Bigger Bolder, and Toothier than Ever- Croc-N-Roll: Fall Fossil Fest 2025

The festival kicks off October 17, with a special dinner and lecture by Dr. Josh Lively, Walking with Gastonia, the curator of paleontology at the Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah. Dr. Lively will discuss Idaho’s fossil record and describe his work on Gastonia, an armored dinosaur from Utah. Participants will learn all about the latest discoveries and secrets of animals that lived 100 million years ago, setting the tone for an exciting weekend of prehistoric discovery. Dr. Lively’s talk is made possible by support from Pamela and Robert Kennedy.

On Saturday, October 18, families can enjoy a full day of fossil-themed activities including ancient dart throwing, buzzsaw shark throwing axes, and opportunities to explore real fossil discoveries from Idaho’s prehistoric days. Visitors will meet the scientists behind the study of these ancient creatures from Idaho State University (ISU) professors and graduate students to visiting researchers from the Museum of the Rockies, Museum of the North, Montana State University, and Stony Brook.

Back by popular demand Cocoa and Critters Chat, a series of four talks led by field scientists. Topics range from crocodile evolution to dinosaur dimorphism, fossil anatomy and Idaho’s most complete fossil turtle. This special activity offers guests a rare chance to hear about the latest fossil research directly from the experts including table presenters all throughout our gallery adding to the excitement of Fall Fossil Fest. 

Tickets are now available at isu.edu/imnh and include options for families, individual adults, youths, and ISU students. A limited edition Croc-N-Roll T-shirt will also be available for just $20. Museum members receive 20% off admission; members who have not received their discount code can contact ambertews@isu.edu

All funding from the event supports educational programming at the museum.