In most places, you can only reminisce about yesterday’s colorful past. Here in Cheyenne, history comes to life, energized by one of today’s most vibrant Western cities and celebrations. Since 1897, Cheyenne has celebrated its Old West roots with this one of a kind festival, The Daddy of ‘Em All, Cheyenne Frontier Days. To make sure you’re not missing out on any of the festivities, we’ve put together a list of 5 things you must do and see.
1. PRCA Rodeo
As the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, the “Daddy of ‘Em All,” packs the action into nine daily performances. With sections of bulls, saddle and bareback bronc events, CFD is known for the contestants that come from far and wide. In between the main acts, you’ll want to turn your attention to the announcers, barrelman and bullfighters—not to mention the track acts.
2. Night Shows
The afternoon rodeo isn’t the only action you’ll see. Don’t miss nights of Championship Bull Riding. And if you’re a country music fanatic, CFD nights are the place to be. Featuring some of the greatest names in country music, head on over to the ticket office, get your boots and cowboy hats on and get ready for a great time! See the concert lineup.
3. Parades
Making their way through downtown Cheyenne, the grand parades feature new inal floats from 1926, marching bands and horse and riders. If you want to get a good seat, many people stake out their territory just after the sun comes up to get in the shade with curbside seating. Lots of the floats include children, friends and family members and the employees of sponsoring businesses all that have deep Wyoming roots.
4. Free Pancake Breakfast
Started by the Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee in 1952, the traditional free pancake breakfast is a favorite for all who attend. Volunteers serve up more than 100,000 pancakes and 475 gallons of syrup in the depot plaza in downtown Cheyenne each year. Beginning at 7 a.m., free breakfast is served with a special Cheyenne “howdy” and a smile. Be sure to bring a big appetite and enjoy!
Find more free events at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
5. Behind the Chutes Tour
Get a cowboy’s perspective behind the chutes as this tour leads you through the chutes and gates where the bulls and broncs await their events. Finish the tour by stepping out onto the arena and looking up into the grandstands, which in just a few hours, will be filled with thousands of onlookers for the night’s event.
