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 can also enjoy special access to the Paleo Preparation Lab and Paleontology Collections to meet our scientists and get up close with incredible fossils. Community partners in the Museum's Canyon will highlight the region's many dinosaur research and educational communities. And the festival will feature plenty of other activities and fun for dinosaur fans of all ages!
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!
2025 Community Partners
At DinoFest, we'll be joined by an exciting group of community partners! These partners include:
- The Prehistoric Museum, Utah State University
- George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
- Idaho Museum of Natural History
- Riley Black
- Utah Friends of Paleontology
- St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
- HawkWatch
- Mondster Creations
- Rockhounders Outreach for Community Knowledge
- Fantastic Face Painting
- Jurassic Tacos
- Ghost Ranch Museums
- S. K. Wenger
- Dale Novak Illustrators
- Steve Bush Illustration
- Thanksgiving Point
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
- Scales and Tails
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 granted for guests to explore the paleontology collections and prep lab, and many dino-themed community partners and activities fill the Museum. The festival 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.
DinoFest gives us the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between the fun-filled fantasy side of dinosaurs that kids have grown up with, and the amazing scientific research and paleontological discoveries taking place right now in Utah and around the world.
Upcoming Events
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