Special Events

Spring Into Summer Night

Event has passed.
  • Promotional banner for Spring Into Summer Night event with illustrated hummingbird and flowers
  • A magician does a magic trick with a young volunteer in the audience at the Academy
  • Girl looks through telescope on the Academy Living Roof during an evening event
  • Academy Executive Director Dr. Scott Sampson speaks to guests in The Worlds Largest Dinosaurs exhibit
  • Silhouetted guests look at the dramatic California Coast habitat at the Academy
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Ready, set, grow! Wander through the Academy with a bouquet of summertime activities.

Event update: The Ohlone storytellers will be unable to participate in tonight's event due to illness. We apologize for any inconvenience.

An evening of super-size excitement awaits

Close-up photo of Mamenchisaurus dinosaur eating leaves in Worlds Largest Dinosaurs exhibit
  • Explore your favorite exhibits—including our all-new The World's Largest Dinosaurs!
  • Get the buzz from beekeepers at the Planet Bee Foundation 
  • Be enchanted by magic shows and science presentations
  • Get a new summer look with facepainting
  • Craft a paper flower crown and examine plant specimens 
  • Sit back and stargaze in the planetarium or through telescopes on our Living Roof 
  • Enjoy specialty menu items and cookie decorating from our Café
  • And more!

Are you an Academy member? Enjoy a superbloom of perks, including a members-only lounge, early entry to the event, and a summer-themed scavenger hunt.

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Event details

View important health and safety, exhibit access, and entry time information. We hope to see you soon!

Event entry times
  • General admission for the event is 6:30 pm.
  • Academy members are invited to enjoy early event entry at 6 pm.
Exhibit access

Please note that Osher Rainforest and Morrison Planetarium have special hours and restrictions:

  • Last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 pm. Our animals need their sleep!
  • There will be 3 screenings in the planetarium: Tour of the Night Sky at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, and Dark Universe at 7:30 pm. Planetarium passes are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Scan the QR code in the lobby when you arrive to reserve. Shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and we regret that we cannot permit any child under 4.
Health and safety

Enjoy science safely! Please note the following as you plan your evening:

  • All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Indoor masking and being up-to-date on vaccinations are encouraged, but not required.
  • Food and drink must be enjoyed in the Academy Café or outdoors in the East or West Garden.
  • For more information on the Academy's health and safety recommendations, please visit our Health & Safety page.
More to explore
Child holding plush animal of Claude the alligator with albinism
Birthday Parties

Birthdays at the Academy are wild! Celebrate with a party room, priority exhibit access, and more.

NightLife Plus guests look at preserved specimen in a jar during behind the scenes collections tour at Cal Academy
Tours & Experiences

From eye-opening tours to fun-filled sleepovers, explore all the ways you can enhance your Academy experience.

Four girls with stuffed animals laying by the aquarium
Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers

Experience the ultimate overnight museum adventure for kids. Don't snooze on this one—tickets sell out fast!

Contact us
Have questions about enhanced experiences at the Academy? We're here to help.