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Earth to NightLife
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Attention Earthlings: Our planet's calling, and it's time to answer. In honor of Earth Month we're rolling out the green carpet for a night of collective action and environmental activism. Connect with local environmental justice organizations, tune into panel discussions led by community activists and filmmakers, catch scientific short films, and more. Featuring special programming by Earth Sessions, KQED Deep Look, and SFFILM.
Sounds by Charlotte K and Mawkus (presented by KALW)
Music
Seeing Green - Panel Talks with SFFilm, Earth Sessions, Queer Surf, and Save California Salmon
Seeing Green (Panel Talks)
African Hall
- 7:30pm - In conjunction with the 2024 SFFILM Festival, hear how filmmakers are bridging the gap between art and science to create greater impact for the public and scientific community.
- Panel featuring: Fradique (HOLD TIME FOR ME), James Séamus Bearheart (VISIBLE), Katherine Burns (HENRY), Sahand Nikoukar (CENTAUR), and Vivienne Shaw (KILLING JAR). Grant recipients from the SFFILM Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative, in partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Moderated by Masashi Niwano, SFFILM's Director of Artist Development.
- 8:30pm - Get inspired at this talk with Bay Area environmental leaders who are leading local movements, and learn how you can get involved.
- Featuring panelists: Kiana Kazemi (Intersectional Environmentalist/Earth Sessions), Kyla Langen (Queer Surf) Francis Mendoza (Save California Salmon), Leah Thomas (Intersectional Environmentalist/Earth Sessions), and Olivia VanDamme (California Academy of Sciences).
Deep Look with KQED - Live screening
Deep Look with KQED
Science Today
- 8:00 PM - Uncover the fascinating world beyond the naked eye with KQED Deep Look, macro films that glimpse the minute miracles of everything from coral spawning to gecko feet.
- And stop by to chat and find out more with the Deep Look team and KQED all evening.
Earth Month Fair - Meet local organizations that are working to protect our planet
Earth Month Fair
Swamp
6 - 10 PM
Stop by our Earth Month Fair to meet local organizations that are working hard to protect our planet::
The Menu - Drinks and Bites from Liquid Happiness and Chef Rob
In The Academy Cafe:
- Beyond Cali Burger - sesame acme bun, plant based beyond "burger" patty, avocado, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle spear (contains gluten, dairy in bun)
- Beyond Delicious Chili "Cheese" Dog - sesame acme bun, plant based beyond "hotdog", soyrizo chili, cashew "cheese" sauce, scallions (contains gluten, dairy in bun)
At The Swamp & Aquarium Bars:
- Ocean Water - Tequila, Agave, Lime, Blue Curaçao, Mint
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
Discover the beauty, variety, and vast complexity of our connections to the network of life that surrounds us.
6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Learn about the beneficial microbes in mushrooms that are an essential part of nature with Stanford's Kabir Peay
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.
February 20th at 6:00 pm
We’re back with another collab with SF staple Noise Pop Music and Arts Festival featuring a DJ set by DāM-FunK.