Celebrate Academy Day at the California Academy of Science

/

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Join the California Academy of Science for Academy Day on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

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! Generous donors to the Academy make this possible with their ongoing support of the Academy.

Please note: The content below has not been updated to reflect Academy Day 2026. Stay tuned for the latest information!

Map and schedule of events

Academy Day is all day! Plan your itinerary using the map and schedule below—and be sure to save time for our current exhibits and regularly scheduled public programs.

  1. San Francisco Conservatory of Music Jazz Trio | 9–11 a.m. | Entrance
    Start your day off on a groovy note with live music at our main entrance.

  2. Science Fair | 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | Piazza
    Join our one-day-only Science Fair and engage with Academy scientists, volunteers, and staff.

  3. Information Table | 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | T. rex
    Plan your day, donate, and pick up exclusive Academy Day giveaways (while supplies last).

  4. Penguin Painting Silent Auction | 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | Tusher African Hall
    Bid on paintings made by our penguin residents in a silent auction!

  5. Photobooth | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Outside Swamp Shop
    Snap a selfie to commemorate your epic Academy Day adventure.

  6. Face Painting | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | West Garden
    Transform into your favorite Academy animal with the help of our face painters. Please note: Face painting is first-come, first-served.

  7. Academy Day Dive Show | 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. | Philippine Coral Reef
    Watch as a diver suits up in scuba gear and plunges into one of the world’s deepest living indoor coral reef exhibits 

  8. Lindsay Wildlife Experience | 12–3 p.m. | East Garden
    Meet Lindsay Wildlife's cool and crawly animal ambassadors, up close and personal. Don't miss the fan-favorite Scales & Tails show at 1 p.m.!

  9. Meet Buddy from Dinosaur Train | all day | East and West Gardens
    The dinosaur, the myth, the legend—live!

  10. Cam Live Launch & Special Swamp Talk | 10:30 a.m. | The Swamp
    Help celebrate the launch of our new livestreaming webcam presented by Anthropic and attend a special conversation with an Academy scientist.