Expect the unusual as art and nature collide at an enchanting NightLife that will celebrate the debut of the new BigPicture exhibition – an ethereal tribute to the marvels of our world and some of the talented photographers capturing them. Embark on a visual odyssey around the world through stunning nature photography, create your own work of art with Haight Street Art Center, learn something new in a photography workshop, wander a nature-themed market, and more!

Sounds by Brycon

Check out Brycon's exclusive NightLife playlist on the NightLife Spotify page

Music

BigPicture - 2024 Exhibit Opening

BigPicture
Piazza
6 - 10 PM

Sip your favorite cocktail and explore the Academy’s latest exhibition, BigPicture: Natural World Photography, celebrating its 11th anniversary. Take in some of this year's most awe-inspiring natural moments caught on film.

Photo Crash Course - lightning talks and workshops with photographers

Photo Crash Course
African Hall

Feeling inspired to capture nature's beauty? Boost your photography skills with insider tips and tricks for snapping stunning photos on your phone in back-to-back workshops with photographers who placed in this year’s competition.

7:15 PM - Exploring The Intricacies Of Underwater Critters Through Macro Photography with Kat Zhou
7:30 PM - Structuring a Photo Story and the Ethics of Wildlife photography with Maddy Rifka
7:45 PM - How To Take Pictures & Document Wildlife Out In Nature with Vishal Subramanyan

Photogs Riffing on the Reef - Live talk in the Steinhart Aquarium

Photogs Riffing on the Reef
Philippine Coral Reef
8:30 PM

Join Kate Vylet, winner of the 2023 BigPicture "Aquatic Life" category, and Fressia Peng, 2024 BigPicture Aquatic Life finalist, for an immersive exploration into the world of underwater photography. Discover the techniques and artistry behind their award-winning images as they dive beneath the surface to capture the hidden beauty of aquatic life.

Make Your Voice Heard! - Screenprinting with Haight Street Art Center & Marketplace

Make Your Voice Heard!
Swamp
6 - 10 PM

Get your creative juices flowing all night long with Haight Street Art Center and create your own screen-printed poster featuring an image from the exhibit! Plus Bring home a unique piece of art from a nature-inspired market featuring:

Goff Books Selling BigPicture’s latest publication Seeing It All: Women Photographers Expose Our Planet
Shaire Productions
Blissblocks

NightLife rules, regs, and reminders

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.

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.

Gems and Minerals: Unearthed opens to the public at 8:30 pm. It is reserved for NightLife Plus guests from 6 - 8:30 pm.

Food and drink are not permitted in Osher Rainforest, Morrison Planetarium, or the Swamp.

Help everyone stay healthy: It's not required, but 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.

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Code of Conduct