5th Annual Dinosaurs and MOR! Festival

Start: Saturday, March 28, 2026 9:00AM
End: Sunday, March 29, 2026 4:00PM

Explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs with expert presentations, family-friendly workshops and passport stations, a special dinner, and much more. This year's special guest is Dr. Kirk R. Johnson, Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Johnson received his Ph.D. in geology and paleobotany from Yale University in 1989. He conducted postdoctoral research in the rainforests of northern Australia before joining the Denver Museum of Natural History in 1991. Johnson's research focuses on fossil plants, the environmental effects of the dinosaur-smiting asteroid, and the birth and death of biomes. FAMILY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | All Ages Included with membership/admission Enjoy paleo-passport activity stations throughout the Siebel Dinosaur Complex and view Dinosaurs A Story of Survival in the Taylor Planetarium. Some passport stations will have touchable material, microscope stations, and short activities. Collect passport stamps at all stations to receive a Jr. Paleontologist Certificate signed by MOR’s Dr. John Scannella upon completion. Paleo Passport Station participants may include: Montana Dinosaur Trail Carter County Museum (Ekalaka) (MOR’s Sister Museum) Montana Dinosaur Center (Bynum) Rudyard Depot Museum MSU’s Dead Lizard Society MOR’s Paleontology Department MOR’s Paleohistology Department And many more... ALL-ACCESS PALEO LECTURE SERIES Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Hager Auditorium Pricing Varies Over two days, numerous renowned paleontologists will deliver engaging presentations on various topics within their field of expertise. Each presentation will be 30 minutes long, followed by a Q&A session, making for a fun and engaging experience for all attendees. We’ll be auctioning paleo-themed items during the breaks. WORKSHOPS Don't miss a chance to dive into the prehistoric world with workshop activities for all ages, from dinosaur dioramas to terrarium building in the Redstart Classroom. Prices vary and registration is required. Museum General admission is included in the Workshop pricing for non-members. Saturday, March 28 9 a.m | Dino Play Workshop (Ages 2-5) 10:30 a.m. | Dino Play Workshop (Ages 2-5) 1 p.m. | Seway Suds: Make Your Own Bath Bomb (Ages 4+) 3 p.m. | DIY Dinosaur Terrarium Workshop (Ages 13+) Sunday, March 29 9 a.m. | Dino Play Workshop (Ages 2-5) 1 p.m. | Seway Suds: Make Your Own Bath Bomb (Ages 4+) 3 p.m. | Mini Dinosaur Diorama Workshop (Ages 13+)