DinoFest 2025 Explores Underwater Worlds in the Age of Dinosaurs

SALT LAKE CITY, DEC. 20, 2025 – The Natural History Museum of Utah’s (NHMU) ninth-annual DinoFest on January 25-26, 2025, will dive into the oceans, rivers, and streams during the age of dinosaurs. With an all-new theme of "Underwater Worlds," the festival will introduce guests to ancient marine creatures and explore how dinosaurs interacted with aquatic life.  

In 2025, DinoFest will feature a lineup of world-class paleontologists who specialize in the creatures that inhabited these underwater worlds, including ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, crocodilians, turtles, and fish. Through lectures and opportunities for one-on-one interactions, DinoFest guests will get an insider’s look at this fascinating area of research and learn about groundbreaking discoveries from the world of paleontology.  

“The oceans, rivers, and streams during the Mesozoic era were teeming with life,” said Randy Irmis, Ph.D., curator of paleontology at NHMU. “By delving into these ancient ecosystems, we not only gain a deeper understanding of dinosaurs themselves but also the diverse marine creatures that shared their world—many of which are remarkable but often overlooked in popular narratives. This is a rare opportunity to uncover the mysteries of these lost worlds and the vibrant life that thrived beneath the waves." 

In addition to expert presentations, attendees will get rare access to the museum’s Paleontology Prep Lab and paleontology collections, offering a unique opportunity to get up close with incredible fossils. Community partners will also be on hand to showcase the region's many dinosaur research and educational resources. And when hunger strikes, the Jurassic Tacos Food Truck will be parked at the Museum offering pre-historic themed fare. 

DinoFest is the museum’s biggest event of the year and tickets often sell out in advance, so guests are encouraged to visit nhmu.utah.edu/dinofest to learn more and prebook tickets.   

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About the Natural History Museum of Utah   

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.