Step into the wonderful world of mushrooms at this annual NightLife favorite, where you’ll learn how to spot, ID, grow, and cook mushrooms alongside fellow fungi enthusiasts.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Live Talks: Wondrous Fungus
African Hall

At 7:00 PM, David Rust of the Bay Area Mycological Society talks about mycorrhizae, or, how plants and fungi compete and cooperate in their unique symbiotic relationship.
At 8:00 PM, Follow biochemist/mycologist Gordon Walker (aka @fascinatedbyfungi) on Instagram, then come hear stories about the strange fungi he documents and how they’re a key part of next-gen food companies.
At 9:00 PM, Gather ‘round for tales from photographer and mushroom ID specialist Alan Rockefeller as he shares new species of bioluminescent fungi and other recent finds from four months of mushroom-hunting in Mexico.

Mushroom Hunting 101
East Pavilion
6 PM – 10 PM

Learn about what kind of local mushrooms to look for—and which ones to stay far away from with the Bay Area Mycological Society and check out Candace Bever’s (USDA) newly developed test strip that detects the deadliest toxins from mushrooms.

DIY Fungi
Swamp
6 PM – 10 PM

Cultivate your very own mushroom spores to take home with Bay Area Applied Mycology.

Fungus Among Us Showcase
Project Lab
6 pm – 10 pm

Get up close and personal with mycorrhiza, try a taste of earthy mushroom simple syrups, and even bring photos of your mushrooms to have them ID’d by the experts:

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NIGHTLIFE TIPS

Last entry for the Rainforest dome is at 7:45 pm. Please note: drinks are not allowed inside the Rainforest exhibit.
Thirsty? Each bar area features a unique seasonal craft cocktail—there are multiple bars throughout the museum.
Special programs and lectures may have limited seating and admission will be available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

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PLANETARIUM PASSES

Planetarium passes are required for the 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm shows.
Passes are $5 each and may be purchased online or at the ticket window. Since shows do sell out, we always recommend buying in advance.
The 6:30 pm live show is always free. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please arrive at the planetarium 15 minutes before your ticketed showtime for seating. We run a tight spaceship!

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FOOD & DRINK

A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6:00-9:30 pm, including The Academy Cafe and The Academy Cafe Food Cart located in the front lobby.
Enjoy a different fresh seasonal "craft on draft" cocktail at each NightLife bar area designed by our resident mixologist Shane McKnight!

All bars accept cash and credit cards.