The Most Epic Annual Events in Wyoming: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Wyoming isn’t just a land of towering peaks, vast plains, and cowboy culture—it’s a state that knows how to celebrate its heritage, community, and love for adventure. From the wild rodeos that honor its Western roots to art, music, and cultural festivals that bring people together, Wyoming’s annual events are as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged charm of Cheyenne or the mountain elegance of Jackson Hole, these top 10 must-experience festivals in Wyoming promise unforgettable memories for travelers and locals alike.
Cheyenne Frontier Days – The Daddy of ’Em All
If Wyoming had a crown jewel of events, it would undoubtedly be Cheyenne Frontier Days, often called “The Daddy of ’Em All.” First held in 1897, this legendary celebration is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and one of the state’s proudest traditions.
What makes it epic:
A full week of PRCA-sanctioned rodeo competitions, bull riding, and barrel racing.
Massive concerts featuring top country artists like Cody Johnson and Luke Bryan.
A parade through downtown Cheyenne, pancake breakfasts, and an old-fashioned carnival.
Held every July in Wyoming’s capital, this event draws hundreds of thousands from around the world. It’s not just a rodeo—it’s a living tribute to Wyoming’s cowboy heritage.
Pro tip: Book accommodations early and plan to attend both the rodeo and one of the evening concerts for the full Cheyenne experience.
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival – Where Nature Inspires Art
Each September, Jackson Hole transforms into an open-air gallery during the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, one of the premier cultural events in the Rocky Mountain region.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Features world-class art shows, live auctions, and gallery walks across downtown Jackson.
The Western Design Conference showcases exquisite handcrafted furniture, jewelry, and fashion.
The QuickDraw Art Sale and Auction allows guests to watch artists create masterpieces live before auctioning them off.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Range, this festival blends creativity, community, and Wyoming’s natural beauty in one unforgettable experience.
Perfect for: Art lovers, collectors, and anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and mountain culture.
Cody Stampede and Rodeo – Western Spirit in Action
No town embodies the Wild West quite like Cody, founded by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody himself. Each summer, the Cody Stampede celebrates that spirit with five days of rodeo, parades, and fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday.
Highlights include:
The Cody Stampede Rodeo, featuring elite cowboys from across the nation.
A patriotic parade, live music, and family-friendly Western entertainment.
The chance to explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, one of America’s top Western museums.
Cody’s small-town pride and authentic cowboy energy make this one of Wyoming’s most beloved annual events.
Wyoming State Fair – Douglas
For a true taste of Wyoming life, the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas is the place to be every August. It’s a wholesome mix of agriculture, art, and fun that perfectly captures the state’s heartland culture.
Expect to see:
Livestock shows, rodeo events, and competitive exhibitions.
A lively midway full of rides, games, and food vendors.
Concerts, tractor pulls, and homegrown contests celebrating rural life.
Family-friendly and community-centered, the Wyoming State Fair is a tradition that unites generations and honors the people who keep the Cowboy State thriving.
Rendezvous Festival – Teton Village
When summer winds down, the Rendezvous Festival in Teton Village near Jackson Hole brings music, mountains, and magic together. This open-air music festival celebrates the spirit of the West with unforgettable performances.
Festival features:
Two days of live music across multiple stages, featuring nationally known rock and country artists.
Scenic outdoor venues at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with sweeping alpine views.
Great local food, craft beer, and a fun, laid-back mountain atmosphere.
With cool mountain air and incredible music under the Tetons, the Rendezvous Festival captures Wyoming’s balance of adventure and artistry.
Laramie Jubilee Days – A True Cowboy Celebration
Held every July in the historic town of Laramie, Jubilee Days honors Wyoming’s statehood and celebrates the cowboy way of life with community charm and high-energy festivities.
Why it’s worth attending:
PRCA rodeo events, including bull riding and barrel racing.
A grand parade, car show, and street dances for all ages.
Authentic Western food vendors serving everything from BBQ to fry bread.
Laramie Jubilee Days is more than an event—it’s a homecoming for locals and a warm welcome for visitors. The friendly atmosphere makes it one of the most inviting festivals in Wyoming.
Wyoming Brewers Festival – Cheyenne
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, the Wyoming Brewers Festival in Cheyenne deserves a spot on your calendar. Held each June at the historic Cheyenne Depot Plaza, this festival celebrates Wyoming’s growing craft beer scene and community spirit.
What to expect:
Dozens of breweries from across the Rocky Mountain region offering tastings.
Live music, local food trucks, and a laid-back vibe perfect for summer evenings.
Proceeds benefit the Cheyenne Depot Museum, preserving local history.
Sip, socialize, and savor the best brews Wyoming has to offer—all while enjoying the cool evening breeze in downtown Cheyenne.
Snow King Hill Climb – Jackson
For adrenaline junkies, the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb at Snow King Mountain in Jackson is pure Wyoming excitement. Held every March, this event attracts top snowmobile racers and thousands of spectators.
Event highlights:
Professional riders race snowmobiles up a steep 1,500-foot mountain slope.
Vendors, food stalls, and live music create a festival-like atmosphere.
Proceeds support local charities and mountain rescue organizations.
It’s loud, fast, and thrilling—a celebration of winter sports and the fearless spirit that defines Wyoming adventure.
Big Horn Mountain Festival – Buffalo
The Big Horn Mountain Festival is a gathering that combines bluegrass, folk, and Americana music with Wyoming’s small-town hospitality. Hosted every July in Buffalo, it attracts talented musicians and dedicated fans from across the region.
Why you’ll love it:
Intimate performances by national and local artists in a relaxed setting.
Workshops and jam sessions for aspiring musicians.
Camping and community activities in the scenic foothills of the Bighorn Mountains.
If you’re seeking a peaceful yet inspiring festival that celebrates both music and nature, Big Horn Mountain Festival is an experience to remember.
Sheridan WYO Rodeo – Tradition Meets Celebration
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of Wyoming’s most respected annual events, blending classic rodeo competitions with community pride and entertainment. Established in 1931, it remains a cornerstone of the state’s Western identity.
Signature events include:
PRCA rodeo competitions, parade, and carnival.
The popular WYO Rodeo Boot Kick-Off street dance.
Community pancake breakfasts and the thrilling Sneakers & Spurs 5K Run.
Held each July, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo perfectly balances old-fashioned fun with top-tier rodeo action, embodying Wyoming’s enduring cowboy heritage.
Bonus Picks: More Wyoming Festivals Worth Exploring
Wyoming’s calendar is filled with smaller yet equally unique annual events that deserve mention:
Green River Flaming Gorge Days – Summer concerts, car shows, and parades celebrating this scenic town.
Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo – Family-friendly rodeo action in one of Wyoming’s most historic hot spring towns.
Rock Springs International Day – A global celebration of cultural diversity and community pride.
Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally – Dozens of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky over central Wyoming each July.
These hidden gems highlight Wyoming’s local pride and vibrant sense of community in every corner of the state.
Conclusion: Experience the Wild, the Festive, and the Unforgettable
The most epic annual events in Wyoming are more than just dates on a calendar—they’re living stories of the West. They bring people together to celebrate art, adventure, and the untamed beauty of this remarkable state.
So, whether you’re planning a road trip through the Cowboy State or looking for a reason to return, let these top 10 must-experience festivals guide your journey. From rodeo arenas and mountain stages to small-town streets filled with laughter, Wyoming invites you to join in the celebration.
Come experience the energy, tradition, and heart of Wyoming—where every festival is a story waiting to be lived.