Get NightLife emails
Delightful NightLife news, delivered weekly.
We're open daily! View holiday hours
PRIDE NightLife
Buy ahead to skip the line and save on tickets. 21+.
Event has passed.
0
Strut, don’t walk, and kick off Pride weekend in SF at this annual NightLife fave. Join us as we celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with a night dedicated to community, activism, and joy. With fierce drag performances by the one and only Oaklash, we're serving a night of unapologetic self-expression and empowerment. Plus, vibe to soulful music by Azuah; join a down-to-earth panel discussion about what it means to be “queer enough”; pour your heart out in a letter-writing session in support of the global trans community with Point of Pride; meet local queer community orgs and bookstores, and more.
Sounds by MAKEROOM DJs
Check out MAKEROOM's exclusive NightLife playlist on the NightLife Spotify page.
Nightlife is supported by Local Motion® Vodka Sodas, light, refreshing, and simply made with vodka, carbonated water, and natural flavors. Grab Local Motion® at all bars throughout NightLife this year. Plus, snag a sample of Local Motion® during this event!
Music
Queer Enough - Live Panel in African Hall - 7:30pm
Queer Enough (Live Panel)
African Hall
7:30 PM
Gather around for candid discussion and Q&A moderated by the Academy's Senior Manager of Digital Engagement & Community, Sadie Samuels, featuring Board of Directors President Liz Byrne from Point of Pride and artist Car Nazzal of Thank You Ceramics. In this conversation, they will explore personal experiences and systemic pressures that leave some communities questioning if they’re “queer enough” for LGBTQ+ spaces (spoiler: they are).
Azuah - Live music in the East Garden at 8pm
Azuah
East Garden
8:00 - 8:30 PM
Enchanting audiences for over a decade with their unique blend of alternative soul and folk music, get ready to vibe to soulful sounds from Bay Area native Azuah.
OAKLASH - Drag Festival in the West Garden at 8:30pm
OAKLASH
West Garden
8:30 - 9:30 PM
With a focus on “mindful joy” brace yourself for an unforgettable night filled with jaw-dropping drag performances, stunning lewks, and legendary music from Oaklash, the Bay Area’s first and only drag and queer performance festival. *Note: Drag performances will be ASL interpreted.
Accompanied by DJ Beverly Chills
Check out Beverly Chills' exclusive NightLife playlist on the NightLife Spotify page
Point of Pride - letter-writing activity in the Swamp
Point of Pride
Swamp
6:00 - 10:00 PM
Support the larger global trans community in a letter writing activity with Point of Pride, a non-profit organization that provides financial aid and direct support to transgender and non-binary folks in need of health and wellness care. Grab a pen and a card to send notes of encouragement, words of wisdom, positive affirmations and more that provide powerful reminders that trans folks are seen, supported, and valid.
Community Corner - tabling and vendors in the Swamp
Community Corner
Swamp
6:00 - 10:00 PM
Connect with organizations that are making strides in the community and say hello to:
The Menu - Drinks and Bites from Liquid Happiness and Chef Rob
The Menu
Drinks and Bites from Liquid Happiness and Chef Rob
In The Academy Cafe:
- Late Night Bagel - Rainbow bagel breakfast sandwich
- Perfect Pie - Veggie rainbow pizza
At The Swamp & Aquarium Bars:
- Love Juice - Vodka, lavender syrup, lemon, soda
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.
Planetarium Shows
6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Did you know that some of your favorite celestial constellations have queer histories?
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.
Live ASL Interpretation at this event
Thank you to our cocktail sponsor
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.