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Special delivery! See our visiting baby camels (Dec. 6–19) and yaks (Dec. 20–Jan. 5) this holiday. Learn more
NightLifeCon
Buy ahead to skip the line and save on tickets. 21+.
Event has passed.
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Sounds by DJ Sake One
Check out Sake's exclusive NightLife playlist on the NightLife Spotify page
Gear up for the first ever NightLifeCon, an epic mashup of all things anime, comics, and sci-fi. Dress to impress in your best cosplay and compete in a runway contest hosted by cosplay legend VampyBitMe. Plus, hear from anime tattoo artist Crystal Chariot, say hello to wandering droids as they meander the museum, find merch inspired by your favorite fandom from OK Marketplace, and more!
Nightlife is supported by Local Motion® Vodka Sodas, light, refreshing, and simply made with vodka, carbonated water, and natural flavors. Grab Local Motion® at all bars throughout NightLife this year. Plus, snag a sample of Local Motion® during this event!
Music
Cosplay Contest with VampyBitMe
Cosplay Contest with VampyBitMe
Piazza
8:30 PM
- This is not a drill: Cosplay and Twitch icon VampyBitMe is in the house to host our official NightLife cosplay contest! Suit up in your best look and strut your stuff for a chance to win exciting prizes!
- Come early to enter! Entries will be accepted from 7:00 - 8:00 PM.
Anime Inspired Ink - Live talk with tattoo artist Crystal Chariot
Anime Inspired Ink
Science Today
8:00 PM
- From ideas to ink, Bay Area-based anime tattoo artist, Crystal Chariot can make your anime masterpiece come to life. Learn more about her process and what it takes to transform your tattoo ideas into exciting, collaborative works of art in this insightful talk.
Jedi Academy - Ludo Sport Lightsaber demos in African Hall
Jedi Academy
African Hall
7:00 - 9:00 PM
- Join Ludosport to witness multiple lightsaber demos throughout the night. Plus, meet the minds behind R2 Builders as well as their collection of charming droids who will be roaming the museum all night…
OK Marketplace - Local vendors and activities
OK Marketplace
Swamp
6:00 - 10:00 PM
- Snag merch from your favorite fandom and meet a mix of local vendors and artists at our mini expo, curated by Japantown’s OK Marketplace.
A few don't-miss NightLife details:
- NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
- Last entry into Osher Rainforest is 7:30 pm — our animals need their sleep.
- Gems and Minerals Unearthed opens to the public at 8:30 pm. It is reserved for NightLife Plus guests from 6 - 8:30 pm.
- Morrison Planetarium passes are available online in advance for $5 each while supplies last. Showtimes are 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm. 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 in Osher Rainforest, Morrison Planetarium, or the Swamp.
- While not required, we encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and to mask up indoors. If you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 or another respiratory virus, please visit another time. View our health and safety page.
- Still have Qs? Click here for As.
Planetarium Shows
8:30 pm, 9:30 pm
Where did the building blocks of life come from? Journey across space & time to explore how elements are made.
6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Take a tour of the Universe with a sprinkling of the hottest news stories from astronomy and the space sciences!
Upcoming events
January 9th at 6:00 pm
Explore the Academy at night and jump-start 2025 alongside nearly 60,000 live animals.
January 16th at 6:00 pm
See what’s revealed once the sun goes down and explore the nocturnal side of the Academy.
January 23rd at 6:00 pm
Start your weekend early at NightLife – we won't tell! Claude and the rainforest are waiting for you.
January 30th at 6:00 pm
Local treasures, tasty treats, LED lion dances. It’s time to ring in the year of the snake the NightLife way.
February 13th at 6:00 pm
Blow a kiss to our African penguins and 60,000 other creatures when you explore the Academy at night.