The Big Jurassic Birthday Bash at the Etches Collection
Saturday 22 August 2026
The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, Kimmeridge
Join The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life as it celebrates an incredible 10 years with its biggest public event ever – The Big Jurassic Birthday Bash!
This family-friendly celebration promises a fantastic day of discovery, creativity and community, with activities taking place across the museum, Kimmeridge village and Kimmeridge Bay. It’s also a special year for the Dorset coast, marking the 25th anniversaries of both the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Kimmeridge Wild Seas Centre.
Whether you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, love the Jurassic Coast or are simply looking for a brilliant summer day out, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect
Your event ticket includes single-entry admission to The Etches Collection Museum, where you can enjoy:
- Face painting
- Design-a-Saur art competition
- Hands-on clay workshop
- Guided village history tours
- Raffle and tombola
- Meet experts and exhibitors to learn about the Jurassic Coast, fossils and careers in palaeontology
- A bustling marketplace featuring palaeontology-inspired artists, authors and makers
Meet the Traders
Browse unique gifts, artwork and books from a fantastic line-up of local creatives, including:
- Lee Brown – Paleoart
- Phoebe Ginger – Paleoart
- Charlotte & Hannah – Sea glass art and crochet creations
- Matthew Myerscough – Author of In Search of Sea Dragons (signed copies available)
- Simon Hall – Author of Beastly Times on the Jurassic Line (signed copies available)
- Elle Harvey – Handmade fossil-inspired jewellery
- Devon Fox – Palaeontology and sea-themed homeware
- Karen Fawcett – Paleoart
More traders will be announced soon.
Exhibitors
Meet organisations helping to protect and celebrate Dorset’s incredible natural heritage, including:
- Lyme Regis Museum
- Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
- Smiling Seas
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
- University of Portsmouth
Talks
Enjoy fascinating talks throughout the day, with speakers including Phil James, plus more guest speakers to be announced.
Explore Kimmeridge Bay
Head down to the bay to enjoy even more activities, including:
- Visit the Wild Seas Centre
- Join a beach clean with Smiling Seas
- Explore an art exhibition
- Meet Bay Rangers and Fossil Experts
- Learn about both ancient Jurassic life and today’s marine wildlife
Food & Drink
There’ll be plenty of refreshments available throughout the day, including:
- Clavell’s Restaurant
- Boat on the Bay
- Purbeck Ice Cream
- Event BBQ
- Festival-themed snacks and drinks
Meet Big Sara!
One of the event’s highlights is the chance to see Big Sara, the UK’s largest Allosaur and the only real dinosaur on permanent display in Dorset. Standing an impressive 10 metres long with formidable 8-inch claws, she’ll provide a spectacular backdrop to the traders’ marketplace.
Tickets
Tickets are available now through The Etches Collection’s online shop.
Come along and celebrate a decade of world-class fossils, scientific discovery and community spirit in one of Dorset’s most beautiful coastal villages. It’s set to be a Jurassic day to remember!
Note: This event listing is a guide only. For up to date information and or changes to the event please check with the organiser or venue.
