It's a 2-day dinosaur extravaganza featuring life-size cast skeletons of some of the most iconic ...

July 10, 2019

It's a 2-day dinosaur extravaganza featuring life-size cast skeletons of some of the most iconic creatures of the Mesozoic Era, a large variety of dinosaur fossils, presentations by renowned paleontologists, and dino-themed activities, crafts and concessions! Don't miss the 2019 Dino Festival on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day! Displays and activities to be the same each day. Paying attendees on Friday will be allowed to enter on Saturday at no additional charge. Tickets available at the door.


WHEN
Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.


WHAT
Crowds roaring into the Virginia Museum of Natural History on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 for the museum's Dino Festival will be greeted by an awesome assortment of life-size cast skeletons, real dinosaur fossils, presentations by renowned paleontologists, as well as dino-themed activities and crafts, including dino art and face painting! Fossil displays will be provided by the National Museum of Natural History, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Appalachian State University, University of Lynchburg, and the North Carolina Fossil Club.


LIFE-SIZE CAST SKELETONS AND SKULLS!

Platecarpus tympaniticus
A 17 foot long cast skeleton of a massive sea serpent or reptile that lived 81 to 84 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. This animal once swam in waters that covered what is now the central United States. Platecarpus is a species of mosasaur; if you've seen either of the Jurassic World movies, this skeleton will definitely look familiar!

Triceratops
A large, plant-eating dinosaur distinguishable by its large frill and three horns that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, from approximately 68 to 66 million years ago

Stegosaurus
A large, plant-eating dinosaur distinguishable by two rows of bony plates on its back. It lived during the Late Jurassic period, from approximately 155 to 150 million years ago

Acrocanthosaurus
A massive, carnivorous theropod dinosaur that existed in what is now North America during the Early Cretaceous period, from approximately 125 million to 100 million years ago

Allosaurus
A large, carnivorous theropod dinosaur of the Late Jurassic period, from approximately 155 to 150 million years ago

Dromaeosaurus (skull)
A medium-sized carnivore that lived in what is now the western United States and Alberta, Canada during the Late Cretaceous from approximately 77 to 74 million years ago

Albertosaurus (skulll)
A genus of tyrannosaurid theropod dinosaurs that lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous Period, from approximately 70 million years ago

Edmontosaurus (skull)
A genus of duck-billed dinosaur that lived in western North America during the Cretaceous Period approximately 73 to 66 million years ago.

Dunkleosteus (skull)
An armored fish from a group of fish called placoderms that lived approximately 360 to 380 million years ago.

DINO FOSSILS!
Beyond the spectacular displays, the festival will boast an abundance of dinosaur fossils from the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Natural History, and others - including the only fossil evidence that Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops engaged in battle!


FESTIVITIES ABOUND!
A dino dig pit, costumed dinosaurs, face painting, balloon animals, and a host of dino-themed children's activities and crafts will take place both days of the event.


ADMISSION
$7/adult
$5/ages 3-18
Free for children under 3
Free for museum members
Free for members of ASTC Passport participating institutions
Groupons accepted


ADDRESS
21 Starling Avenue
Martinsville, VA 24112


SPONSORS
A huge thanks to our festival sponsors Martinsville-Henry County Tourism Division, Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County, Carter Bank & Trust, and The Lester Group!