The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement—all under one living roof. Museum hours are 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Saturday, and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission includes all exhibits, programs, and shows. For daily ticket prices, please visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more information.
21+ evening event features dance, vocal, and DJ performances, interactive experiences, a Black-owned business marketplace, soul food, cocktails and more
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 21, 2024)—
WHAT: In honor of Black History Month, the California Academy of Sciences will host its second annual Black Thursday event on Feb. 6 at NightLife, the museum’s weekly 21+ evening event that transforms the museum into a lively venue filled with music, art, creatures, science, and cocktails. NightLife: Black Thursday brings to life a special celebration of Black joy and the Black experience, featuring a full slate of special programming, including energetic dance, soulful live music, a marketplace with 20+ Black-owned local businesses, delicious soul food and themed cocktails, a Black wellness corner, and of course the permanent exhibits and 60,000 live creatures you love.
WHEN: Thursday, February 6 from 6-10 p.m. (21+)
WHERE: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco CA 94118
PROGRAMMING:
- Oakland street-dance crew TURFFEINZ kicks off the evening with a free dance performance on the concourse in front of the main museum entrance at 5:45 p.m. (Note, this performance is free and open to the public of all ages, but those entering NightLife afterwards must be 21+)
- African American Arts & Culture Complex, one of the Bay Area’s premier Black arts and cultural institutions, hosts an illuminating interactive experience in the East Garden. Gather your crew, spark some friendly competition, and admire the artistry of the creative course with a unique experience that’s part mini golf and part art installation.
- Cheza Nami, organizers of the renowned Taste of Africa Festival, offers guests the opportunity to explore and play a plethora of traditional African instruments through hands-on workshops and an open play area.
- Enjoy a moving performance from Oakland-based contemporary vocal ensemble CO-LLAB Choir, directed by Cava Menzies, featuring original compositions expressing healing, love, and unity.
- DJ Shellheart performs with her signature hype and passion in the Piazza all night long.
- Take a deep breath and practice self-care in the wellness corner:
- Learn about the importance (and historical lack of) mental health care in the Black community with Morgan Norvell, founder and owner of Budding Lotus Meditation.
- Chat with Tendwell Collective, who foster inclusive and community-oriented wellness spaces with programs for identities that aren’t typically prioritized in the wellness world.
- Savor mouthwatering bites from local family-run soul food spot Tastebuds.
- Support Black-owned businesses at a marketplace featuring wares from 20 exceptional local stores, curated by SF Black Wall Street and In the Black Shop. Featuring:
PHOTOS: Available for download - photos from NightLife: Black Thursday 2024; NightLife general photos.
TICKETS: NightLife tickets are $25, and visitors must be 21+ to enter. See NightLife page for details and to purchase tickets.
Complimentary event access for media available upon request.
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