Fundraising Events

The Annual Gala serves as the Museum’s cornerstone fundraising event. Guests are welcomed to a cocktail reception and unparalleled silent auction, featuring the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, such as rare fossils and fine gem and mineral formations. Following cocktail hour, guests partake in a three-course seated dinner, with tables scattered throughout the Museum’s stunning exhibit halls. Then, everyone hits the dance floor! Funds raised are critical to the Museum’s operations and to promoting science education to almost 2 million visitors and 500,000 students each year.

Critter Crawl is the Museum’s premier family fundraising celebration and a beloved Houston tradition. During this exclusive Saturday morning event, the Museum is closed to the public so attendees can explore every inch of HMNS – from the renowned Morian Hall of Paleontology to the Wiess Energy Hall, and everything in between. Funds raised directly support the Museum’s robust youth education programming, such as school field trips, outreach programs, group labs, summer camps, educational resources, and more.

2026 Chairs: Chita and Lane Craft & Devorah and David Krieger

The Excellence in Science Luncheon honors educators and students who are passionately pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education. Two students and teachers from the greater Houston area are recognized at the event with the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Excellence Award and the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship Award, made possible by The Cockrell Foundation. In addition to celebrating math and science achievements, guests will enjoy a dynamic presentation from a spectacular keynote speaker. Funds raised support the Museum’s innovative youth educational programming such as school tours, outreach programs, teacher workshops, and educator open houses. 

2025 Chairs: Marie Fondren Hall, Shari Provenzano, and Terrell Todd Sherman