• Tommy Guerrero playing guitar
    Tommy Guerrero
  • Photo of Ritmos Tropicosmos at sunset
    Ritmos Tropicosmos
  • NightLife LIVE lineup
0

Sounds by Motown on Mondays

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The Show
West Garden

  • 7:30 - 8:10 PM - Kick off the night with some heavy tropical rhythms from Oakland’s only psychedelic cumbia band, Ritmos Tropicosmos.
  • 8:30 - 9:45 PM - Grab a spot to check out the funk-soul sounds of the legendary Tommy Guerrero.

Music presented by Noise Pop

Deep Cuts
Coral Reef (Aquarium)
7 - 9 PM

  • Take the plunge and join the Spencer Hoefert Trio for a one-of-a-kind performance in front of one of the deepest and largest living coral displays in the world.

Music presented by Mellow Sessions

The Shop
Swamp
6 - 10 PM

Art Party
Piazza
6 - 10 PM

Festival Fashion
Curiosity Grove
6 - 10 PM

  • Make your festival memories last with a customized wristband or dreamy flower crown with materials and help from Museum of Craft and Design.

__________

ABOUT NIGHTLIFE LIVE

Jam out to musicians across genres from indie pop to hip hop and funk to bossa nova at our crowd favorite outdoor summer concert series. From July to October, every second Thursday night will feature a different NightLife LIVE lineup of music, art, and science.

We’re transforming the Academy into the ultimate eclectic music venue where you can groove to a spectrum of artists alongside our iconic exhibits (aquarium and chill anyone?). Catch live outdoor performances on the West Garden stage, explore an art show and artist market featuring local artists curated by Helvella Art, experience Mellow Sessions’ jazz-fusion melodies next to our 25 ft deep Philippine Coral Reef, and more.

Catch the 2023 series on July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12. Co-presented by Noise Pop and Another Planet in collaboration with Outside Lands.

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

  • NightLife guests are no longer 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 be enjoyed outdoors or in the Academy Café only.
     
  • NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
     
  • Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.

Music

Planetarium Shows

6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm

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

Get NightLife emails

Delightful NightLife news, delivered weekly.

Upcoming events

July 18th at 6:00 pm

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

July 25th at 6:00 pm

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

August 1st at 6:00 pm

We’re kicking off our music series with homegrown movement maker LaRussell & the surf rock sounds of 3LH.

August 8th at 6:00 pm

Be transported by the grunge punk stylings of Margaritas Podridas and psychedelic rock sounds of opener Fauxes.

August 15th at 6:00 pm

Underground rap pioneer MURS takes center stage, with an opening set from multifaceted hometown artist Z-Man.

August 22nd at 6:00 pm

We’re closing out NightLife Remix with the serene soul vibes of Madison McFerrin and opener Dani Offline.