DOVER — The Children's Museum of New Hampshire is trying a new fundraising technique next month and invites residents to have a date night by the water in Portsmouth.

Tickets are on sale for the museum's first-ever Summer Bash, which is scheduled for Aug. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. under a large tent in the lower courtyard at One Harbour Place.

“It's a whole new event for us,” said Heidi Duncanson, director of marketing for the museum. She added this is the first major fundraiser during the summer.

Duncanson said they annually hosts a PizzaFest and auction — where area chefs compete for the tastiest pizza — in the museum at 6 Washington St. While the event is extremely popular, she added it's better suited for cooler weather and organizers wanted to try something new to attract a different crowd of donors.

As the venue for the Summer Bash overlooks the harbor, the event will have an underwater theme with an open bar, music, dancing, a silent auction, valet parking and food from Brazo, Demeters Steakhouse, Jumpin' Jays, Moxy and Gifford's Ice Cream.

Duncanson said she's especially looking forward to the sundae bar, which will be a nice treat on a warm summer night.

Tickets are available online at the museum's website and are $100 each. Guest can also spend $150 to attend and take part in a VIP after-party on the roof of Harbour Place with a champagne toast and spectacular views, according to a release from the museum.

Duncanson said organizers are planning for 250 people to attend the event and hope to raise $20,000 during the fundraiser and auction.

“All proceeds benefit the Children's Museum's critical programming for under-served communities and schools, as well as engaging year-round family events, workshops and activities,” according to the release.

Duncanson said the museum wouldn't be able to organize such an event without the generous support of the community and local businesses. She added they have already received $18,000 in donations from their sponsors and more are pending.

During a silent auction, participants can bid on a variety of items, including a private plane ride in a 1947 Piper Cub, four tickets to a Red Sox-Yankees game at Fenway Park on Sept. 13, a “kayaks and cocktails” evening hosted by board members from New Castle, a one-week stay at a three-bedroom condo in Naples, Fla., a one-week stay at Sugarbush in Maine, a private boat ride and lunch at Morrison's.

Duncanson said organizers are still looking for auction items that fit the occasion.

This event is being presented with support from many local businesses.

Duncanson said organizers are trying to create a unique experience where people can have fun while helping the museum.

“This is more of a date-night event,” Duncanson said.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit their website

jquinn@newstote.com