We Detect Fun Ahead!
Join us for the 3rd Annual Game Night Gala, an evening of mystery, games, and philanthropy, all in support of the POWER OF PLAY.
Hosted at Great River Children’s Museum
Saturday, September 26 | Doors Open 5:30pm
Guests will step into a playful night of clues, challenges, and killer entertainment – while helping advance the museum’s mission. Featuring delicious eats and drinks from Jules’ Bistro, and a special immersive murder mystery experience Gnarly Bard Theater. Go all in and solve the mystery, or sit back and enjoy the show – your detective style is your choice!
Every ticket, game, and moment of generosity helps bring meaningful play experiences to children and families in our community.
Event Logistics
Date: Saturday September 26, 2026
Location: Great River Children’s Museum, 110 8th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Parking: The Canoe, Ladyslipper, and Swan parking lots surrounding GRCM are free on weekends. Please note, if you park on the street, the meters are enforced during the weekend. Please see this link for a map of parking in downtown.
Schedule of Events
5:30PM | Doors open
6:00PM | Murder mystery game begins
7:45PM | Brief program & Whodunnit Revealed
8:15PM | Exclusive access to the brand new exhibit opening at GRCM & special performance
10:00PM | Event Concludes
Looking for outfit inspiration? Check out these looks below!
Murder Mystery Details
- How it Works: When you arrive at the event, pick up the information from the Constables. Pay attention to interactions of the characters throughout the exhibits and collect clues hidden throughout the museum.
- Submit Your Guess: Make sure to turn in your accusation card at the Lobby by 7:30 PM.
- The Reveal: The true culprit and the winning detectives will be announced during our program!
Don’t miss out on these amazing grand prizes! Guests who guess the whodunnit correctly will be put into a drawing for the following prizes:
- Bites & Brews Beer & Food Pairing Event for 12 guests with Jules Bistro and Pantown Brewing
- Speakeasy Christmas Experience for 10 guests at Obbink Distillery
- Season Tickets for two to Gnarly Bard Theater’s Upcoming Season
Other Games & Activities
Experience Pull ($100 per ticket)
Be on the lookout for this unique take on a traditional wine & booze pull! Win curated local outings, weekend getaways, behind the scenes tours, and exclusive event packages! Every pull guarantees a prize worth at least $100.
Duck Pull ($10 per ticket)
Pick a lucky duck from the Great Big River to win gift cards, tickets to local events, and other fun prizes
Scratch Off Ticket ($5 per ticket)
Purchase scratch-offs throughout the night for a shot at prizes, drink tickets for the evening, and other fun surprises.
Prizes
Allegiant Airlines
Avon Hills Folk School
B-Side Cafe
Books Revisited
Children’s Discovery Museum, Grand Rapids
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Mankato
Creative Apparatus
Culinary Studio
CW Outfitting
Desi Murphy
District Coffee
Fitzharris
Foley Mansion
Glen Palm & Jane Ellison
Grand Casino Hinkley
Great Lakes Aquarium
Great Northern Theatre
Great River Children’s Museum
GREAT Theater
HMML
Jon & Mardi Noyes
Jules Bistro
K-Power Yoga Studio
Kinder Coffee
Korppi Coffee
Krewe
Kwik Trip
Lake Superior Zoo
Letnes Group
Lindon Hills Historic Estate
Local Blend
Lucky Duck, New London, MN
Lunds & Byerly’s
Lykke Theatre
Marcus Theaters
Massage by Gloria
Max’s On the Green, New London, MN
Mexican Village
Milk & Honey
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minnesota Opera
Minnesota Orchestra
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Zoo
Obbink Distillery
Orange Theory Fitness
Pantown Brewing
Paramount Center for the Arts
Pleasureland RV Rentals
Powder Ridge
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
Prairie’s Edge Casino & Hotel
Redhead Creamery
Riddler’s Escape Room
Saint John’s University
Shanti Yoga
Silent Run Adventures, Monticello, MN
The Social Vibe Company
SPARK, Rochester
Spice of Life Tea Shop
St. Cloud Aviation
St. Cloud Country Club
St. Cloud Fire Department
St. Cloud Rox
St. Cloud State University Athletics
St. Paul Saints
Stearns County Sheriff’s Office
Stylized Image Photography
Territory Golf Club
The Boil
The House
The Ledge
Tri-County Humane Society
University of Minnesota
Visit St. Cloud
Willow Salon
WR Home
YMCA
Sponsorship Agents
Presenting Agents: Glen Palm & Jane Ellison
Exhibit Reveal Sponsor
Lead Detectives
Rick & Helga Bauerly
Tom & Janet Grones
Key Witnesses
Bob & Penny White
Informants
Mike & Rose Windschitl
Interested in Sponsorship?
Connect with our Development Director, Lacey Solheid to learn more.
lacey.solheid@GreatRiverCM.org
Direct: 320-200-4110 ext.105
Frequently Asked Questions
We are working with Gnarly Bard Theater to put together the murder mystery. Throughout the night, you’ll have a chance to interview and interrogate the suspects so that you can solve the mystery. Make sure to stick around for the program so you can hear the final plea from each of the suspects.
Attendees of the Game Night Gala will not have to perform as part of the murder mystery. Participation in the murder mystery is encouraged but totally optional!
There’s no formal dress code for the event, but if you’re looking for some inspiration, check it out here.
