PaleoFest Friday Workshop

This ticket type includes:

• Nano vs. T. rex Dino Craft Lab: Parents, enjoy the Friday lecture while your kids lead their own investigation! In this hands-on lab, kids will build their own "teen tyrant" and learn how scientists change their minds when new evidence is found. (Friday at 6:30pm) This targets a younger audience than the other two workshops.

Why PaleoFest 2026?

Be Part of the Discovery!

PaleoFest is more than a weekend event; it’s where history comes alive! Hosted at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, this celebration brings world-renowned paleontologists to Rockford, IL, to share "breaking news" science. Whether you're a family of explorers or a dedicated researcher, PaleoFest makes the ancient world feel alive.

What’s Happening?

• World-Class Talks: Hear directly from the researchers making headlines. All evening and weekend talks are tailored for a general audience—no scientific background required!
• NEW for 2026! The Paleo Marketplace: Our biggest expansion yet! Shop a curated selection of vendors from across the country featuring authentic fossils, rare minerals, gems, books, and unique paleo-art. (Included with General Admission).
• NEW for 2026! Youth Poster Presentations: Experience the future of science as students present their own ongoing research. (Included with General Admission).
• Pop-Up Exhibits & Games: Access exclusive "one-day-only" stations and interactive games throughout the museum’s exhibit halls.

Headlining Speakers & Special Events

• Friday Honorary Member Kick-Off: Join Dr. James Napoli, lead author of the groundbreaking 2025 Nature paper on the reclassification of "Jane." Hear the inside story of how Nanotyrannus was officially recognized as a distinct species.
• Saturday Keynote Dinner: Meet Dr. Jingmai O’Connor from the Field Museum as she discusses the world-famous "Chicago Archaeopteryx" and the spectacular evolution of flight.
• The Lecture PEEK: Curious about the "pro" side of science? Use this pass for a one-session "taster" of the high-level research lectures happening throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Exclusive 2026 Workshops

(Pre-registration required to reserve your seat! These workshops often sell out!)

• Survivors of the Cretaceous: Come face-to-face with living animals whose ancestors shared the world with dinosaurs. Uncover the traits that helped them survive the asteroid impact and use real fossils to rebuild the Cretaceous ecosystem.
• Hell Creek Rock Stars: Dinosaurs That Changed the Story: Meet the "celebrity" dinosaurs that rewrote the history books—from Jane’s dramatic reclassification to bizarre horned giants. See how new discoveries constantly evolve our understanding of this competitive ancient world.
• Friday Kids’ Drop-Off: Nano vs. T. rex Dino Craft Lab: Parents, enjoy the Friday lecture while your kids lead their own investigation! In this hands-on lab, kids will build their own "teen tyrant" and learn how scientists change their minds when new evidence is found.

Pro-Tip: How to Choose Your Ticket

• For the Full Experience: The Family VIP or Experience It All packages offer the best value, including workshops, swag, and all-day access.
• For the Science Lover: The Paleo Research Packages offer a deep dive into three days of professional lectures and the Keynote Dinner.
• For the Casual Explorer: Grab a Duo Workshop Bundle to get General Admission plus two interactive classes!

Also check out other Workshops in Rockford, Kids events & activities in Rockford, Arts events in Rockford.