Sunday, January 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

**Join us for a day of memories, music, and mementos honoring the life and legacy of Claude, San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator.**
We’re planning a free outdoor community celebration of life packed with stories, speeches, performances, and activities for Claude fans of all ages. After the celebration, head across the street to Cal Academy for special programming, craft activities, and an artisan marketplace featuring commemorative Claude souvenirs available for purchase from local vendors. We look forward to celebrating Claude’s remarkable life with you soon!

Outdoor program highlights

11 a.m–1 p.m. at the bandshell; free

We’ve got an action-packed lineup at the bandshell, from brass bands to costume contests to Claude crafts. Join us in-person or online—we’ll be celebrating rain or shine!

11–11:40 a.m.: Hear speeches and stories about Claude’s impact from a variety of VIPs, including Academy leaders and animal care biologists, District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, and California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani. Plus: Behold the unveiling of “Claude the Albino Alligator Way,” a newly dedicated street!
11:40 a.m.–noon: Celebrate Claude’s Louisiana roots by putting on your dancing shoes: MJ’s Brass Boppers is leading a second-line brass band parade from the bandshell to the Academy!
12:10–12:30 p.m.: Suit up in your swaggiest Claude looks for our Claude costume contest! Categories include kids 12 and under, 13 and up, groups, and pets (!), and prizes include a yearlong Academy membership, Claude souvenirs, and more. More details to come.
12:45–1 p.m.: Get cozy for a storybook reading of Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator by Emma Bland Smith with Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets and SF Drag Laureate Per Sia.

Plus: The following activities will be available from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. near the bandshell:

Tell Claude (and his team) how much he meant to you by adding a note to our participatory community memorial display.
Join our friends from the de Young Museum in a Claude-inspired art-to-go activity. Save your Academy ticket stub for free general admission to the de Young for 2 adults from Jan. 18–25!
Become a walking work of art with face painting by Sandra and Friends.
Score a limited-edition Claude library card at the Bookmobile.
Do the Claude "chomp" in the SnapFiesta photo booth.

Please note: Timing is approximate and subject to change and some programming details are still being finalized.

Inside the Academy

11 a.m.*–5 p.m.; admission ticket or active membership required

Claude’s celebration continues inside the museum! Purchase a ticket or membership and explore an array of activities and activations occurring all day long, including: