From rodeos and carnivals to art gallery openings, Wyoming offers events for visitors to enjoy year-round. Enjoying the variety of events takes some planning. To make summer vacation plans easier, here is a list of some popular Wyoming events occurring annually June through August.
1. Encampment – Woodchoppers Jamboree & Rodeo
At Encampment’s annual summer event, visitors experience a parade, a rodeo and woodchopping activities all in one. Delicious foods like pancakes and BBQ are also featured throughout the extravaganza. Hosted in mid-June, Woodchoppers Jamboree & Rodeo spans an entire weekend.
Wyoming has rodeos throughout the entire summer. Check some more of them out.
2. Chugwater – Chugwater Chili Cookoff
The Chugwater Chili Cook-Off is perfect for visitors who enjoy spice and taste testing. Fun for the entire family occurs throughout this weekend event. From a car show to kids’ games and live entertainment, visitors will only have a spare moment for the adults to sip on some of the beers offered.
3. Cody – Cody Stampede
A huge celebration for Independence Day occurs in Cody from the first day of July through the holiday. Cody Stampede kicks off with the Stampede Rodeo and ends with a BANG during a firework display.
Cody hosts plenty of other events throughout the summer, too. Take a look at the Yellowstone Beer Fest and the Cody Wild West River Fest.
4. Lander – International Climbers Festival
In mid-July, Lander’s annual International Climbers Festival allows visitors to celebrate rock climbing. With over five days of events, options exist for the entire family. Listening to a speaker from the speaker series or joining in on one of the fun events names just a few of the opportunities.
Lander hosts a variety of events from music festivals to treks. Look at the events page for more details.
5. Pinedale – Green River Rendezvous Days
Wyoming’s western history is full of stories from Native Americans and mountain men. Since 1936, visitors and locals have gathered together at Green River Rendezvous Days to experience historic presentations and an authentic traders row. As a bonus, Pinedale also hosts a small-town parade and a delicious pancake breakfast.
For those wanting other options, Pinedale also hosts an annual auction at the Museum of the Mountain Man.
6. Riverton – Riverton Rendezvous & Balloon Rally
All weekend long, visitors experience warm Wyoming days full of colorful skies. The Riverton Rendezvous & Balloon Rally in Riverton kicks off with hot air balloons rising into the summer skies. The weekend then fills with more fun like firework shows, a pancake breakfast and tethered balloon rides.
Wyoming hosts many historical rendezvous days. Riverton has one in early July that occurs on the actual historic site.
7. Cheyenne – Cheyenne Frontier Days
Known for its fast pace and number of contestants, The Daddy of ‘em All ensures that visitors experience rodeo action, Native American song and dance, and family-friendly events like the Thunderbirds. Cheyenne Frontier Days is an event that visitors do not want to miss!
8. Rock Springs – Wyoming’s Big Show
Rock Springs welcomes visitors to Wyoming’s Big Show for family fun. With a carnival, concerts and livestock exhibits, nothing showcases the west quite like this annual event.
9. Douglas – The Wyoming State Fair
Visitors coming to Wyoming near the middle of August can experience The Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. The Wyoming State Fair new inated in 1905 and offers a family friendly experience for all. From clowns to carnivals to concerts, there is truly something for each person to enjoy.
A number of fairs occur across the state. Find one near each travel destination.
10. Green River – River Festival
In mid-August, Green River’s locals celebrate their beautiful river. Visitors are welcome to join the River Festival, known for its shrimp boil, and are invited to take part in the Run with the Horses Marathon/Half/10K. Even if running does not sound appealing, visitors have a variety of other activities to participate in like fireworks and a duck race.
11. Arapahoe – Northern Arapahoe Powwow
The Northern Arapahoe Powwow provides an important opportunity for visitors to experience a piece of Arapahoe culture. As Wyoming’s oldest powwow, locals know how to answer visitor’s questions. The powwow lasts all weekend and includes kids’ games, gourd dancing and a feast.
Before attending, learn more about the power of powwows.
12. Big Horn – Don King Days
During the last days of August, two fun days of rodeo events and blacksmithing occur. Big Horn gets together to celebrate renowned saddle maker Don King. The majestic mountains of Sheridan provide a backdrop for this annual gathering, allowing visitors to soak in beautiful vistas while having a blast!
