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NightLife Intersections: Dance
Buy ahead to skip the line and save on tickets. 21+.
Event has passed.
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From bhangra to Pan Afro-Urban dance and samba, see how the dance floor becomes a canvas for self-expression. Featuring Afro Urban Society/Gbedu Town Radio, BrasArte, and Non Stop Bhangra.
See more from the NightLife Intersections series here.
NightLife Intersections Resident DJ: Emelle
Check out Emelle's NightLife Intersections Playlist on the NightLife Spotify page
Music
Intersections: Conversation - 7:30pm in African Hall
African Hall
7:30 PM
- Discover the stories behind the steps and see how cultures and communities intertwine in a panel conversation featuring Nkeiruka Oruche from Afro Urban Society/Gbedu Town Radio, Tainah Damasceno from BrasArte, and Vicki Virk from Non Stop Bhangra, moderated by seasoned arts executive, Dr. Anne Huang.
Intersections: Performance - 8:30pm in the Piazza
Piazza
8:30 PM
Watch as the dance floor comes alive in a special performance with BrasArte, Gdebu Town Radio, and Non Stop Bhangra.
Check out more about each performing group in the drop-down menus below.
BrasArte - Bringing the best of Brazilian Culture to the Bay Area for over 25 years
Established in 2000, BrasArte is committed to preserving the traditional dances and music of Brazil, nurturing new and emerging artists, caring for aging artists and mentors, and providing a cultural exchange between Brazil and the US.
Gdebu Town Radio - A project of Afro Urban Society
Led by Artistic Director Nkeiruka Oruche and featuring a dynamic group of performers, Gdebu Town Radio explores social and political themes through Pan Afro-Urban music and dance including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Coupé-Décalé and varieties of hip hop.
Non Stop Bhangra - The Bay's Premier Bhangra Party
With 20 years of San Francisco’s “best dance party” under its belt, Non Stop Bhangra highlights the ancestral roots of Punjabi dance while pushing boundaries with contemporary influences like reggae, hip-hop, and electronica.
The Menu - Drinks and Bites from Liquid Happiness and Chef Rob
In The Academy Cafe:
Yuca Fries w/ Roasted Garlic Aioli
Chicken Suya on Pita Bread
At The Swamp & Aquarium Bars:
Rum-ba
- Rum, melon liqueur, lime, ginger beer
Red Rock Step
- Vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemon, simple syrup, club soda
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
6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm
One Sky Project is five short films exploring cultural and indigenous astronomy perspectives.
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.