ExplorationWorks is holding its 19th Annual Nightmare Affair on Saturday, October 24th at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel, with dinner service from 6 to 9 p.m. and music and dancing continuing until 11 p.m. The adults-only Halloween gala is the science museum's signature fundraising event of the year.
Tickets range from $99 to $875, with the upper end of that range likely reflecting table sponsorships or premium packages that include additional recognition or seating benefits. The event has been a fixture on Helena's fall social calendar for nearly two decades, and the Nightmare Affair format — costumes, cocktails, and a formal dinner in a Halloween setting — has built a loyal following among supporters of the museum.
ExplorationWorks, located on Cruse Avenue, serves as the region's primary hands-on science and discovery center for children and families. The annual gala is the kind of fundraiser that keeps programming running year-round, from school field trips to public exhibits. Nineteen years in, the event has clearly found its audience.
Anyone planning to attend should secure tickets in advance. The Great Northern fills up for events of this scale, and the Nightmare Affair has historically sold through its capacity. Costume attire is expected.