PaleoFest 2026 at Burpee Museum of Natural History

PaleoFest 2026 returns bigger and bolder, offering a full weekend of discovery, hands-on science, and world-class speakers for curious kids and adults alike—no PhD required.

New for 2026, explore the expanded Paleo Marketplace, featuring vendors from across the country offering authentic fossils, rare minerals, gems, books, and one-of-a-kind paleo-art. Also debuting this year are Youth Poster Presentations, where students share their own research in an interactive and encouraging environment. Both experiences are included with General Admission.

The weekend kicks off Friday night with Dr. James Napoli, who will explore why the famous “Jane” may be experiencing an identity crisis. On Saturday night, Jingmai O’Connor takes audiences into the story of the world-renowned Chicago Archaeopteryx and the spectacular evolution of flight. All talks are designed for general audiences and translate complex science into engaging, accessible stories.

Exclusive 2026 workshops offer immersive, hands-on learning experiences for both youth and adults. Meet living animals whose ancestors survived the asteroid impact in Survivors of the Cretaceous, discover headline-making dinosaurs in Cretaceous Rock Stars, or join the kid-focused Nano vs. T. rex Lab, where young scientists build their own “teen tyrant” while adults attend the Friday lecture. Workshop seating is limited and sells out quickly.

From interactive labs to groundbreaking discoveries, PaleoFest 2026 delivers an unforgettable weekend of science, storytelling, and exploration.