Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

From Aurora Fossil Museum

The largest gathering on the east coast of natural history enthusiasts and fossil collectors from around the world will be held at the North Carolina Fossil Festival, May 25-27, 2024, with free festival admission and parking.  

The annual North Carolina Fossil Festival will feature opportunities to dig for fossils and shark teeth which are millions of years old, enjoy educational and scientific exhibits, natural history and craft vendors, food trucks, dinosaur shows, live entertainment, Parade, plus kid friendly and family activities.

Saturday, May 25 kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with the N.C. Fossil Festival Parade down Main Street.  Throughout the day, festival attendees can participate in the Jurassic Classic Bike Ride and enjoy displays of fossils and mining equipment, science and STEAM activities, and a silent auction. Entertainment from the Main Stage by Riggsbee Road, DJ music by PS Productions, and The Alex Williams Experience. Dinosaur and Magic Shows, and an interactive Kids Zone throughout the day with Laser Light Show and Glow Party beginning at 9:00 pm.  Beer Zone hosted by an eastern NC brewery will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

 Several areas of fossil-rich material will be located throughout the festival where attendees can search, discover, and keep fossils from ancient whales, sting rays, dolphins, shells, and sharks for free.

On Sunday, May 26, fossil hunters will again be able to search for fossils, plus arts, craft, and natural history vendors, and food trucks will be available.  Mining Equipment Displays, Dinosaur Shows, STEAM Activities, Teen Science Café, Kids Zone Activities, Foam Party, and a Slime Party will occur throughout the day.  The Brew Zone will open at 12 noon and entertainment from the Main Stage by DJ Music: PS Productions.  

On Monday, May 27 the 5K Fossil Run will begin at 8:00 a.m. and a Veterans & First Responders Breakfast will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Fossil collectors will again be welcome to search for fossils in the designated fossil areas.  The entire festival schedule can be found at:  www.ncfossilfest.com

The Aurora Fossil Museum exhibits and Gift Shop will be open during the festival. Proceeds from the museum gift shop, silent auction, VIP fossil piles, festival t-shirt sales, and other fee related activities will benefit the nonprofit museum and fossil park’s mission of providing educational and scientific outreach regarding the “ancient ocean just under our feet”. Board of Directors Chairperson William “Bill” Cook, thanks festival Title Sponsor Nutrien, and all other community sponsors for their support of this year’s festival.