Thursday has more fixed evening plans than any other weekday in San Francisco. Two museums run adults-only nights, Grace Cathedral sings free evensong at 5:30pm, and two downtown museums stay open until 8.
Exploratorium After Dark (18+)
After Dark runs every Thursday from 6 to 10pm at the Exploratorium on Pier 15, for visitors 18 and over. Each week has a different theme, with the museum’s exhibits open alongside talks, films, and bars. Tickets are on the Exploratorium’s site; members get in free.
NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences (21+)
NightLife runs Thursdays from 6 to 10pm (last entry 9pm) at the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, for visitors 21 and over with a physical photo ID. Admission is $26, with a $5 ticket for EBT cardholders at the window and planetarium shows an extra $7. NightLife skips roughly one Thursday a month and takes a break from mid-December to early January, so check the calendar before you go.
Choral Evensong at Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys sings choral evensong every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:15pm at 1100 California Street on Nob Hill. It is free and open to everyone.
Daytime Farmers Markets
The Thursday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs 10am to 2pm year-round at the Ferry Building, with a lunch focus. The Mission Community Market runs Thursdays 3 to 7pm at 84 Bartlett Street, seasonally from March through November.
Presidio Twilight (Seasonal)
Presidio Twilight brings food trucks, fire pits, and lantern-lit cabanas to the Main Parade Lawn in the Presidio on Thursday evenings from 5 to 9pm during the warmer months, typically mid-May through late September. Entry is free; check the Presidio’s calendar for current season dates.
Stand-Up at Cheaper Than Therapy
Cheaper Than Therapy’s Thursday show is at 7:45pm at the Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter Street near Union Square. 18 and over, no drink minimum; tickets on the show’s site.
Late Museum Hours
Thursday is also the late night for two downtown museums: the Asian Art Museum is open 1 to 8pm, and SFMOMA is open noon to 8pm.
Planning Note
For one-off events happening this week, see Things to Do in San Francisco This Week, updated every Sunday.
