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NightLife is a Drag
Buy ahead to skip the line and save on tickets. 21+.
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Sashay into a night of greatness and glam as we celebrate the undeniable impact and artistry of drag. Kiki with Bay Area drag royalty as they take over NightLife in an evening full of show stopping performances, make-up tutorials, a pop-up marketplace, and more!
Sounds by Mama Celeste
Check out Mama Celeste's exclusive NightLife playlist on the NightLife Spotify page
Music
Lipsync Lounge - Mama Celeste, the Rice Rockettes, and... you?
Lipsync Lounge
Piazza
- 6:00 - 8:30 PM - Oaklash’s own Mama Celeste kicks off the night behind the 1's and 2's.
- 8:30 PM - Don’t miss a pop-up drag show from the one and only Rice Rockettes
- 9:00 PM - Brave enough to take the stage? Lip sync for your life to pop classics with the sensational Mama Celeste.
Shop, Swap, and Pop - Vendors and Makeup and Tarot, oh my
Shop, Swap, and Pop
Swamp
6 - 10 PM
- Shop till you (death) drop at our pop-up marketplace featuring glamorous trinkets and wares from Glam Jam, The Spooky Haus, Fabulosa Books, and Jessalyn. Plus, bring clothes and accessories to trade in a clothing swap hosted by Will Power
- Learn about the important history and tireless work of the Imperial Council of San Francisco
- When in doubt, wing it. Eyeliner that is. Follow along as Nicki Jizz from Reparations SF leads a makeup tutorial and shares their secrets to looking snatched.
Timeless Drag - GLBT Historical Society & Kristi Yummykochi
Timeless Drag
Science Today
8:00 PM
Learn about the long and beautiful history of drag as an art form in San Francisco with short talks from the GLBT Historical Society and Kristi Yummykochi of the Rice Rockettes.
Wish Tree - Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Wish Tree
Curiosity Grove
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Write down your most desired wishes and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will bless them and make them become true.
VERA! In Space (Planetarium shows)
VERA! In Space
Planetarium
6:30 & 7:30
The intergalactic library is OPEN. Join the one and only VERA! as they read the Universe in a hilariously unfiltered live commentary of our planetarium show Tour of the Universe. Don’t be late: shows are in session at 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Pro-tip: secure your spot by buying a planetarium pass with your NightLife ticket in advance (seats are limited).
The Menu - Drinks and Bites from Liquid Happiness & Chef Rob
In The Academy Cafe: TBD
At The Swamp & Aquarium Bars: TBD
A few don't-miss NightLife details
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 Café only.
- NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
- Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.
Planetarium Shows
8:30 pm, 9:30 pm
Where did the building blocks of life come from? Journey across space & time to explore how elements are made.
6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Explore the immense scale of the known Universe in this live presentation that leaves Earth far behind.
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.