This story originally appeared in the 2025 Locals’ Guidebook featuring the Best of Jackson Hole. Pick up a copy today!
JACKSON, Wyo. — From longtime roadhouses to mountain summit stages, Jackson’s concert roster rivals national marquees. The Tetons may be made of granite, but evenings in town rock just as hard as their igneous peaks, especially in the summer.
Arrive by gondola or by trail to catch a show at 8,000 feet for Snow King’s King Concert series. Summer 2025 included acts like Wilco, Modest Mouse, Primus, Marcus King Band, De La Soul, and Damian and Stephen Marley. Sitting atop the “town hill” with a panoramic backdrop of the Tetons and Gros Ventre, not even locals can pass up a chance to catch the alpenglow of their favorite rock bands reverberating across the Rockies.
Back down in the valley, downtown Jackson is always ready to boot, scoot and boogie. Standby music haunt the Silver Dollar Bar is home to weekly shows with Jackson’s original bluegrass band, One Ton Pig, and rising acts performing regularly. Its sibling around the corner, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is known nationally by reputation, from the bar seats made of saddles to the intimate shows with some of country’s biggest names. Looking for an all-ages venue? The lawn at Center for the Arts is one of the best-kept secrets for a picnic and a show.
Those looking for more independent music should keep their eyes on the bookings at the Mangy Moose in Teton Village, where Ox Presents brings in everything from hip-hop to alternative rock to jam bands in the iconic roadhouse known for its ski culture vibe and intimate stage.
With acts like New Orleans’ The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux, Jr. and High Step Society, Concerts on the Commons make for the perfect family outing to catch a grab-n-go meal in the Vil, let the littles enjoy the geyser sprinklers and get one last weekend moment in before Monday comes around. The free concert series takes place on summer Sundays, with added shows for the Fourth of July holiday.
When Monday does come around, there’s no reason not to take in the locals’ picking party at Dornan’s in Moose with the Jackson Hole Hootenanny. A mix of musicians from all corners of the earth, the Hoots began in the 1950s and remain a cornerstone of Jackson’s music history.
Up in Alta, the Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival celebrated its 35th anniversary this August with acts like Leftover Salmon, Kitchen Dwellers, Greensky Bluegrass, Mountain Grass Unit and Lukas Nelson. A coveted week in Teton Valley, the festival follows a week of Targhee Music Camp, with instructors often playing in the festival.
The Wydaho (how the locals refer to Teton Valley’s dual state identity) music scene can be enjoyed all week and summer long with outdoor shows at the Tetonia Club every Friday and Saturday. Downtown Sounds at the Driggs City Center brings classical, folk and other genres for free shows at the bandshell. And, for 20 years running, on Thursday nights, everyone and their mother head to Victor City Park for Music on Main, Teton Valley Foundation’s free concert series. This summer’s lineup included Neal Francis, Vandoliers, Fruition, Bamba Wassoulou Groove and Lindsay Lou.
