Every Thursday night, Pier 15 trades its daytime crowds for a strictly ages 18+ scene. After Dark opens up the Exploratorium's 650+ interactive exhibits, from the fog bridge to giant kaleidoscopes and mind-bending mirrors, alongside a rotating lineup of guest speakers, music, films, and hands-on activities that change from week to week. Purchase a drink at the bar, wander through 75,000 square feet of exhibits built for conversation, and see the museum's science and art collide in a completely different light.

It's the kind of night where a casual date or a night out with friends turns into a real conversation, whether that's sparked by a hands-on exhibit, a guest speaker, or a stranger standing next to you on the fog bridge. Every week brings something different, so no two visits to After Dark ever feel quite the same.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: This is an 18+ experience, no exceptions. Valid photo ID is required for entry, and guests must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: This is not an experience for children; no one under 18 is admitted.
• Individuals with disabilities: The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the Information Desk (ID required as deposit).
• Languages: Museum maps are available in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, Arabic and French.
• Pets: Leashed service animals and leashed pets under the owner's control are both welcome.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Visits are self-paced. Most guests spend 2 to 4 hours exploring. Runs from 6 to 10 p.m., with last entry at 8:30 p.m. This is not a timed ticket.
• What's included: Admission to After Dark at the Exploratorium.
  • *Daytime admission, food, drinks, and the Tactile Dome are not included.
• Who will be present: Other 18+ guests will be exploring alongside you, with live speakers and performers featured as part of the evening's programming.
• Photo/video: Personal, noncommercial photography and video are welcome during regular hours, as long as they do not disrupt other visitors.
• Specific rules to follow: Weapons, firearms, and explosives are strictly prohibited for all visitors.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This is a waterfront museum with both indoor and outdoor galleries, so the experience runs rain or shine.
• Parking: Discounted parking is available at the Pier 15 lot with code 4302100; metered parking is also available along the Embarcadero.
• What to wear: Comfortable, layered clothing is recommended, since the museum includes outdoor spaces along the waterfront that can be breezy, alongside climate-controlled indoor galleries.
• What to bring: Personal cameras are welcome; tripods and professional equipment may require advance permission
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms and lockers are available on site, including all-gender restrooms in Gallery 4.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Tickets are valid only for the selected date and are nonrefundable.
• The Tactile Dome requires a separate reservation and is not included in general admission.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked.