rock on

From rocks in space to rock 'n' roll, join us for NightLife's salute to rock in all forms.

Be among the first to catch the Academy’s latest original planetarium show Incoming!, narrated by George Takei—an out of this world, all-digital show exploring asteroids, comets, and the hard-hitting stories of our cosmic origins.

Please note: Planetarium seating is limited​. Admission is available to NightLife ​guests on a first-come, first-served basis. No passes required. We recommend arriving 20 minutes prior to showtime.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

View The Gem Vault
​(Gem Vault Public Access, Near the Project Lab)
8:00-9:00 pm, 
 View the Gem Vault—home to highlights of the Academy's renowned gem and mineral collection. 
* Vault capacity is limited. Admission is available to NightLife ​guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rocks and Roll
(African Hall)

6:00pm - 10:00pm, 

From ancient rocks to modern rock legends, head to the African Hall to check out a pop-up exhibit on groundbreaking rock music promoter Bill Graham, including

  • vintage concert posters from The Fillmore,
  • Special Edition NightLife Fillmore poster station and the post-show apple barrel made famous by this SF venue!

Dig up fascinating fossils found deep beneath the surface with The UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology and see some stone tools from our ancestors with The Leakey Foundation and Stanford Anthropology.

Then, head to space and talk space rocks with the makers of Incoming! and Robert Ferguson Observatory.

Rockin' Crafts
(Swamp)
6:00-10:00 pm, Plus, Make and take home your very own pet rock with Julia Jane Moore!

Music by DJ Omar (PopScene)

FOOD & DRINK
A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6:00-9:30 pm, including The Academy Cafe, The Terrace located in the West Garden, 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.

EXHIBIT TIMES
6:00-7:45 pm, Osher Rainforest—explore a lush, four-story rainforest that's teeming with life.

6:00-10:00 pm, Discover a world of dazzling live animals and shimmering scientific specimens in Color of Life

PLANETARIUM UPDATE
Please note: Planetarium seating is limited​. Admission is available to NightLife ​guests on a first-come, first-served basis. No passes required. We recommend arriving 20 minutes prior to showtime.

PLEASE BE ADVISED
Special programs and lectures may have limited seating and admission will be made available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Music

Planetarium Shows

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

Narrated by George Takei, Incoming! explores the past, present, and future of our Solar System.

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Upcoming events

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

Serve up your spookiest looks at NightLife's annual Halloween ex-drag-aganza. Featuring performances by Oaklash.

November 7th at 6:00 pm

Las puertas del más allá están abiertas. Join us in honoring departed souls in celebration of Día de los Muertos

November 14th at 6:00 pm

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

November 21st at 6:00 pm

Access should not be contingent upon body size. Celebrate fat liberation & community with us at NightLife.