The Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University will hold its fifth annual Dinosaurs and MOR! Festival from March 27 to 29, bringing together paleontology experts, dinosaur fans, and families for a series of educational events. The festival will feature guest of honor Kirk R. Johnson, Sant director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, along with nearly 20 renowned paleontologists presenting their latest research.
The event aims to foster public interest in paleontology through lectures, hands-on activities, and workshops designed for all ages. Highlights include a members-only kickoff event on March 27 with book signings by Johnson and Ted Rechlin as well as an animated “Dino Fight Night” presentation. The main lecture series on March 28-29 will cover topics such as vertebrate paleontology, paleobotany, and paleo art.
Families attending can participate in passport stations throughout the Siebel Dinosaur Complex—a collaboration among Montana’s dinosaur trail sites and regional museums—with junior paleontologist certificates awarded upon completion. Interactive workshops range from toddler play sessions to crafting activities for teens and adults. On March 28 at Norm Asbjornson Hall’s Inspiration Hall, Johnson will deliver a keynote address titled “Ice Age Rockies,” followed by dinner and a fundraising auction supporting the museum’s mission.
Montana State University is recognized for its leadership in research funding within the state with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to the official website. The university ranks among the top five percent of global universities per the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
MSU enrolls about 17,165 students evenly split between residents and nonresidents according to university data, serving communities through outreach efforts that enhance lives and support environmental initiatives as reported by MSU’s official site. As Montana’s land-grant institution based in Bozeman, MSU focuses on research, education, public service—and offers access to outdoor recreation amid vast wilderness areas according to its overview.
Registration is required for lectures, workshops, and keynote dinner events during the festival. More information about schedules or tickets can be found on the festival website.