NightLife
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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.

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.

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Upcoming events

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.

July 3rd at 6:00 pm

We've got good vibes down to a science. Make friends with 60,000 creatures and discover the unexpected.

July 10th at 6:00 pm

Trash or treasure? Embrace the DIY spirit with repair stations, junk journaling, and creative reuse.

July 17th at 6:00 pm

Let your inner child loose and explore the Academy at night.

July 24th at 6:00 pm

You, your friends, and 60,000 creatures. Be outnumbered in the best way and roam the museum at night.