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Take a high-speed tour of events—starting at the Big Bang—that set the stage for life, narrated by Jodie Foster.
NightLife: June 12
Buy ahead to skip the line. 21+ only.
June 12 at 6:00 pm
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When the lights dim, the museum comes alive at NightLife. With live DJs, hand-crafted drinks, glowing lights, and 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.
Plus, you can:
- Explore our two newest exhibits, Dino Days and Unseen Oceans: Roam among 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in our outdoor gardens then embark on a journey to the deep sea with interactive activations and glowing supersized models.
- Step inside the iconic Shake House earthquake simulator and our four-story Osher Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies.
- Venture into our aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.
- Bask in the glow of one of the largest living indoor coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef habitat.
- Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Café and head to the West Garden to drink and dine under the stars.
Nightlife is supported by Local Motion® Vodka Sodas, light, refreshing, and simply made with vodka, carbonated water, and natural flavors. Grab a can of Local Motion® at bars throughout NightLife this year!
Music
NightLife rules, regs, and reminders
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.
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.
Gems and Minerals Unearthed opens to the public at 8:30 pm. It is reserved for NightLife Plus guests from 6 - 8:30 pm.
Food and drink are not permitted in Osher Rainforest, Morrison Planetarium, or the Swamp.
Help everyone stay healthy: It's not required, but 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
Upcoming events
May 29th at 6:00 pm
You, your friends, and 60,000 creatures. Be outnumbered in the best way.
June 5th at 6:00 pm
Our celebration of ink is back! Explore the wonders of ink, from cephalopods to live tattoos—yes, the real kind.
June 12th at 6:00 pm
Let your inner child loose and explore the Academy at night.
June 19th at 6:00 pm
Enjoy a wild night of wonder and explore the museum at night with live DJs, hand-crafted drinks, and more.
June 26th at 6:00 pm
Celebrate love, equality, and the rainbow spectrum of self-expression at NightLife's annual PRIDE event.