DinoFEST 2026: Roar & Explore Weekend

About this event

Travel back millions of years at DinoFEST: Roar & Explore Weekend! Discover the science behind Earth's most fascinating prehistoric creatures through hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and immersive experiences for explorers of all ages. Step into the role of a paleontologist as you uncover fossils, investigate how scientists reconstruct dinosaur skeletons, compare dinosaurs to their modern descendants, and examine the evidence that helps us understand how these incredible animals lived. Get creative with your own fossil making, meet special dinosaur guests, and enjoy interactive experiences that bring the age of dinosaurs to life. Whether you're a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast or just beginning your prehistoric journey, DinoFEST is the perfect opportunity to dig deeper into the discoveries, mysteries, and science that continue to shape our understanding of the ancient world. Some of the weekend's highlights include: Meeting our new dino friends: Help us name them now! New activities in the auditorium T. REX movie showings at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. both days Panel & Meet the Scientists — Saturday only at 2:30 p.m. BMS Dino Stage Show — Sunday only at 2:30 p.m. Oobleck pit Giant foam dig pit Even more dino fun (additional cost applies): Try a sluice bag ($12) Stuff your own dino Make your own fossil Member admission is $5 per ticket. Buy your tickets below: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Sunday, November 8, 2026 Meet the Scientists on our Paleontologist Panel Panelists Dr. Domenic D'Amore Dr. Domenic D’Amore is an Associate Professor of Biology at Daemen University. His research specialty includes the dental anatomy and feeding behaviors of both living and extinct reptiles, including dinosaurs, crocodylians, snakes, and monitor lizards such as the Komodo dragon. He is also interested in reconstructing extinct ecosystems by studying tooth marks on fossil bones. Dr. D’Amore has several seasons of experience working on fossil digs in the Southwest United States. Dr. Thomas Hegna Dr. Thomas Hegna is an associate professor of paleontology and Chair of the Departments of Geology & Environmental Sciences and Physics at SUNY Fredonia. His research interests are broadly focused on the evolution and fossil record of arthropods—in particular, trilobites and branchiopod crustaceans. Recent publications and projects have included trilobite legs, exoskeleton growth and fossilization, and eurypterid muscles. He has mentored over sixty students' research projects, published over fifty papers, and delivered over one hundred conference presentations. Dr. Phil Stokes Dr. Phil Stokes has served as Executive Director of the Hamburg Natural History Society, better known as Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, since November 2016. Penn Dixie — ranked #1 in the U.S. among fossil parks and also the inaugural holder of a Guinness World Record for Largest Fossil Dig — welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. Moderator Dr. Holly Schreiber Dr. Holly Sc