Museum of the Rockies to host Dinosaurs and MOR! Festival from March 27 to 29

BOZEMAN - The Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University will host its fifth annual Dinosaurs and MOR! Festival from March 27 to 29. The three-day celebration of paleontology will bring together world-renowned scientists, dinosaur enthusiasts and families for a weekend of discovery, expert lecturers and hands-on activities.

The festival's guest of honor is Kirk R. Johnson, Sant director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, which is a position endowed by Roger and Vicki Sant. Johnson, a celebrated geologist and paleobotanist, will join a distinguished lineup of experts to share insights into the prehistoric world, ranging from the impact of the dinosaur-smiting asteroid to the Rocky Mountains' ice age.

Festival highlights

• Members-only kickoff: March 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Festivities include paleo passport stations, book signings with Johnson and author and illustrator Ted Rechlin, and an animated "Dino Fight Night" presentation.
• All-access paleontology lecture series: March 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Hager Auditorium. Nearly 20 renowned paleontologists from institutions such as MSU, Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley and Johns Hopkins University will present their latest research. Topics span vertebrate paleontology, paleobotany and paleo art.
• Family weekend activities: March 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included with admission, families can explore the Siebel Dinosaur Complex via passport stations featuring a statewide collaboration between Montana's premier dinosaur trail sites, regional museums and paleo partners. All visitors completing their passports will receive a junior paleontologist certificate.
• Workshops: March 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival offers interactive learning for all ages, from dino play for toddlers to dinosaur terrarium building and bath bomb crafting for teens and adults.
• Keynote dinner: March 28 at 6:15 p.m. in Norm Asbjornson Hall's Inspiration Hall. Johnson will deliver a keynote address, "Ice Age Rockies," accompanied by dinner and a live fundraising auction to support the museum's paleontology mission.

Tickets and registration

Registration is required for lectures, workshops and the keynote dinner. One- and two-day lecture series passes are available, with special pricing for museum members and MSU students. General museum admission is included with the purchase of a lecture series pass or workshop for non-members.

For a full schedule of events and to register, visit the festival website.