A message from the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce:
JACKSON, Wyo. — Hey friends—can you feel it? That energy building around town and the sense that Festival Season is finally here? That’s right — Old West Days is just around the corner, and if you’ve lived in Jackson more than a minute, you know this isn’t just another festival. This is our festival. It’s the official kickoff to summer and the perfect excuse to get out, reconnect and enjoy all the things that make this town special.
Sure, tourists love it — but Old West Days is really for us, the locals. It’s the time when we get to enjoy Jackson before the high season hits. And the Chamber of Commerce? They put so much heart into this festival because it’s more than an event — it’s about celebrating who we are, supporting local businesses and reminding everyone just how incredible this community is.
Let’s start with Jackson Hole Restaurant Week, May 16-23. If you’ve been eyeing a place you haven’t tried (or just want an excuse to revisit your favorite spot), this is the week to do it. Local restaurants are rolling out special menus and deals, and it’s all designed to get us out and about before the summer crowd takes over. It’s basically a delicious warm-up lap for your taste buds.
Then there’s the legendary High Noon Chili Cook Off on Sunday, May 26. Imagine the Town Square filled with the aroma of simmering chili, with 20 local chefs — from seasoned pros to passionate home cooks — all competing for bragging rights. It’s fun, tasty and such a cool way to support local talent. You get to eat, vote and chat with neighbors, all in the name of finding the Best Chili in Jackson Hole.
Of course, we can’t talk Old West Days without mentioning ElkFest, Saturday, May 17. It’s one of those “only in Jackson” events. Our local Scout troops head out each spring to collect antlers shed on the National Elk Refuge, and the big auction helps support both the Scouts and the refuge’s conservation work. It’s a great cause wrapped in Western charm — and yeah, it’s also pretty awesome to see those racks lined up on the Square.
And let’s be real — beer is basically a love language in Jackson. This year’s Brewfest, Saturday, May 24, is shaping up to be epic. Our hometown legends — Snake River Brewing, Melvin/Roadhouse, Stillwest and Grand Teton Brewing — are throwing down alongside 14 breweries from around the country. They’ll all be competing for the coveted Golden Boot Award, which, let’s face it, is the kind of trophy that only a place like Jackson could come up with. Come thirsty.
The whole week builds up to the Best of the West Parade, Saturday, May 24, which is part celebration, part reunion and part “remember how much we love living here?” It’s floats, horses, music, local flair — and the kind of event where you’ll probably see at least five people you know and a few you haven’t seen since ski season.
And just when you think it couldn’t get better, the Million Dollar Music Fest closes it out with a free concert on the Square, Sunday, May 25. This year? We’ve got Midland & John Michael Montgomery headlining, with special guest, Tenille Townes, starting things off. It’s big, it’s fun, it’s outdoors on the Town Square and it’s free. Seriously, how lucky are we?
So here’s your friendly nudge: don’t let Old West Days sneak past you. This isn’t just a bunch of events — it’s a celebration of us. The people who live here, work here and make Jackson Hole the incredible place it is.
Want the full lineup? Head to jacksonholechamber.com/events and mark your calendar. Let’s make this one the best yet.
