NightLife: Level 2

This is not a glitch, gaming is back at NightLife! We’re taking Thursday night to the next level with the ultimate gamer extravaganza. Game on with a Super Smash Bros. Melee® tournament, scientific Pokémon Snap livestream, video-game cosplay and more.

Sounds by RIETA

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

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Create Mode
Swamp
6 - 10 PM

• Feeling crafty? Try your hand at something new with the Museum of Craft and Design’s Wheel O’ Crafts. From retro 8-bit wearables to tetris magnets, your handmade gamer art is sure to impress your friends.

Arcade Mode
Piazza/Swamp
6 - 10 PM

• At the Academy Arcade no tokens are needed for a night of fun and games. Vie for the highest pinball score on favorites from the Pacific Pinball Museum, play arcade classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Dance Dance Revolution, and even test your luck to win a Claude plushie in our “Claw-de” machine.

VS. Mode
African Hall
6 - 10 PM

• The ultimate Nintendo® classic returns to the museum for the second Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament, hosted by YungWaff. Watch 64 players go head-to-head in a bid to win the coveted title of Super Smash champion.

Free Play Mode
West Garden
6:30 - 9:30 PM

• From on-screen to in-person, let the nostalgia bloom and jam out to the sweet sounds from your favorite video games performed by local orchestral powerhouse, Awesöme Orchestra - with Artistic Director Dave Möschler and Guest Conductor and curator Travis Kindred conducting
  • 6:30 - 7:20: Dragonborn from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim by Jeremy Soule arranged for orchestra and chorus by Andrés Soto
  • 7:30 - 8:30: The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Medley by Koji Kondo arranged for orchestra by Andres Soto
  • 8:40 - 9:30: One Winged Angel from Final Fantasy VII by Nobuo Uematsu arranged for orchestra and chorus by Andres Soto

View Collection
Science Today
7 - 9 PM

• Do you like Pokémon, science, and prizes? Compete against NightLife peers for bragging rights (and prizes) in Pokémon Snap, and hear from Academy researchers about Pokémon-inspired science (it’s real!). (PS. we’ll also be streaming this on our Twitch channel: http://twitch.tv/heycalacademy)!

Power Down
Curiosity Grove
6 - 10 PM

• Don’t worry, board game lovers, we know gaming isn’t just digital. Local SF gem, Game Parlour, is back for another round with a variety of classic board games.

One last easter egg: We’ve hidden a few Pokéballs around the museum containing special surprises. Search and ye shall be rewarded. Happy hunting!

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

• Effective September 16, NightLife guests will no longer be required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. We still strongly encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, and to mask up indoors. As always, if you’re feeling under the weather, please NightLife another time. View health and safety information here.
   
• 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 FAQs 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.)
   
• Beverages are available at various bars throughout the building, but food must enjoyed outdoors or in the Academy Cafe only.
   
• NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Photo ID required.