Starting this Thursday, the California Academy of Sciences will feature NightLife, a weekly event for visitors 18 and older, in which the space will be transformed into a lively venue filled with "provocative science, music, mingling, and cocktails."

Each week, a different part of the museum will house the party, where food and beverages will be available for purchase, and visitors can wander throughout the rest of the museum's exhibits. A rotating set of programs and activities will introduce patrons to cutting edge research, such as informal talks, stargazing, screenings, and opportunities to meet aquarium animals. The themes in 2009 are Evolution, Sustainability, Climate Change & Space, and Explorers.

This Thursday celebrates Darwin's 200th birthday and the launch of Evolve 2009. DJ Fluid and J-Boogie from Om records will DJ, and renowned natural history professor Keith Thomson will give an informal talk on the young Charles Darwin. Advance tickets for this week's event are sold out, but a limited number will be on sale at the box office on Thursday evening starting at 5:30 p.m.

NightLife | The California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, SF | Thursday nights, 6-10 p.m., February 12 through October 29, 2009 | $10, $8 for members, buy advance tickets for future events | 18+