Old West Days in Jackson Hole is a spring tradition in and in May this fun festival returns. This year marks the 34th annual celebration of the ways of the west and what better place to host it than right here in Jackson Hole. The Old West Days run this year from May 22-25 and is chock full of western themed events for the whole family. Make sure to stop by and check out this fun filled time in the town that bills itself as literally “The Last of the Old West”.
Mountain Man Rendezvous and Traders’ Row
Part outdoor market, part old west skills competition, and all things mountain man, this event runs from 9 am to 5 pm every day of the event at the Teton County Fairgrounds. Watch skilled mountain men face off in a bow and arrow competition and other events testing old time skills. For more info of what you’ll find at the Mountain Man Rendezvous and Traders’ Row contact Betsy Johnson at 801-641-9451.
Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum Walking Tour
This free walking tour sponsored by the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum is just the thing for history buffs or those who simply want to learn some fun and interesting historical tidbits about the town of Jackson. It’s a free tour and starts at 10:30 on May 22 at the center of the Town Square.
Kickoff at the Bar J
Treat yourself to dinner and music starting at 7 pm on May 22 at the Bar J Chuckwagon. Featuring an authentic western chuckwagon dinner and the sounds of the Bar J Wranglers. Call 307-733-3370 for reservations.
Jackson Hole Rotary Wine Fest
This fun event has been around almost as long as Old West Days itself. Wine fest is celebrating its 27th year in Jackson. Come sample wines from over 100 plus wineries, while noshing on some great food, listening to the sounds of the Jackson Hole Foundation Jazz Big Band, as well as trying your luck at the raffles, and silent and live auctions. It’s all for a good cause as the money raised that night goes to local area students. Get your general admission tickets, $25 or VIP, $50 at rotarywinefest.org. The Wine Fest runs from 5 pm to 8pm at Snow King Events Center on May 22.
34th Annual Old West Days Parade
They’ve been doing the parade since Old West Days started and it wouldn’t be the same festival without it. Good chance you’ve never seen a parade like this and no your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you as you’ll be sure to see mountain men, classic cars, old wagons, horses, and more make their way down the streets of Jackson. The parade starts at 10 am on Saturday, May 23.
Old West Brew Fest
The Brew Fest has turned into a festival favorite. With no entrance fee and reasonably priced beers you get a chance to sample the best beers in the area. It’s pretty much the perfect excuse to enjoy a cold one on a beautiful spring day. Beers start at $1 for a taste and mugs are $5. Also available are $10 and $20 beer tickets that allow you to taste even more offerings from the breweries.
Stage Coach Rides
Travel back in time as you literally travel around the block in an old time Stage Coach. See historic Jackson as people from the past did in the comfort of a stage coach. $6 for adult rides and $4 for kids.
Jackson Hole Shootout
For another glimpse of Jackson back in the day check out the Jackson Hole Shootout, which runs Monday through Saturday and starts at 6 pm on the Town Square. Billed as the longest running shootout in the country, catch the action live on the Square. For more info on this free event go to jacksonholechamber.com/events/jh-shootout.php
Jackson Hole Rodeo
They were turning out for the rodeo back in the day for a fun family night on the town and they still are today. The rodeo starts at 8 pm at Teton County Fairgrounds. This is where the West is still Wild, pardner. Come see all the exciting action of the rodeo on Saturday, May 23 at 8pm. Save $5 when you buy online. Tickets start online at $15 and go up to $25. For more info go to jhrodeo.com.