Step back in time and get ready for a whole weekend of dino-mite adventures!
Live dino shows 11am – 3pm
City-wide Dino Egg Trail
Make A CLAY FOSSIL
Handle real dino fossils
Dino Face Painting
Get ready for a prehistoric adventure as Leicester Dino Fest stomps into the city centre for a weekend packed with dinosaur-themed fun for the whole family!
Presented by BID Leicester and Leicester Cathedral and taking over Cathedral Gardens (Saturday) and Jubilee Square (Sunday) on 25 & 26 July 2026. From 11am – 4pm each day, the festival will feature incredible live dinosaur performances, roaming walkabout dinos, interactive family activities, and hands-on fossil experiences inspired by the prehistoric world.
Meet roaring dinosaurs up close during three live shows each day, spot hidden dino eggs around the city with the free Dino Egg Trail on the My Leicester App, and enjoy free family activities including face painting, clay fossil making, and the chance to handle real fossils from Leicester Museums, including Triceratops and T. rex fossils.
On Saturday evening, Leicester Cathedral will also host a special relaxed screening of Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur inside the stunning Cathedral nave, complete with blankets, cushions and a cosy family atmosphere.
At Showcase cinema you can also catch showings of the dino film that started it all, Jurassic Park! Keep reading to find all the details below!
With giant dinosaurs roaming the city centre, free activities, and plenty of Jurassic surprises along the way, Leicester Dino Fest promises a fun-filled weekend of adventure, discovery and dino-sized memories for all ages.
Live Dino Shows
Meet the stars of Leicester Dino Fest! Come face-to-face with Baxter the mischievous T. rex, Ruby the striking Megalosaurus, Zuki the world’s largest walking Stegosaurus, and Sherbet the cheeky Stygimoloch. Packed with prehistoric fun, fascinating facts and plenty of roaring action, these interactive live shows are perfect for dinosaur fans of all ages.
Dino shows last approximately 45 minutes. Show times on Saturday & Sunday will be 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
Dino Walkabouts
Watch out – dinosaurs are on the loose! Our prehistoric stars will leave their festival home to roam the streets of Leicester city centre, stopping for photos, playful interactions and plenty of roaring surprises along the way.
- Saturday’s walkabout with all three dinos will travel from Cathedral Gardens at 12pm via Guildhall Lane, Silver Street, the Clock Tower and High Street before returning to Cathedral Gardens.
- Sunday’s walkabout with all three dinos will leave Jubilee Square at 12pm, heading along High Street, Shires Lane, through Highcross and St Peter’s Square before returning to Jubilee Square.
Dino crafts & activities
Get hands-on with a range of free prehistoric activities throughout the weekend! Create your own clay fossil to take home, transform into your favourite dinosaur with face painting, and discover incredible real fossils from Leicester Museums, including Triceratops and T. rex specimens.
Cinema in the Cathedral
On Saturday evening, Leicester Cathedral will host a special relaxed screening of Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur inside the stunning Cathedral nave, complete with blankets, cushions and a cosy family atmosphere!
Doors open at 6:45 for a 7:00pm showing.
Jurassic Park at Showcase Cinema
Continue your prehistoric adventure with a screening of the iconic Jurassic Park at Showcase Cinema de Lux Leicester as part of Leicester Dino Fest. Whether you’re revisiting the classic or introducing it to a new generation, it’s the perfect way to round off your dinosaur-filled day in Leicester city centre.
- Saturday 25 July – 12:00pm
- Sunday 26 July – 4:00pm
DINO EGG TRAIL
Keep your eyes peeled… dinosaur eggs have been hidden across Leicester city centre! Download the My Leicester App and follow the free Dino Egg Trail on 25 & 26 July to discover hidden prehistoric eggs, explore the city, and unlock prizes.
