Giant dinosaurs are set to stomp into Leicester city centre this summer as Leicester Dino Fest brings a weekend of prehistoric fun to Cathedral Gardens and Jubilee Square.
Taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026, the free family festival will transform the city centre into a Jurassic adventure packed with live dinosaur shows, roaming walkabout dinosaurs, hands-on activities, fossil discoveries and interactive experiences for all ages.
Presented by BID Leicester and Leicester Cathedral, the festival promises a “roarsome” weekend of entertainment, with visitors able to meet incredible dinosaurs up close during three live shows each day, as well as encounter roaming dinos as they parade through the city centre.
Families will also be able to enjoy a range of free activities throughout the weekend, including face painting, clay fossil making, and the chance to handle real fossils on loan from Leicester Museums, including Triceratops and T. rex fossils.
Alongside the live entertainment, visitors will be encouraged to explore the city centre through the free Dino Egg Trail, launching exclusively on the My Leicester App for the festival weekend.
Participants will be able to follow the trail around Leicester city centre to discover hidden dinosaur eggs, unlock prizes, and explore prehistoric hotspots across the city. Organisers are encouraging families to download the My Leicester App ahead of the event ready for the trail launch on 25 & 26 July.
A special Saturday evening event will also see Leicester Cathedral host a relaxed screening of Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur inside the stunning Cathedral nave, offering families the chance to enjoy a cosy cinema experience surrounded by one of Leicester’s most iconic landmarks.
With giant dinosaurs, interactive experiences and city-wide adventures planned across the weekend, Leicester Dino Fest is set to be one of the city centre’s biggest family events of the summer.
Simon Jenner, BID Director at BID Leicester, said: “Leicester Dino Fest is all about bringing families into the city centre for a fun, free and memorable summer weekend together. From giant roaming dinosaurs and live shows to hands-on activities and the Dino Egg Trail across the city, there’ll be something for all ages to enjoy. We’re really excited to be working alongside Leicester Cathedral and the fantastic team at Rent-a-Dinosaur to create a festival that combines entertainment, discovery and adventure in the heart of Leicester.”
Francesca Pellegrino, Head of Visitor Experience, Leicester Cathedral , said: “At Leicester Cathedral, we are always looking for creative ways to showcase the city. Partnering with BID Leicester on Dino Fest is a fantastic opportunity to engage families and visitors in a fun, imaginative and inspiring way. By bringing together history, discovery and a sense of adventure, we can create memorable experiences that welcome new audiences and celebrate Leicester as a vibrant, cultural destination.”
Leicester Dino Fest takes place between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026 at Cathedral Gardens and Jubilee Square.
The event is free to attend. Tickets for The Good Dinosaur screening at Leicester Cathedral will be available to book online, visit bidleicester.co.uk/dinofest for more information.