Admission to the NC Fossil Festival is FREE, but certain special activities occurring during the festival require paid tickets.
VIP Tickets
**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.**
A limited number of tickets will be available ONLINE ONLY on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out.
All proceeds from the NC Fossil Fest VIP Ticket Fundraiser support the Aurora Fossil Museum.
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.
On-Sale Now!
VIP - Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
$225 (plus tax & fees)
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. Ticket package 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
On-Sale Now!
VIP - Twilight - Saturday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$125 (plus tax & fees)
This information is for purchasing tickets to access the VIP Zone on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (4 hours). Check-in will begin at 4:45 p.m. Ticket package 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
On-Sale Now!
VIP - Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
$180 (plus tax & fees)
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. Ticket package 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
Dinosaurs Alive! VIP Experience
SOLD OUT
$50 (plus tax & fees)
Includes:
- Behind-the-scenes adventure
- Photo Ops with Dinosaurs and Dino Crew
- Paleo Swag
Proceeds from Dinosaurs Alive! VIP Experience ticket sales support the Aurora Fossil Museum.
Online ticket sales have ended.