About the event

The North Carolina Fossil Festival celebrates the Aurora Fossil Museum and the state's rich fossil record. Join us for a family-friendly event steeped in tradition and Southern charm. Activities include digging for fossils, fossil displays, fossil auction, educational displays by partner nonprofit organizations, mining & engineering zone, live entertainment, food, craft, & fossil vendors, dinosaur shows, kid zone, teen activities, and much, much more!

Dates

May 23, 2026 · 10:00 AM - May 24, 2026 · 6:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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Location

North Carolina, United States

400 Main Street, Aurora, North Carolina 27806, United States

Directions

Parking instructions

Please follow the signs posted on Hwy 33 for parking. Parking will be in the large field between Pearl and Chapin Streets.

Health & safety

The NC Fossil Festival takes the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and festival participants seriously. Please refer to the festival rules ( and the FAQ section ( on the website.

Vendors

Interested in applying:

1 active application

Commercial Info Only Vendor

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Commercial Info Only Booth Space

Informational Vendor spaces are designated for those who would like to share information about their business, services, and products. No at-event selling to patrons/festival-goers occurs at these booths.

Volunteers

Interested in applying:

13 active applications

Pre-Fest Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Every journey begins with setting up, and our festival is no different. We will need help to prepare for the 2026 North Carolina Fossil Festival's grand adventure! Set Up Volunteers will help with the following: -- Arrange tables, chairs, and tents in their respective places -- Placing signage and hanging banners -- Assist with other tasks that will prepare the festival for the rest of the weekend Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Info Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then help out as one of our Info Station Crew! Info Station Volunteers Should: -- Welcome people entering the festival -- Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Ask festival attendees to complete a survey -- Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities We will have two(2) Information Booth locations: -- Corner of Pearl & Third Streets (Alpha-Main Entrance) --Next to the Aurora Fossil Museum Learning Center (Bravo-Fourth Street) Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Brew Zone Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Beer Tent Crew will have the following tasks: -- MUST BE 21 TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE BREW ZONE -- Check ID/Sell Beer Tickets -- Monitor the beer tent and area and remedy any issues -- Pick up trash around the Beer Tent Area -- Other tasks as needed Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Gift Shop Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and handling boxes of shovels? Then help out in the Gift Shop! Gift Shop Volunteers Should: -- Welcome people entering the Main Building of the Aurora Fossil Museum and Outdoor Gift Shop -- Assist Museum Staff with handling Gift Shop items -- Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise -- Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum -- Assist festival attendees with general festival & museum questions. We will have two Gift Shop locations: -- 400 Main Street (Inside the Main Museum Building) -- Fossil Park Picnic Shelter Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Kid Zone Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Kid Zone Crew will help with the following: monitor, lead, and assist with youth activities. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Parking Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

While parking isn't the most fun position to volunteer for, it is one of the most valuable places we can use your help! Parking Volunteers will help with the following: -- Guide cars to parking spots within designated festival parking areas -- Ensure public safety in and near parking lots -- Greet people and direct them to the festival entrance. There are three festival parking zones -- General Parking -- Volunteer/Vendor Parking -- Handicap Parking Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Paleo Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then join our Paleo Crew! Paleo Zone Volunteers Should: -- Work outdoors to greet festival attendees and direct them to the Paleo Zone -- Assist displayers with unloading, setup, take-down, and loading of their exhibits -- Relieve displayers for lunch and short breaks -- Monitor building and restrooms to ensure cleanliness and orderliness -- Assist with fossil identification -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Auction Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Ssshhh! It's time for the Silent Auction, and we need your help! The Silent Auction Crew will help with the following: -- Set up, monitor, and provide information about the auction items -- Provide directions on how the silent auction works -- Assist with silent auction sign-up -- Assist with post-auction processing and clean-up Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

STEAM Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then help out as one of our STEAM Crew Volunteers! STEAM Crew Volunteers Should: -- Assist our STEAM partners with setup and take-down -- Monitor the STEAM Zone and assist with keeping it clean and orderly -- Cover STEAM partners for lunch and brief breaks -- Assist with promoting and directing festival attendees to the STEAM Zone -- Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities -- Sunday only: Lead and assist with STEM-based activities Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

5K Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

SUNDAY ONLY: Even if you don't run in the 5k, consider being part of the Fossil 5k Crew to rev your day! Fossil 5k Volunteers will help with the following: -- Pack Leader and Turtle -- Set up guides to ensure runners stay on the path -- Filling water stations so no one gets dehydrated -- Cheering runners on at the finish line -- Cleaning up any trash after the run is over Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Tidy Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

Do you enjoy helping to keep the Earth clean and healthy? Want to help keep the festival area clean? Then consider volunteering for our Tidy Crew!! Tidy Crew Volunteers will help with the following: -- Monitor and pick up trash in and around the festival footprint -- Monitor and empty trash cans as they become full -- Assist the other volunteer teams with keeping the NCFF orderly and clean Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Teen Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

YOU MUST BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 AND 18 TO APPLY FOR THE TEEN CREW. PROOF OF AGE WILL BE VERIFIED. Are you a Teenager looking to make a positive impact? Do you like science? Then volunteer to join our Teen Crew! Teen Crew responsibilities will include: --Exhibit docent in the Main Museum --Exhibit docents in the Learning Center --Fossil Pit Monitors --Assist and lead Sunday activities in the STEAM Zone, including attending the LOGIC Teen Science Cafe. Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival TEEN Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival TEEN Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival TEEN Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Post-Fest Crew

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

A festival doesn't end until all evidence is gone! So, help us conclude the festival by helping out on the Post-Festival Crew! Post-Festival Crew will help with the following: -- Remove tables, tents, and chairs -- Organizing and preparing equipment for storage -- Pick up remaining trash -- Assist with other tasks to ensure the museum and town grounds are clean and orderly Volunteer Perks: 4+ hours: Receive an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt! 12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, an NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and an NC Fossil Festival shirt! 20+ hours: Receive all of the above, plus some sweet NCFF swag! Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up ASAP! To view shifts and sign up, please see below.

Friends

NC Fossil Festival Friend

Deadline: May 15, 2026

Contribute

Show your support by becoming a North Carolina Fossil Festival Friend! Open to individuals who would like to invest $100 (plus processing fee of approx. $8) to help make the 2026 NC Fossil Fest a success. Meeting our goal of $10,000 will greatly help offset the costs incurred to put on the largest STEM-focused event in North Carolina and the largest fossil festival in the United States. Friends will be recognized before, during, and after the NC Fossil Festival through signage, social media, and on the NCFF website. Limited number available! Invest soon for a low number!

VIP Tickets

Price: $125.00-225.00 + Applicable Fees and Taxes

VIP-SATURDAY

Sold out

$255.58

Includes Base Price: $225.00, Tax: $15.19, Processing fees: $15.39

NON-REFUNDABLE

Non-Refundable Ticket

This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon receiving this ticket by email.

VIP Zone

May 23, 2026 11:00 am - May 23, 2026 5:00 pm EDT

May 09th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT

2026 NCFF Tee

Use this to receive your 2026 NCFF Tee. Please visit the Info Booth, located next to the VIP Zone, or ask a Festival Crew Member for assistance. Valid for redemption only during your VIP Ticket time.

Gift Shop Discount

Use this to receive a 10% discount on purchases in our Gift Shop. Valid for redemption only during your VIP Ticket time.

**PLEASE keep in mind that there will be many FREE digging areas throughout the NC Fossil Festival, and the VIP Experience is a fundraiser to support the mission of the Aurora Fossil Museum.** This information is for purchasing tickets to access the VIP Zone on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (6 hours). Check-in will begin at 10:45 a.m. A limited number of tickets will be available ONLINE ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per user. The name on the ticket MUST match the name on the purchased ticket. Resold/transferred tickets will not be honored. Each individual, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the VIP Zone. **Ticket purchase is final. If the event is canceled or postponed for reasons beyond our control, no refunds, exchanges, rain checks, or similar accommodations will be provided. Per person ticket price is $225 per ticket (plus tax & fees) and includes: -2026 NC Fossil Festival Swag -Reserved, shaded fossil digging area -Reserved picnic area with WiFi, electricity, cooling fans, and tables & chairs -Access to indoor restrooms -Refreshments & Snacks -VIP discount on Aurora Fossil Museum Gift Shop purchases. All NC Fossil Fest VIP Fundraiser proceeds support the Aurora Fossil Museum.

VIP-SATURDAY-TWILIGHT

Sold out

$142.14

Includes Base Price: $125.00, Tax: $8.44, Processing fees: $8.70

NON-REFUNDABLE

Non-Refundable Ticket

This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon receiving this ticket by email.

VIP Zone

May 23, 2026 5:00 pm - May 23, 2026 9:00 pm EDT

May 09th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT

Gift Shop Discount

Gift Shop Discount Use this to receive a 10% discount on purchases in our Gift Shop. Valid for redemption only on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

2026 NCFF Tee

Use this to receive your 2026 NCFF Tee. Please visit the Info Booth, located next to the VIP Zone, or ask a Festival Crew Member for assistance. Valid for redemption only on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

**PLEASE keep in mind that there will be many FREE digging areas throughout the NC Fossil Festival, and the VIP Experience is a fundraiser to support the mission of the Aurora Fossil Museum.** This information is for purchasing tickets to access the VIP Zone on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (4 hours). Check-in will begin at 4:45 p.m. A limited number of tickets will be available ONLINE ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. There is a limit of two tickets per user. The name on the ticket MUST match the name on the purchased ticket. Resold/transferred tickets will not be honored. Each individual, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the VIP Zone. **Ticket purchase is final. If the event is canceled or postponed for reasons beyond our control, no refunds, exchanges, rain checks, or similar accommodations will be provided. Per person ticket price is $125 per ticket (plus tax & fees) and includes: -2026 NC Fossil Festival Swag -Reserved, shaded fossil digging area -Reserved picnic area with WiFi, electricity, cooling fans, and tables & chairs -Access to indoor restrooms -Refreshments & Snacks -VIP discount on Aurora Fossil Museum Gift Shop purchases. All NC Fossil Fest VIP Fundraiser proceeds support the Aurora Fossil Museum.

VIP-SUNDAY

$204.53

Includes Base Price: $180.00, Tax: $12.15, Processing fees: $12.38

NON-REFUNDABLE

Non-Refundable Ticket

This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon receiving this ticket by email.

VIP Zone

May 24, 2026 10:00 am - May 24, 2026 4:00 pm EDT

May 09th, 2026 at 4:00 pm EDT

2026 NCFF Tee

Use this to receive your 2026 NCFF Tee. Please visit the Info Booth, located next to the VIP Zone, or ask a Festival Crew Member for assistance. Valid for redemption only during your VIP Ticket time.

Gift Shop Discount

Use this to receive a 10% discount on purchases in our Gift Shop. Valid for redemption only during your VIP Ticket time.

**PLEASE keep in mind that there will be many FREE digging areas throughout the NC Fossil Festival, and the VIP Experience is a fundraiser to support the mission of the Aurora Fossil Museum.** This information is for purchasing tickets to access the VIP Zone on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (6 hours). Check-in will begin at 9:45 a.m. A limited number of tickets will be available ONLINE ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. There is a limit of four (4) tickets per user. The name on the ticket MUST match the name on the purchased ticket. Resold/transferred tickets will not be honored. Each individual, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the VIP Zone. **Ticket purchase is final. If the event is canceled or postponed for reasons beyond our control, no refunds, exchanges, rain checks, or similar accommodations will be provided. Per person ticket price is $180 per ticket (plus tax & fees) and includes: -2026 NC Fossil Festival Swag -Reserved, shaded fossil digging area -Reserved picnic area with WiFi, electricity, cooling fans, and tables & chairs -Access to indoor restrooms -Refreshments & Snacks -VIP discount on Aurora Fossil Museum Gift Shop purchases. All NC Fossil Fest VIP Fundraiser proceeds support the Aurora Fossil Museum.

Activity Apps

Interested in applying:

3 active applications

PALEO ZONE

Deadline: Apr 29, 2026

Apply now

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites you to share your fossil collection in the very popular PALEO Zone component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

This key educational component of the festival offers a platform for fossil collectors and paleontologists to engage with the public and educate them about North Carolina's unique and vast fossil record. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share your knowledge and collection with festival participants.

NO SELLING WILL OCCUR IN THE PALEO ZONE. If you would like to sell items, please apply to be a Fossil & Mineral Vendor.

Tables, chairs, and lunch will be provided. This year, the PALEO Zone will be located inside and on the grounds of the Aurora Community Center.

PALEO Zone organizations will need to be set up by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, with take-down to begin at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, please plan to stay and enjoy the live music and the festival.

STEAM ZONE

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites your non-profit organization to participate in the very popular STEAM Zone component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

This key educational component of the festival offers nonprofits a platform to introduce their organizations to festival attendees. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share STEAM & History with festival participants!

Tables, chairs, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. This year, the Education Exhibitors will be located near the Aurora Fossil Museum's Learning Center, under a large tent.

Education organizations will need to be set up by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, with take-down to begin at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, please plan to stick around, sit back, relax, and enjoy the live music and the festival.

KID ZONE

Deadline: May 02, 2026

Apply now

The Aurora Fossil Museum invites your organization to participate in the growing KID Zone component of the North Carolina Fossil Festival.

This key component of the festival provides a space for our younger attendees and their families to participate in hands-on, interactive activities in a safe and confined area. We would be delighted to have your participation as we explore ways to expand this component. No application fee is required, just a willingness to share your time, talents, and resources with festival participants!

Tables, chairs, refreshments, and lunch will be provided. This year, the Kid Zone will be in the well-maintained lot at the corner of Main and Third Streets.

Organizations will need to be set up by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, with take-down beginning at 5:00 p.m. Afterwards, please plan to stick around, sit back, relax, and enjoy the live music and the festival.

Hosted by Aurora Fossil Museum

Joined Eventeny in February 2022

5 events

Aurora, North Carolina, United States