Nightlife At San Francisco Bay Area Museums

San Francisco has plenty to offer visitors after dark: trend-setting restaurants, world-renowned performance venues, and bars and nightclubs that cater to every crowd. But did you know that San Francisco Bay Area museums are some of the hottest spots for a memorable night out? Check out the full list below for the best opportunities to learn a little while having a lot of fun.

Asian Art Museum 

On Thursdays in the mid-winter through fall, the Asian Art Museum stays open to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy special exhibitions, fun talks and encounters with the artists themselves. Drinks are served at a cash bar, and DJs keep the music playing. Schedule: Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. Admission: $5 after 5 p.m. Surcharges may apply for special exhibitions.

California Academy of Sciences 

A new adventure unfolds every Thursday night at California Academy of Sciences. You can explore the seas and the stars without leaving the building or your cocktail. Rock out to live music or listen in on talks about cutting-edge science. It’s all here, with additional seasonal specials and options for group/private events. Schedule: Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Admission: Ticket prices can vary by event. Open to adults age 21 and older.

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum

The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to the history and contributions of the Chinese people in America. The Museum hosts special evening events throughout the year. www.chsa.org

Exploratorium 

After Dark at the Exploratorium combines aspects of a gallery, a theater, and a cabaret to create a unique experience for visitors. Each evening showcases a different topic—from music to sex to electricity—but all include a cash bar, live music, and access to hundreds of interactive exhibits. Where else can you find an intellectually stimulating playground for adults? Schedule: Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Open for ages 18+. Admission: $19.95. 

Museum of Craft and Design 

Opened in 2004, the museum provides innovative exhibitions and programming around craft and design that engage and stimulate visitors. Evening programs for adults are frequently offered. Check the museum website for full details.

Oakland Museum of California 

Just a short ride across the bay is the Oakland Museum of California, which combines art, history, and the natural sciences to tell the story of California’s evolving character and identity. On Fridays, the museum offers family-friendly programming into the evening hours, with hands-on activities, live music, and a variety of food and wine vendors. Schedule: Fridays, 5-10 p.m., beginning Apr. 5, 2024. Admission: $16 general admission for adults; ages 8 and under are free. Food and beverage prices vary.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is open until 9 p.m. every Thursday evening. However, throughout the year, look for special programs such as the three-week Modern Cinema mini-film festival. Co-presented by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and SFFILM, Modern Cinema screens films on select evenings in SFMOMA’s Phyllis Wattis Theater. The series often focuses on a singular director and/or genre. In partnership with the San Francisco Public Library, SFMOMA also offers its monthly Public Knowledge series. Hear from a diverse range of speakers invested in the Bay Area’s urban culture as they discuss civic life today. Special lectures and presentations are also often scheduled as part of current exhibitions. Schedule: Open until 8 p.m. every Thursday. Admission: Reserve tickets now; free for 18 and under. 

Tenderloin Museum 

The newest museum in the city celebrates one of its most overlooked neighborhoods. A melting pot that played host to some of the city’s most historic events, the Tenderloin Museum celebrates the individuals who shaped this community and the world beyond it. Special event details can be found on the museum website.

Yerba Buena Gardens 

Get your culture on in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena neighborhood with arts, food, and drink. Take a walk around Yerba Buena Gardens and visit the nearby galleries and museums to pick up your wristband for all-night happy hours at participating bars and restaurants. Schedule: Third Thursday of every month, 5-7 p.m. Admission: Free.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 

A nationally recognized leader in connecting audiences and arts programming, YBCA also presents special initiatives that nurture local artists, provide youth education, and create unique experiences for members of the community. Events covering the visual and performing arts, film and video and civic engagement are offered year-round. Visit their website for a full schedule.