DinoFest

Underwater Worlds

Have you ever wondered what lurked beneath the surface of oceans, rivers, and streams during the age of dinosaurs? At NHMU's ninth-annual DinoFest on January 25-26, 2025, we will explore these Underwater Worlds and examine how dinosaurs interacted with them.

We’ll be joined by a lineup of world-class paleontologists who specialize in the diverse creatures that lived underwater alongside dinosaurs, including ichthysaurs, plesiosaurs, crocodilians, turtles, and fish. These experts will offer DinoFest guests a rare, insider look at the latest and most groundbreaking discoveries from the world of paleontology.

DinoFest guests will also enjoy special access to the Paleo Preparation Lab and Paleontology Collections to get up close with incredible fossils. And community partners in the Museum's Canyon will highlight the region's many dinosaur research and educational communities.

See individual event pages below for Saturday and Sunday speaker schedules. 

Don’t delay, prebook your tickets in advance of NHMU’s most popular weekend event!

About DinoFest

NHMU premiered DinoFest in 2017 and it immediately became one of NHMU's most popular events, drawing record-breaking attendance on its opening weekend. While the festival celebrates all things dinosaurs, an emphasis is placed on Utah's dinosaur discoveries which fill the Museum here in Salt Lake City. Special access is given to the paleontology collections and prep lab, and many community partners and activities fill the Museum. DinoFest is anchored by expert lectures presented by NHMU and visiting paleontologists from around the world, who explore a different theme each year. Learn more about DinoFest through the ages.