DinoFest 2024: Damage & Defense

DinoFest Damage and Defense

What's Coming in 2024

Have you ever wondered how dinosaurs used their spikes, horns, and armor? Whether dinosaurs could heal from injuries and infections? At NHMU's eighth-annual DinoFest on January 27-28, 2024, we’ll explore these very questions and more as we explore a theme of dinosaur Damage & Defense. 

A lineup of world-class paleontologists will be joining us both Saturday and Sunday to explore the evidence for dinosaur defensive structures, and the injuries they received from predators, fighting each other, and disease! Our guests will present in-person keynotes and DinoBite talks and meet with guests to offer an insider look at the latest or most groundbreaking discoveries.

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

Follow the event links below for more event details for each day of the festival, including speaker schedules and details. 

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

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.

 

— CARRIE LEVITT-BUSSIAN, NHMU PALEONTOLOGY COLLECTIONS MANAGER