Join Cal Academy on January 18 for a day of memories, music, and mementos honoring the life and legacy of Claude, San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator.
A free outdoor (and livestreamed!) community celebration of life packed with stories, speeches, performances, and activities for Claude fans of all ages. After the celebration, head across the street to Cal Academy for special programming, craft activities, and an artisan marketplace featuring commemorative Claude souvenirs available for purchase from local vendors.
What: Claude Forever: A Celebration of Life
When: Sunday, January 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., rain or shine (free). Additional activities inside the California Academy of Sciences, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (admission ticket required).
Where: Golden Gate Bandshell, Golden Gate Park Music Concourse, San Francisco, CA 94118, between Cal Academy and the de Young Museum (view map)
Livestream: Attending from afar? Click here to view the celebration live on YouTube.
How: RSVP for event updates.
Free Outdoor Activities
11–11:40 a.m.
Hear speeches and stories about Claude’s impact from a variety of VIPs, including Academy leaders and animal care biologists, District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, and California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani. Plus: Behold the unveiling of “Claude the Albino Alligator Way,” a newly dedicated street!
11:40 a.m.–noon
Celebrate Claude’s Louisiana roots by putting on your dancing shoes: MJ’s Brass Boppers is leading a second-line brass band parade from the bandshell to the Academy!
12:10–12:30 p.m.
Suit up in your swaggiest Claude looks for our Claude costume contest! Categories include kids 12 and under, 13 and up, groups, and pets (!), and prizes include a yearlong Academy membership, Claude souvenirs, and more. More details to come.
12:45–1 p.m.
Get cozy for a storybook reading of Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator by Emma Bland Smith with Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets and SF Drag Laureate Per Sia.
The activities below will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. near the bandshell. Drop in to participate anytime!
- Tell Claude (and his team) how much he meant to you by adding a note to the participatory community memorial display.
- Join friends from the de Young Museum in a Claude-inspired art-to-go activity. Save your Academy ticket stub for free general admission to the de Young for 2 adults from Jan. 18–25!*
- Become a walking work of art with face painting by Sandra and Friends. Please note: Face painting is always a popular activity and may not be able to accommodate all who wish to participate.
- Score a limited-edition Claude library card at the Bookmobile.
- Do the Claude “chomp” in the SnapFiesta photo booth.
- Score some sweet Claude souvenirs for sale at the Cal Academy merch table.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the activity organizer or venue as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
