Night at the Museum 2026
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How does Night at the Museum help Explore More?

At Explore More, play is serious business! For over 15 years, Night at the Museum has celebrated the power of play while raising nearly $1.5 million to support children and families in our community.

More than just a fun night out, this signature fundraising event provides nearly 20% of the Museum's annual operating needs, helping us keep hands-on learning experiences affordable and accessible to all. When you join the fun, you're making a difference for the children who count on Explore More to do their most important work: PLAY!


What can I expect during the event?
The evening will be filled with fun and entertainment including:

  • Special silent and live auction packages to keep life festive!
  • Lively "Heads and Tails" game and a photo booth for the kid in all of us!
  • Delicious food and drinks from our local restaurant partners and libation experts!
  • DJ Ryan Clark to keep us dancing all night!


What is the suggested attire for the evening?
We recommend cocktail attire and dancing shoes :-)


What does the event cost?
The event is $150 per person, which covers access to the event, food, drinks and entertainment. There are also many sponsorships available which include a certain number of event tickets per level.  


How do I register to attend?
It's easy to register - click on the "Buy Tickets" button on the home page to set up an account with GiveSmart, our event platform. Follow the steps to purchase your ticket. You will be given the option to set up a GiveSmart account, or sign into an existing account (for those of you who participated in one or both of our virtual events). 


How do I add guest names to my ticket purchase?
During the ticket process, you will have the opportunity to provide names, mobile numbers, and email addresses for each ticket holder. While this information is not required, we highly encourage you to include at least one form of contact for your guests. That way they will then receive information to set up their own GiveSmart account so they can participate in the silent auction, purchase heads and tails tickets, and donate.


Why do I have to give you my mobile number?
We will provide you with important event information in the week leading up to and on event day. Thank you for providing your mobile number, as we don't want you to miss any of the fun! Please rest assured, your mobile information is safe, and texts will be limited to the most pertinent event information.


How does the silent auction work?
We are using the online auction feature through GiveSmart that allows you to view and bid on items through your computer, tablet, or mobile device. The auction will open for bidding on Sunday, November 1st, remaining open all week long and during the event. The auction will close the day after the event on Saturday, Nov. 7th at 12:00 PM. If you are already registered on GiveSmart, you will receive text and email notifications reminding you of auction start and end times. 


How do I participate in online bidding?
Make sure you are registered and have created a GiveSmart account. Once you are registered, you will be able to access and bid on items when the auction opens on Nov. 2nd. You can browse through all items at once, or you can sort items by category. Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired through the "Auto Bid" function, and GiveSmart will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid. Please note, credit card information is required to bid. You can add this information to your GiveSmart account profile anytime. The online platform is PCI compliant with SOC 2-level security, meaning your payment information is secure!


How can I keep active and know if I am outbid or have won an item?
You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving text messages, make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the auction closes, you will also receive a text message if you won any items.


Is there a live auction? If so, when and how does that happen?
YES! We have some exciting LIVE AUCTION packages at the event. You will be able to preview these packages online ahead of time so you can prepare for which items you want to bid on. The program you receive when you check in at the event will have your bidder number to use as your "paddle" for the live bidding. Get ready for a spirited and exciting live auction! 


How will I collect my auction winnings?
Auction winners are required to make payment once the auction is closed at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 7th. Please note that you will have the choice to either pay credit card fees yourself or allocate them to Explore More. Auction pick-up will be on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, from Noon - 6 PM.  We will have everything located in the classroom in the first floor lobby. You can park and come inside, or you can pull up at the corner of Newman Avenue to load your vehicle.

If your winnings are gift certificates, or if you live out of the area, arrangements can be made to have your items mailed to you. Please note: if items are not picked up by 12/15/26, or if alternative arrangements have not been made, items will be forfeited and used again to benefit Explore More in a future endeavor.


Tell me more about this "Heads or Tails" game, and how do I participate?

Take your chance on PLAY and join us in a lively "Heads or Tails" game to support Explore More! Game entry tickets are $25. You can purchase your game entry through the main ticket order form or visit the "Items" section and click on the "Heads or Tails" option, or use this link. Tickets will also be available onsite for purchase at the event through your bid number. 

Anyone who purchases a game entry will be given a "blinking ring" to indicate that you are a player in the game. "Heads or Tails" will be played at the event on Friday, Nov. 6th on the 3rd floor of Explore More, around 8:45 PM (reminder announcements will be made). At that time, all players will be called to the dance floor, where our hosts will ask participants select either "heads" or "tails" by putting their hands on their heads, or their tails! The hosts will flip a coin and announces whether the coin came up heads or tails. Those participants whose choice matches the coin flip will remain standing while everyone else sits down. This process will continue for multiple coin tosses, eliminating more players until only one player is left standing. The last person on the dance floor wins a $500 prize!


I cannot attend the event in person. Can I still help the Museum?
Of course! Even if you can't attend the event, you can still participate in lots of ways! Our online auction will be open for bidding from Nov. 1st - 7th, so you can hop online and shop throughout the week. You can also make a donation through the event site anytime. Thank you for your support!


I still have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please contact Explore More's Development Director, Sarah Sutt, at sarahsutt@iexploremore.com or call 540-442-8900.