Date: Saturday, October 31st
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free with membership/admission

Be a part of our Dia de los Muertos ofrenda (altar)! At this special drop-in program, kids and families can join artist Trini Fleming to create their own calavera (sugar skull) locust to add to the altar. Trini will be on hand to explain the various components of the exhibit and to help you add your own unique sugar skull locust to the ofrenda!

This special Saturday Kids’ Activity is paired with MNHC’s temporary exhibit that honors the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Created by former field staff Trini Fleming, this exhibit includes a traditional ofrenda (altar) dedicated to a globally extinct species native to Montana: the Rocky Mountain locust. Once numbering in the trillions across Montana, this keystone insect went extinct in the early 1900s, likely due to human agricultural disruptions. Trini’s multi-tiered installation incorporates traditional elements (like paper marigolds) alongside native Missoula grasses and educational signage. Trini hopes to educate visitors on Dia de los Muertos and the concept of preventing a “second death” by promoting the memory of this lost key component of Montana’s natural landscape.

About Saturday Kids’ Activities: Our drop-in Saturday programs feature activities, art, science experiments, and more. Stop in anytime between 11:00 a.m and 1:00 p.m. for the fun! Kids might look for Osprey with binoculars, dissect owl pellets, or walk a model of the solar system. Each program features a new topic. The whole family can be involved, as the exploration and activities are suitable for a wide age range.

Note: MNHC Saturday kids’ program is not available every Saturday. Please review our events calendar for dates and themes.