**Thursday, March 26, 2026**

**Join us on March 26 for Academy Day—our annual birthday celebration!**
Academy Day is a celebration of the Academy’s anniversary, and each year we reflect on the community and philanthropy that make everything we do here possible.
On Academy Day, pay-what-you-can tickets are available, which allows all science-lovers to come join us in the museum for as little as $5 a ticket—or up to $173 in honor of our 173rd anniversary! Generous donors to the Academy make this possible with their ongoing support of the Academy.

Schedule of events

9 a.m.–12 noon: Jazz Trio (Concourse) Start your day off on a groovy note with live music at our main entrance.

9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Museum opens 9:30 a.m.)

Information Table (T. rex) Plan your day, donate, and pick up exclusive Academy Day giveaways (while supplies last).
San Franpsycho Merch Table (Piazza) Made by The Bay. Printed in SF. Shop San Franpsycho and stay cozy in the world’s softest shirts, hoodies, and beanies. Plus, SFP is giving back 30% of purchases as a donation in celebration of Academy Day.
FUNdraising Fair (Piazza) Support the Academy and have fun doing it. Mystery bags, sticker packs, silent auction, and more!
Science Fair (East Garden) Join our one-day-only Science Fair and engage with Academy scientists, volunteers, and staff. Plus, chat with Peninsula Precious Plastics and shop eco-conscious items!

10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Photobooth (Aquarium entrance) Snap a selfie to commemorate your epic Academy Day adventure.

10:30 a.m.: Planetarium Giveaway (Planetarium) Make a reservation for the first planetarium show of the day, Incoming!, and get a chance to win random giveaway items!

11 a.m.–3 p.m.: Face Painting (West Garden) Transform into your favorite Academy animal with the help of our face painters.

12 noon–3 p.m.: Lindsay Wildlife Animal Meet and Greet (East Garden) Meet Lindsay Wildlife's animal ambassadors—including raptors!

1–1:45 p.m.: California Native Wildlife Presentation (East Garden) Learn about the Golden State’s fauna with Lindsay Wildlife.

5 p.m.: Museum closes (last entry 4 p.m.)