TETON VILLAGE, Wyo — The Mangy Moose is legendary for its après scene, killer live shows and iconic Spicy Margs. But tucked behind the party vibes is a powerhouse team quietly crafting the kind of events guests rave about long after the last song ends.
Meet Adam Klomp, Director of Events, and Kat Gentlemen, Events Manager — the duo on a mission to create more happiness in this world and make dreams come true at the Mangy Moose. They’ve got the scoop on rock stars on their stage, mermaid modesty and why in-person events are back with a vengeance.
Of the tens of thousands of events the Mangy Moose has hosted – from weddings, birthdays, alumni meetups and corporate events, among others — which one has been the most unique?
A: What comes to mind are the super special events that have had Grammy-winning artists perform on our stage. Live music is at the heart of the Moose, which is why we are the ideal venue to listen to…oh, say… Lenny Kravitz or Hozier perform in an intimate setting with 100 guests. And with our new sound system? Every note lands like a thunderclap wrapped in velvet.
How about the weirdest client request?
K: One client asked us to cover the naked mermaid women we have on our saloon wall. I got on an 8-foot ladder and put T-shirts over them.
What’s one detail guests never notice, but you obsess over anyway?
A: Reconfiguring the Moose for private events is my favorite puzzle. The place has no shortage of character — we’ve got everything from vintage skis to a small biplane hanging overhead. The trick is knowing what to dial back, what to lean into and how to turn all that energy into something unexpectedly elegant. It’s like putting a tux on a moose — still wild, just dressed for the occasion.
K: For me, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact — candles in the bathroom, cocktail napkins perfectly aligned or pre-bussing so no dirty dishes are in sight. Guests may not notice, but the experience feels better because of it.
What’s the moment in every event when you hold your breath?
A: I love watching attendees arrive and see the Mangy Moose for the first time — it’s always a moment of surprise and delight. We take pride in bringing our clients’ visions to life, whether that’s on-site or somewhere more personal. When a client’s July 4th dinner suddenly shifted in size, Kat suggested hosting it at their home instead. Our culinary director and team brought the full Mangy Moose experience, serving a custom menu and specialty drinks for the guest of honor that made the evening feel just as unforgettable.
K: I always hold my breath the moment when we drop food before guests start to eat. This is when all the carefully planned logistics come into play, like helping guests find their seats, and making sure the food is labeled and perfectly set. Once they start to eat, I can exhale knowing that the evening is going according to plan.
The Mangy Moose has hosted a fair share of weddings. What’s the No. 1 song that gets everybody on the dance floor?
K: ABBA is having such a moment at weddings. Who doesn’t love “Dancing Queen”?
Why events? Couldn’t we just celebrate over Zoom?
A: Nothing beats being there. In-person events spark real connections — the kind where people clink glasses, share hugs and laugh loud. People come to the Moose to let loose, not look down at their phone. It’s all about creating a space for moments people actually remember.
K: People choose to host events at venues so they can actually enjoy them — to be present with their guests, not stuck managing details. But the Mangy Moose isn’t just a venue. It’s a living piece of Jackson Hole history. The energy here is palpable — from the decades-old décor hanging overhead to the familiar faces behind the bar who’ve been here for over 10 years. There’s a sense of place, of character, of something real — and that authenticity is what makes the memories stick.
Thinking about gettin’ loose at the Moose for a private event? Expect to be in great hands. Drop Adam an email at adam@mangymoose.com.
