and see what makes the museum at night different.
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Sounds by Double A

Check out Double A's exclusive NightLife playlist on the NightLife Spotify page

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.

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

Visit the BigPicture exhibit in the Piazza to marvel at the most recent winners of the BigPicture Natural World Photography competition.

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 guests are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. We still strongly encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, and to mask up indoors. As always, if you’re feeling under the weather, please NightLife another time. View health and safety information here.
     
  • Please note: The rainforest will be closed for infrastructure maintenance during this event.
     
  • Morrison Planetarium is now open at NightLife with 4 showtimes. To maximize staff and guest safety, planetarium passes are required and capacity is limited. Passes are available online in advance for an additional $5 while supplies last to reserve a seat at a 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, or 9:30 pm planetarium show. Please see our FAQs for more details. (Please note: 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 inside the planetarium.)
     
  • Beverages are available at various bars throughout the building, but food must be enjoyed outdoors or in the Academy Café only.
     
  • NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
     
  • Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.

Music

Planetarium Shows

6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 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.

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Upcoming events

January 9th at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy at night and jump-start 2025 alongside nearly 60,000 live animals.

January 16th at 6:00 pm

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

January 23rd at 6:00 pm

Start your weekend early at NightLife – we won't tell! Claude and the rainforest are waiting for you.

January 30th at 6:00 pm

Local treasures, tasty treats, LED lion dances. It’s time to ring in the year of the snake the NightLife way.

February 13th at 6:00 pm

Blow a kiss to our African penguins and 60,000 other creatures when you explore the Academy at night.

February 20th at 6:00 pm

We’re back with another collab with SF staple Noise Pop Music and Arts Festival featuring a DJ set by DāM-FunK.