Día De Los Muertos “NightLife” 2026 at Cal Academy of Sciences (SF)

Mission Lotería | Mission Street San Francisco

California Academy of Sciences presents its fourth annual Día de los Muertos NightLife, una noche en Michoacán, for guests ages 21 and over. The museum-wide evening includes an alebrije unveiling honoring alligator Claude, a community ofrenda, calavera face painting, lotería, crafts, traditional Aztec dance and folklórico performances, music by Trio San Pacho and Gabriela Sepulveda, DJ Jae Coca, local makers, and telescope viewing on the Living Roof.

Original Event Description:
_NightLife
Find your NightLife. Where curiosity brings people together for science, culture, and an unforgettable Thursday night.

NightLife is Thursdays* from 6–10 p.m. Last entry into the building is 9 p.m. All guests must be 21+ with valid, physical photo ID.

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ We’re so excited to invite you to a special Día de los Muertos Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences! 💀

Come celebrate this beautiful tradition with us. We’ll have stunning art, delicious drinks, and great music.✨

Join us for our fourth annual Día de los Muertos celebration, una noche en Michoacán, honoring tradition through art, music, and community. Gather with us for the unveiling of a special alebrije honoring Claude and celebrating the life of an Academy icon.

In partnership with CarnavalSF and Academy Latine affinity group CONCIENCIA, we’re transforming the museum into a vibrant showcase featuring traditional dances, local makers, and interactive experiences that bring this celebration and the Michoacana culture to life.

$26 for adults

Curiosity Grove
7-9 pm

Pull up a chair and embrace the tradition of calavera face painting with Bay Area Facepainters.
Museum Wide
6-10 pm

Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca will kick off the celebration with a traditional Aztec blessing on the concourse in front of the main museum entrance.
Stroll the museum and strike a pose with life-size 3D Lotería cards—perfect for capturing the night’s memories.
Head up to the Living Roof to check out views of the Moon, Saturn, and Neptune with the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers.
Piazza
6-10 pm

Gather in the Piazza for performances by Trio San Pacho, Ballet Folkorico Mexicano, and Gabriela Sepulveda, then dance the night away to sounds by Jae Coca.
Swamp/Grand Hall
6-10 pm

Join us for the unveiling of an alebrije sculpture created by artist Carolina Argote of Balam Arts in memory of our beloved alligator Claude. Then, pay tribute to those who have passed by adding to our community ofrenda.
Get creative, channel your inner artist, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece to take home from our hands-on craft station with That Art Party.
Buena suerte! Play a round of lotería with local organization Mission Lotería.

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

See you there on October 22nd!

#DíaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #MissionLoteria #Calavera MuseumNight_

Text extracted from provided image:
EVENT
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
DATE
OCTOBER 22ND
TIME
6 – 10 PM
AGE
21+
nightlife
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
TIX @
Calacademy.org/nightlife

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Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.