Nature has always been a source of inspiration and fascination for humans, but mainstream Western dialogue surrounding our connection with the natural world often overlooks the experiences of people of color. To shift this narrative and uplift these previously overshadowed voices, the first volume of our NightLife: Says Who? series delves into the intersection of cultural identity and nature. Hear how communities of color are redefining their place in the natural world in spite of the dominant and often exclusionary narrative.

Sounds by Baghead

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

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Candid Conversations
African Hall
Talks will be held in both English and ASL.

At 7:30 PM, Join artist and Osher Fellow Walter Kitundu and Academy head librarian Rebekah Kim in an honest and open conversation about the layered history of the Academy’s iconic African Hall.
At 8:30 PM, What happens when we center the voices and experiences of systematically excluded communities in outdoor spaces? Find out in a roundtable discussion and live podcast recording moderated by Sarah Shimazaki, host of the podcast Outside Voices, featuring Aurora Cortes of Latino Outdoors, Christine Cordero of Asian Pacific Environmental Network, and Deniss Martinez of the Environmental and Climate Justice Hub.

Collaboration Station
Swamp
6 - 10 PM

Immerse yourself in the world of zines with Rock Paper Scissors Collective, create your own, and explore zines from other local creators.
Get hands-on with take-home MakeArt Kits from the Museum of Craft and Design created to help you rewrite old narratives by infusing personal experience with artistic expression.
Continue the story and chat with community partners from Latino Outdoors, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, and the Environmental and Climate Justice Hub.

Academy Story Time
Science Today
8:00 PM

Gather ‘round to hear Drag Story Hour readers VERA! and Jota Mercury read all about standout moments from the Academy’s history as one of the oldest scientific institutions in the West.

Vignettes
Curiosity Grove
6 - 10 PM

Snap your story with a portrait from film photographer Holiday Hagan.
Grab the narrative by the horns and record your own story with Sarah Shimazaki, host of the podcast, Outside Voices.

Says Who? Series Essentials

While partners and panels will change with each event, every Says Who? will feature these activations:

Tell: Grab the narrative by the horns and record your own story with Sarah Shimazaki, host of the podcast, Outside Voices.
Craft: Get hands-on with take-home MakeArt Kits from the Museum of Craft and Design created to help you rewrite old narratives by infusing personal experience with artistic expression.
Capture: Snap your story with a portrait from film photographer Holiday Hagan.
Design: Immerse yourself in the world of zines with Rock Paper Scissors Collective, create your own, and explore zines from other local creators.
Listen: Gather ‘round to hear Drag Story Hour readers Panda Dulce, VERA!, and Jota Mercury read all about standout moments from the Academy’s history as one of the oldest scientific institutions in the West. Plus, discover the untold stories of some incredible Academy scientists of the past told by passionate Academy scientists of the present.

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 Cafe only.
NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.