From the richness of its history to the adventure of the present day, the Cowboy State is a must-see destination for the top events in the West – exciting and immersive experiences that leave you with lifelong memories.
15 Top Events in Wyoming
Whether you’re looking to catch a rodeo, experience frontier life or get a taste of some delicious Western chili, there are enough fairs and festivals to have something for everyone. Year after year, these are the 15 top events in Wyoming.
1. Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne
Where: Frontier Park, 4610 Carey Avenue, 1210 W 8th Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001
When: Late July
Grab your ten-gallon hat and best boots and prepare for The Daddy of ’em All®. One of the best summer events in the US for over 100 years, Cheyenne Frontier Days is a world-famous celebration of Western culture. Lose yourself in days gone by while exploring Old Frontier Town, enjoy world-class live music at Frontier Nights and treat the family to thrilling rides at the Carnival Midway.
Of course, you can’t miss the star of the show at this top event: Cheyenne Frontier Days offers visitors nine full days of action-packed rodeo shows, including bull riding, barrel racing and more.
2. Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally, Riverton
Where: 816 N Federal Blvd. Riverton, WY 82501
When: The 3rd weekend in July
Top off a perfect summer day with a rainbow of colors floating through the sky. For three mornings in July, The Riverton Rendezvous & Balloon Rally launches around 20 hot air balloons from a soccer field, sending glowing hues cascading across the expansive Wind River Range.
In addition to the beautiful sights, Saturday’s rally brings fireworks, food trucks and live tunes to the Wild West.
3. Chris LeDoux Days, Kaycee
Where: Harold Jarrard Park/Downtown Kaycee, WY, 82639
When: Early June
Come celebrate a Cowboy State favorite’s incredible life and career at Chris LeDoux Days, a top event in downtown Kaycee every summer.
World-famous country singer and accomplished rodeo champion LeDoux called the city his stomping ground before his untimely passing in 2005. His influence lives on in both fields and culminates in a city-wide festival in his honor, featuring bareback and saddle bronc riding, relay racing and live concerts.
4. Chugwater Chili Cook-Off & Roundup, Chugwater
Where: Staats Park, 321 3rd St, Chugwater, WY 82210
When: Mid-June
Nothing warms the soul and fills the belly like a great chili, and for 38 years, the Chugwater community has been the hotspot for the best recipes in Wyoming.
The annual Chili Cook-Off & Roundup isn’t just about the chili, however — you can tickle your taste buds with cobbler, salsa and even pie (if you want to enter their pie-eating contest, that is.) Enjoy vendor shopping, wagon rides, a petting zoo for the kiddos and more.
5. Cody Stampede Rodeo, Cody
Where: Cody Stampede Rodeo Grounds, 16, Cody, WY 82414
When: June 30 – July 4, annually
If you’re antsy for some rodeo action, Cody is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming. Named for founder and famed showman William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the city’s history of roping and riding runs deep, and the Cody Stampede Rodeo is a great way to get a front-row seat. It is a great way to spend the fourth.
Choose from a wide variety of riding styles, take in the Cody Nite Rodeo for some excitement after dark or bring the whole family down for some kid-friendly Wild West fun.
6. Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow, Fort Washakie
Where: #14 North Fork Rd., Fort Washakie, WY 82514
When: Late June
The Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow in Fort Washakie is a powerful and immersive experience, honoring the tribe’s incredible heritage in Wind River Country and the importance of Indigenous culture in the present day.
This three-day event centers around tribal dancing competitions, allowing visitors to view the sacred ritual of tribal dance for themselves. While you’re there, you can participate in traditional games, sample delicious cuisine and take home unique, authentic Indigenous art and craft work from various vendors.
7. Northern Arapaho Song & Dance, Riverton
Where: Wind River Hotel & Casino, 180 Red Wolf Place, Riverton, WY 82501
When: Tuesdays in June, July and August
Enjoy an evening of artistry and history at the Northern Arapaho Song & Dance at the Wind River Hotel & Casino in Riverton.
This event gives locals and visitors alike the opportunity to watch Indigenous dancing and singing performed by tribe members who have studied and crafted the time-honored tradition, as well as listen as they tell tales of their heritage and their ancestors’ impact on Wyoming’s history. Observe historical artifacts and photographs, and even take part in a Friendship Dance while you’re there.
8. Old West Days & ElkFest Weekend, Jackson
Where: Downtown Jackson, WY, 83001
When: Late May
The Old West has a long and fascinating history to celebrate, and Jackson is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming when you want to experience it. Get the party started with ElkFest, a three-day festival that centers around the ElkFest Elk Antler Auction, one of the most popular of its kind.
The fun doesn’t stop there, however — wander through Mountain Man Rendezvous and experience an old-time outdoor market similar to where trappers sold their wares, or spice up your meal at the High Noon Chili Cook-Off. Then, keep it going with Old West Days events throughout the following weekend, including Million Dollar Music Fest, Best of the West Parade and more.
9. Longmire Days, Buffalo
Where: Downtown Buffalo, WY, 82834
When: Late July
Whether you’re a diehard fan of the fictional rough-around-the-edges sheriff or simply looking for a top summer event in the Cowboy State, Longmire Days in Buffalo will surely have something to suit your fancy. This mystery-series-turned-blockbuster-TV show’s author, Craig Johnson, lives in a log-cabin home in Ucross, Wyoming, and used Buffalo as a setting under a different name.
The city residents honor Johnson and their small screen credit every summer. Join them to partake in fun Western activities with cast members, from brunch on the ranch to horseback riding. There is also a parade, rodeo and 5k race for visitors to enjoy. Make sure to pack your appetite for fantastic vendor food and a pig roast to close out the event.
10. Beartrap Summer Festival, Casper
Where: Beartrap Meadow. Beartrap Meadow Park, Casper Mountain, WY 82601
When: Early August
Awaken an almost 1960s-style spirit in a meadow full of tunes at the Beartrap Summer Festival in Casper. From the picture-perfect mountain setting to the jam-packed setlists, this celebration of music and food is one of the top summer events in the Cowboy State and is a must-see for avid concertgoers. The lineup changes each year but is always a fun blend of Western, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, alternative and more. Feast the day away on kettle corn, cajun eats and unique desserts.
11. Wyoming State Fair, Douglas
Where: Wyoming State Fairgrounds & Event Complex, 400 W Center St., Douglas, WY, 82633
When: August 13 – 17
State fairs are among the best summer events in the US, and when you visit Wyoming, you can have that home-state experience with a Wild West twist. The Wyoming State Fair in Douglas takes place in an enormous complex well suited to provide fun for every family member, from magic shows and rodeos to mini golf and demolition derbies.
There is live music daily, story time for little ones and a well-stocked saloon for when the adults need an evening out and a cold drink.
12. International Climbers’ Festival, Lander
Where: Downtown Lander, WY, 82520
When: Mid-July
It’s no secret that Wyoming is home to some of the world’s most in-demand rock climbing destinations, so you shouldn’t be surprised that it is a prime location for a premiere climbers’ fair every summer. For 30 years, the International Climbers’ Festival in Lander has been top event and a meeting place for climbers of all skill levels and backgrounds, providing the opportunity to come out, climb together and enjoy the camaraderie.
But it’s not just for climbers: the festival has yoga, mountain biking, a farmers market and more. And for those with a competitive spirit, don’t miss the Fremont Toyota Limestone Rodeo Climbing Competition, where climbers from all over the globe show off their skills.
13. Green River Rendezvous, Pinedale
Where: Downtown Pinedale, WY, 82941
When: Mid-July
The early days of pioneer life and the heritage of Indigenous people come alive at the Green River Rendezvous in Pinedale. Rooted in the city’s history, this festival is a long-standing tradition that brings back a piece of the Old West for everyone to revel in.
Stroll the Local Artists Art Walk, watch demonstrations of life in days gone by put on by the Museum of Mountain Man or pull up a chair for a street dance to live music.
14. Gold Rush Days, South Pass City
Where: 125 Main St., South Pass City, WY, 82520
When: Early July
Come one, come all to explore the remains of an authentic ghost town. Founded in the days when settlers pushed west in hopes of finding their fortune, South Pass City honors its history by hosting one of the best summer events in the US: the aptly named Gold Rush Days.
Today, the city is a living museum featuring many original buildings that have been lovingly restored to period. July is the time for a family trip there that is as entertaining as it is educational. At this top event, you’ll find gold panning, anvil blasting, vintage baseball, mine tours and so much more. Let them pour you a glass of old-fashioned sarsaparilla while you’re in town.
15. Don King Days, Sheridan
Where: The Big Horn Equestrian Center, 352 Bird Farm Rd., Sheridan, WY, 82801
When: September 3 – 4
Cowboys, horses, boots and saddles — these are the things that Wyoming is made of, and Don King Days in Sheridan provides the perfect setting for experiencing it all in one place.
Named for the Cowboy State’s famous saddle maker, this festival is one of Wyoming’s top events, and celebrates all things equestrian, from bronc riding to steer roping to polo. Amid all the excitement, there are live tunes and ample picnic space ready for soaking in the Western outdoors with a bit of help from food and beverage vendors.
Check out our events calendar and make your next visit to Wyoming unforgettable any time of the year.
