piazza nightlife
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Featuring DJ BAD DJ in the West Garden

Update: La Doña's performance and the other special programming originally planned for 1/13 have been postponed. Stay tuned--we hope to reschedule these partners in the near future. In the meantime, we hope you'll still join us for NightLife on the 13th.

Calling all creatures of the night: explore the nocturnal side of the Academy at NightLife and see what's revealed. With live DJs, outdoor bars, ambiance lighting, and nearly 40,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude the albino alligator), the night is sure to be wild.

Step inside the iconic Shake House and our four-story Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies. Reservations for these exhibits are no longer required. However, please note that the last entry into the rainforest is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep.

Venture into our latest aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.

Visit the BigPicture exhibit in the Piazza to marvel at the most recent winners of the BigPicture Natural Photography competition.

Bask in the glow of one of the largest living coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef tank.

Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Cafe and head to the West Garden outdoor bar to drink and dine under the stars. For adults 21+.

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

  • To help keep guests safe and ensure everyone has plenty of room to roam, NightLife will be limiting capacity and have timed-entry tickets.
     
  • Last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 pm—our animals need their sleep.
     
  • Morrison Planetarium is now open at NightLife with 4 showtimes. To maximize staff and guest safety, planetarium passes are required and capacity is limited. Passes are available online in advance for an additional $5 while supplies last to reserve a seat at a 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, or 9:30 pm planetarium show. Please see our FAQ's for more details.

    Please note: 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 inside the planetarium, and masks must be worn properly at all times.
     

  • Food and beverages are available for purchase in the Academy Café and West Garden Terrace including a variety of grab-and-go options, craft cocktails, and more. All food and drink must be enjoyed outdoors.
     
  • Please embrace the Academy’s three favorite Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance. All guests will be required to wear a mask and social distancing will be enforced according to the latest public health and safety guidelines.
     
  • NightLife is adults-only for 21+
     
  • Still have Q’s? See our FAQ’s here.

Music

Planetarium Shows

8:30 pm, 9:30 pm

Discover how a deeper understanding of Earth might help us spot other living worlds light-years away.

6:30 pm, 7:30 pm

Explore the immense scale of the known Universe in this live presentation that leaves Earth far behind.

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Upcoming events

October 10th at 6:00 pm

Explore the Academy at night alongside nearly 60,000 live animals.

October 17th at 6:00 pm

NightLife’s reppin’ the YAY AREAAA with Bay Area history, music that slaps, and hella local love.

October 24th at 6:00 pm

See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy.

October 31st at 6:00 pm

Everyone’s entitled to one good scare–serve up your spookiest looks at NightLife. With performances by Oaklash.

November 14th at 6:00 pm

Explore the nocturnal side of the Academy and see what makes the museum at night different.