Lunar New Year NightLife

Get a second chance to kick off the new year when NightLife rings in the Year of the Rat with a night devoted to Lunar New Year traditions.

Music by Jay Midnight

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Year of the Rat
West Garden
6:30 - 8:30 PM

• Get face-to-face with this year’s lunar animal ambassador as Rattie Ratz Rescue brings a few of their cutest rodents.

Melody Yan
Piazza
7:00 & 8:00 PM

• Begin the celebration with a special performance from musician Melody Yan as she plays the Guzheng (Chinese zither)—a plucked string instrument with 2,500+ years of history.

Lion Dance
Piazza
7:30 & 8:30 PM

• Check out a powerful lion dance performance and ceremony by SF’s own Jing Mo Athletic Association, a Chinatown-based martial arts performance troupe. Examine a lion dance costume up-close—and take a photo with it.

Tea Ceremony
Swamp
6:00 - 10:00 PM​​​​​​​

• Learn about the significance of tea and tea ceremonies with Fabula Tea, and try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy.

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NIGHTLIFE TIPS

• Last entry for the Rainforest dome is at 7:45 pm. Please note: drinks are not allowed inside the Rainforest exhibit.
• Thirsty? Each bar area features a unique seasonal craft cocktail—there are multiple bars throughout the museum.
• Special programs and lectures may have limited seating and admission will be available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

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PLANETARIUM PASSES

• Planetarium passes are required for the 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 pm shows.
• Passes are $5 each and may be purchased online or at the ticket window. Since shows do sell out, we always recommend buying in advance.
• The 6:30 pm live show is always free. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please arrive at the planetarium 15 minutes before your ticketed showtime for seating. We run a tight spaceship!

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FOOD & DRINK

• A variety of food options are available at NightLife from 6:00-9:30 pm, including The Academy Cafe 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.