Dive into Alabama's prehistoric past! Join the Alabama Museum of Natural History for our annual "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. This year, the spotlight is on fossil sharks and other marine life.
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!
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.
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.