Dinosaur Ridge Annual Gala • Celebrating Colorado’s 150th Anniversary

Rock Out for the Ridge

Sesquicentennial Saloon

Saturday, April 25, 2026 • 5:00pm-10:00pm

Denver Marriott West
1717 Denver West Marriott Blvd
Golden, CO 80401

Support Dinosaur Ridge at the 2026 Rock Out for the Ridge Gala
Sponsorships help fund the Sesquicentennial Saloon, event programming, and the Deep Time Detour exhibition.

About Rock Out for the Ridge

Rock Out For the Ridge is the annual fundraising gala benefiting the Morrison, Colorado-based nonprofit organization Friends of Dinosaur Ridge (FODR). The event brings together supporters for a fun, memorable evening celebrating the discoveries, education programs, and conservation work that protect this world-famous fossil site.

To celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary, this year’s gala takes on an 1876-style Sesquicentennial Saloon theme.

What to Expect

Guests will play casino games using Dino Dollars throughout the evening.

All proceeds support the mission of Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, including fossil protection, education, scientific research, and the upcoming Deep Time Detour exhibition at the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center.

Step into the spirit of 1876 with an evening that includes:

Buffet featuring delicious vegetarian and meat options
Signature desserts from The Inventing Room
Special cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
Casino games (poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, money wheel)
Silent Auction
Costume Contest
Photo Booth and Live DJ
Wine and Whiskey pull

Attire

Dress as you would have in 1876, or come in your favorite lucky casino outfit. Judges will decide who wore it best!

Costumes are encouraged (there will be prizes), and no experience is needed — our dealers will teach you how to play.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the event and help advance the mission of Dinosaur Ridge by becoming a Rock Out for the Ridge sponsor.

Royal Flush

$10,000

As a Royal Flush sponsor, you receive:

1 table for 10 with signage
1 inaugural Deep Time Detour Founders Club Membership ($150 value)
Recognition across event signage, social media, newsletter, and the 2026 Annual Report
Special VIP after-hours tour of the Deep Time Detour Exhibition with refreshments and scheduled with your group

Full House

$5,000

As a Full House sponsor, you help support the event’s ticketing and silent auction systems and receive:

1 table for 10 with signage
1 inaugural Deep Time Detour Founders Club Membership ($150 value)
Recognition across event signage, social media, newsletter, and the 2026 Annual Report
Private group tour of Dinosaur Ridge (guided bus or walking) with snacks and scheduled with your group