From the California Academy of Sciences:

The California Academy of Sciences will celebrate the anniversary of its founding in 1853, known as “Academy Day,” on Thursday, March 26, with a day packed with fun and educational activities. Special pay-what-you-can admission offers tickets starting at $5, and guests can enjoy special appearances by Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet and Dinosaur Train’s Buddy, plus a science fair, live animals, face painting, jazz performances, themed photobooth, and special-edition merchandise and giveaways.

Each year the museum celebrates its anniversary by expanding access through pay-what-you-can tickets starting at just $5 (while supplies last). Guests wishing to pay it forward by selecting higher ticket prices provide critical support for the museum, research, and education programs. The flexible pricing offered each year on Academy Day is one of the Academy’s many popular affordable access programs that make it possible for all science lovers to visit the museum.

This year, supporters can place bids in a silent auction—open now through 4 p.m. on March 26—online or in person in the Piazza, featuring mystery items and themed baskets from the Golden State Warriors, Golden State Valkyries, and the Academy.  

WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHERE: California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park

PROGRAMMING: Academy Day programming includes full access to the museum, including the latest planetarium film and exhibit, Tiny Chef, Big Impact. 

• Alan Jones Jazz Trio | 9:00 a.m.–noon | Concourse
  Enjoy a live jazz performance at the museum’s main entrance.
• Meet-and-Greet with Violet | 9:15 a.m. | Museum entrance
  Meet Violet, the mascot of the Golden State Valkyries, and snap a photo during this special Academy Day appearance.
• Science Fair | 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | East Garden
  Engage with Academy scientists, volunteers, and staff and see science-in-action at this one-day-only Science Fair. Plus, shop eco-conscious items from Peninsula Precious Plastics.
• FUNdraising Fair | 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | Piazza
  Support the Academy’s mission with a silent auction, see what treasures unfold in $5 and $10 mystery bags, purchase Cal Academy and Valkyries-themed sticker packs, and more.
• San Franpsycho Merchandise | 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | Piazza
  Shop shirts, hoodies, and beanies from San Franpsycho, with 30% of purchases donated in celebration of Academy Day.
• Photobooth | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Aquarium entrance
  Snap a free commemorative Academy Day selfie with themed props.
• Planetarium Giveaway | 10:30 a.m. | Planetarium
  Catch the first planetarium show of the day, Incoming!, for a chance to win giveaway items. (Reservations required)
• Face Painting | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | West Garden
  Face painters will transform guests into their favorite Academy animals.
• Dinosaur Train Meet-and-Greet with Dr. Scott | noon-1 p.m. | Piazza
  Academy Executive Director and Dinosaur Train host Scott Sampson will share some of his favorite dinosaur facts in a presentation for audiences of all ages. Guests are invited to stay for a special photo opportunity and meet his prehistoric pal, Buddy the Dinosaur.
• Lindsay Wildlife Live Animal Meet-and-Greet | 12–3 p.m. | East Garden
  Meet Lindsay Wildlife Experience‘s live animal ambassadors—including raptors, snakes, lizards, and spiders.
• Lecture: California Native Wildlife | 1–1:45 p.m. | East Garden
  Learn all about the Golden State’s fauna with Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/academy-day.