Dive into Alabama’s prehistoric past! Join the Alabama Museum of Natural History (ALMNH) for our free “Alabama Fossil Fest” on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smith Hall on The University of Alabama campus.
Discover the incredible diversity of Alabama’s past through displays and activities featuring fossils from across the state and beyond. Highlights will include a special talk and a new exhibit on fossil shark teeth found in Alabama, professional and amateur paleontologists displaying and answering questions about fossils, hands-on activities for all ages, and chances to win door prizes and take home your own fossil shark tooth. Plus, admission and parking are free!
This year, the spotlight is on fossil sharks and other marine life. While the museum exhibits amazing fossils of mosasaurs, crocodilians, and dinosaurs, Dr. John Friel, ALMNH Director, is particularly excited about the 2026 theme.
“Sharks have existed on Earth for over 450 million years and were top predators in our oceans long before marine reptiles or mammals evolved. Thus, this year’s event is a fantastic opportunity for the public to discover something new about the incredible diversity of fossil sharks known from across our state.”
Kristin Harrell, ALMNH’s Education Outreach Coordinator, is also thrilled to welcome the community back for this year’s event.
“Prepare for a fin-tastic afternoon dedicated to paleo enthusiasts of all ages, featuring exciting new hands-on programming, updated exhibits, and brand-new installations. We can’t wait to see you!”
Alabama’s ancient history is vast, with a fossil record stretching back approximately 500 million years. While the ALMNH’s regular exhibits showcase finds from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras, the special public event brings this history alive. This year, a variety of professional and amateur paleontologists and related organizations will be present. Plus, attendees can receive one free fossil shark tooth from the ALMNH table and will be eligible for door prize drawings throughout the event!
Event Schedule
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tabling Event (Grand Gallery)
This is a popular annual tabling event at the Alabama Museum of Natural History. As fossil sharks are the theme of this event, more shark fossil material than usual will be on display on presenters’ tables. There will also be tables with various educational fossil-themed activities for all ages.
Door Prize Giveaways
Twice during the event, ALMNH will be announcing winners, and giving away fossil-themed door prizes. Please note guests will receive a numbered ticket on arrival and will need to be present with their winning ticket at the event to receive their prizes.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presentation (Smith Hall Room 205 next to the Grand Gallery).
This year’s public presentation by Mr. Chase Egli is entitled “BITE CLUB: Identifying Fossil Shark Teeth Like A Pro” and will be followed by a short question-and-answer session.
Chase Egli is a geologist and paleontologist with an M.S. in Geology from The University of Alabama. His research focuses on fossil sharks and other chondrichthyan fishes, with interests in their teeth, taxonomy, and evolutionary history. He has conducted research on Paleozoic and Mesozoic shark faunas of the southeastern United States and is a Research Associate with The University of Alabama Museums Research and Collections, and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Chase also has several years of experience teaching introductory geology and enjoys helping others learn how to recognize and identify fossil shark teeth.
Location
“Alabama Fossil Fest” will be located at the Alabama Museum of Natural History (Smith Hall, The University of Alabama). The street address is 427 Sixth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
Directions
From Birmingham: Take Interstate 20/59 S to Tuscaloosa exit 73, McFarland Blvd. Head West on McFarland Blvd toward the University of Alabama. Exit right onto University Blvd. Follow University Blvd to Hackberry Lane. Make a right onto Hackberry Lane and turn into the second parking lot on your left behind Smith Hall (yellow brick building).
From Montgomery: Take Hwy 82 W to Tuscaloosa. Exit right onto University Blvd. Follow University Blvd to Hackberry Lane. Make a right onto Hackberry Lane and turn into the second parking lot on your left behind Smith Hall (yellow brick building).
Parking
Parking on The University of Alabama campus on Saturday is free! Parking spots are available on the east side of Smith Hall (entrance only via Hackberry Lane), next to the Math and Science Education Building and next to Lloyd Hall. Check out UA’s online map of campus for more parking options.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this event, contact Kristin Harrell (Education Outreach Coordinator, Alabama Museum of Natural History) by calling 205-348-6383 or emailing kristin.harrell@ua.edu.