Welcome to summer in JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING!. In a word it’s GLORIOUS. Even the most die hard local skiers and shredders would agree that there is nothing quite like summertime in Jackson. The valley literally comes to life when the winter snow recedes and transforms this idyllic mountain town. Wildflowers and wildlife are in abundance, while puffy coats and snow boots go into hibernation and in their place t-shirts and flip flops become the dress code of choice. Summer is the perfect time for those would-be tourists that scoff at snow and temps below zero to make their way out to Jackson. Here’s a quick guide of a few events that will be going on this summer when you come to visit.
Music
The music scene in summer offers plenty of different sounds and opportunities for everyone. From big festivals, to intimate concerts, to plenty of free outdoor options to satisfy every music fan’s budget. Here’s a list of some summer favorites to help you get your groove on.
Jackson’s favorite outdoor summer concert series returns with free shows from June to August. Located at the base of Snow King, this already legendary concert series just seems to get better and better every year. Concerts start at 5:30 pm and end typically just before 10 pm. Each show’s lineup is jam packed with an opening act and a headliner. One of the standout concerts this summer will surely be on June 29, when Galactic takes the main stage and local favorites The Canyon Kids open up. For more info on this concert series and to find the complete lineup head to jacksonholelivemusic.com.
Celebrating 10 years in the Tetons, the Grand Teton Music Festival kicks off a two-month blitz of programming in July and August. They begin their summer season on the 4th of July with Patriotic Pops and conclude their summer series on August 20 with Festival Orchestra: Closing Weekend, with plenty of performances in between. But hey, don’t just take our word that the Grand Teton Music Festival is the best bet for classical music in Jackson. The Wall Street Journal, declares it to be, “One of the best places to hear classical music in the summer.” For more info on their programming, head to gtmf.org.
Heading over the hill to go to the Spud Drive-In isn’t the only reason to make the trek over Teton Pass and into Idaho come summer. Music on Main has been offering free music to the valley for quite some time and they bring in acts from all over the country year in and year out. This Idaho music series runs from late June to mid August. The 2016 lineup hasn’t been announced just yet, but make sure to periodically head over to tetonvalleyfoundation.org to catch who’s playing this summer.
Targhee Fest (Grand Targhee Resort, Atla, WY)
Since 2004 Targhee Fest has transformed the other local area ski resort into a full-on music festival. This year it all goes down July 15 -17 with such notable acts as Grace Potter and Drive By Truckers and a slew more. Grab tickets to this three-day music festival and get more info on acts at grandtarghee.com.
Fairs and Events
With little to no humidity and plenty of mountain sunshine, Jackson makes for the perfect setting for a whole host of local fairs and events that will appeal to all members of the family.
Elkfest
Elk are kind of a big deal out here. There’s a whole national refuge devoted to their welfare in the valley and then of course they are celebrated every year at Elkfest. This year Elkfest runs May 21 – 22 and you’ll find all things elk. Check out the elk antler auction where last year over 10,000 pounds of antlers were sold. Learn about elk through interactive exhibits or just grab some tasty food. It makes a great outing for the family. For more info, go to elkfest.org.
Old West Days
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Old West Days, a celebration of, you guessed it, the great American West. Learn about Wyoming’s history, check out live music, shop arts and crafts, and more this Memorial Day, May 27 – 30. For more info, go to jacksonholechamber.com/old_west_days.
Jackson Hole Shootout
Since 1957, actors have been reenacting a shootout on the Town Square for the enjoyment of tourists and locals. Watch the Jackson Hole Shootout Gang in action, starting Memorial Day through Labor Day. The shootout runs daily except for “No shootin’ on Sundays” at 6 pm sharp. To learn more go to jacksonholechamber.com.
Jackson Hole Rodeo
Go native and be “where the west is still wild” at the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Tickets start at just $15, which gets you in the door and seats in general admission. For all ticket options and for more info about the rodeo, go to jhrodeo.com. The rodeo season in Jackson starts May 28 and runs until September 3.
Jackson Hole Wine Auction
For three days, June 23 – 25, celebrate the grape at the Jackson Hole Wine Auction. Drink some wine, eat some delicious cuisine from top national chefs, and impress your friends with all of your new found wine knowledge. And the best part the proceeds go to support the Grand Teton Music Festival. Find out more about this event at jhwineauction.com.
Jackson Hole Farmer’s Market
From July 8 to September 24 is the place to score some fresh fruits and veggies as well as other locally sourced food. The Farmer’s Market takes over the Town Square with a cornucopia of delights on Saturday mornings. Make sure to get there early as vendors will be sure to sell out. For more info, go to jacksonholefarmersmarket.com.
Art Fair Jackson Hole
Miller Park comes alive with all things art for two weekends this summer. July 8 – 9 and August 12 – 14 is the time to find that one-of-a-kind piece of art for yourself or the perfect gift. The diverse range of art vendors are made up of local and national artists. All the art action starts at 10 am each day. Plenty of food, music, and kids activities round out this fun, family event. Art vendor booth fees and admission entries go to support art programming at the Art Association of Jackson Hole. More info about this art fair can be found at artassociation.org.
Teton County Fair
It just wouldn’t be summer in Jackson without the Teton County Fair. Billed as “Steers, Cheers, and 60 Years!” of pure Jackson summer fun. Ride the rides, eat all the treats, basically be a kid again at this big, small town fair. The fair is the perfect event for the family. The Teton County Fair kicks off July 22 – 31. To learn more, go to tetoncountyfair.com
Check out all of these events and more to see why Jackson is worth a visit this summer. Click the link to download a complete list of Jackson Hole Summer Events 2016 from the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.