JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to the summer season in Jackson Hole, and around these parts the weekend is known as Old West Days.
The 37thAnnual Old West Days celebration takes place May 25-28, 2018. Jackson Hole has long been referred to as “The Last of the Old West” and, with the area’s rich history, it’s no wonder Old West Days is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Visitors from all over the country come to delight in the live music, theatrical entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, rodeo events, and much more.
Action-packed weekend
Over the past few years, Old West Days weekend has been starting earlier and earlier. That’s just to make sure we get everything in!
Thursday begins with “Toast to the Cowboy” and the kickoff of Old West Days weekend. Join the Chamber for their celebration at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar from 5-7pm. New ownership at the Cowboy is chomping at the bit to unveil the revamped interior of the Cowboy Bar as well as the refurbished iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar neon sign.
Following the celebration, country legend Jo Dee Messina will be in concert at the bar for a memorable night you won’t want to miss.
Friday night begins the Bar J Chuckwagon supper and western music show. It’s one part western music show, one part stand-up comedy, and one part delicious authentic Western grub.
Join the Bar J Wranglers as they deliver some of the purest harmony, finest musicianship, and funniest ranch humor ever seen on stage. You’ll be transported from today’s busy world to a simpler life on the range. It’s one-of-a-kind cowboy entertainment with a hearty home-cooked meal. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Saturday is jam packed with all of the local’s favorite events like the annual horse-drawn Old West Days parade at 10am, followed by kids’ crafts and live Western music on the famous elk antler-framed Town Square.
After the parade, craft beer lovers will enjoy sampling some of the region’s best brews from 11am-5pm at the Old West Brew Fest. Upon arrival you’ll be given a mug for $25, which entitles you access to some of the best regional brewers who are also competing for the coveted Golden Boot prize. Your palate and vote will help decide the winner.
Sunday morning you won’t want to miss the traditional and inspirational Cowboy Church on the Town Square at 10am.
Remember to save your energy because the Chamber will be hosting a new event on Sunday called Sip & See from 12:30-3:30pm.
Attendees will enjoy wine from Jackson Hole Winery, and a once in a lifetime experience viewing the finest in Western works of art. Live art demos by Danny Shervin, Lyndsay McCandless, Fred Kingwill, Emily Boespflug, John Springer and Erick Nelson will be sure to provide something for everyone—from painting with gunpowder to painting on skulls!
This event is free to attend and open to the public. Wine will be available for purchase.
Best of the rest
Other notable events during Old West Days weekend include the Jackson Hole Rodeo (Saturday night at 8pm). The West is still wild and you’ll find out why at one of the country’s most exciting and authentic rodeos.
The Shootout on the Town Square (Daily at 6pm except for Sundays) is the longest-running cowboy shooting reenactment show in the country. It’s been a much-enjoyed tradition in downtown Jackson since 1957. An estimated four million people have enjoyed the show through the decades.
The Mountain Man Rendezvous and Traders Row at the Teton Fairgrounds (Daily, 9am-5pm) is a look at what life was like in Jackson Hole when some of the explorers, trappers and early mountain men first laid eyes on the valley in the early 1800s.
Come prepared to be entertained by bow-and-arrow competitions and hawk-and-knife rivalries between costumed mountain men. Oh, and bring your wallet. There will be plenty of shopping opportunities as well.
