Jackson Hole goes all in. And nowhere is that more obvious than during Jackson Hole Old West Days, when the entire town leans hard into its cowboy-era roots for ten straight days. The 45th annual festival runs May 15–25, 2026, and, as usual, it’s equal parts history lesson, community gathering, and excuse to wear cowboy boots. Jackson Hole Old West Days isn’t just a collection of events—it’s a full-scale immersion into Western culture, complete with elk antlers, chili competitions, parades, and live country music echoing off the mountains. It’s also one of the best times to visit, assuming you enjoy lively streets, good food, and the occasional staged gunfight before dinner. Which you do.
Here’s what to keep on your radar this year:
Elkfest
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Jackson Town Square
Free (until you buy something)
Elkfest kicks Old West Days off with a quintessential Jackson tradition: the world’s largest elk antler auction. Starting at 10:00 AM, naturally shed antlers from the National Elk Refuge go up for sale, drawing collectors, curious onlookers, and people who just started to wonder if maybe antlers would look okay in their living room. The event supports local Scouting programs and conservation efforts, so you can feel noble about the new decoration over your mantelpiece.
High Noon Chili Cook-off
Sunday, May 17, 2026 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Jackson Town Square
$25/person | Register as a cook | Tickets coming soon, check the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce
The chili cook-off is exactly what it sounds like: very serious cooks competing for eternal glory while everyone else benefits. Expect everything from traditional Western recipes to bold, experimental takes that may or may not instantly clear your sinuses. You’ll sample, vote for the People’s Choice Award, and probably develop strong opinions about beans in chili (if you didn't have some already, of course).
Best of the West Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Downtown Jackson
Free to the public
The Best of the West Parade winds through Glenwood Street and Broadway, ending at Town Square in a swirl of horses, floats, and vintage vehicles. Local businesses compete for the Bronze Bison Award, a very serious award that looks like—you're never gonna guess this—a bronze bison.
Old West Brewfest
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Teton County Fairgrounds
Ticket Link: Find tickets here
A few hours after the parade, things shift from family-friendly to “let’s sample 50 beverages responsibly.” Brewfest features over 20 breweries pouring everything from crisp lagers to ambitious IPAs, with live DJ entertainment keeping the energy high. There’s also a People’s Choice vote for Best Beer, because nothing says civic duty like judging craft beverages on a Saturday afternoon. VIP tickets get you in early.
Million Dollar Music Fest
Sunday, May 24, 2026 | Gates at 4:00 PM | Jackson Town Square
Free to the public
This free, all-ages concert is one of the biggest draws of Jackson Hole Old West Days, and for good reason. The 2026 lineup includes Hudson Westbrook, Avery Anna, and Neal McCoy—so expect a packed Town Square and a lot of boots. It’s loud, lively, and very on-brand for a town that knows how to throw a party.
Jackson Hole Restaurant Week
May 15–22, 2026 | Various Locations
Running alongside the festival, Restaurant Week offers a slightly more refined way to participate in Jackson Hole Old West Days. Over 30 restaurants feature prie fixe menus (meals consisting of several courses served at a total fixed price) from $15 lunches to $50 dinners, making it the perfect excuse to try somewhere new—or justify going back to your favorite spot again.
Jackson Hole Old West Days is one of those weeks where everything lines up: lively days, quieter evenings just outside the downtown buzz, and easy access to all the action without committing to it 24/7. Which, frankly, is the ideal arrangement. Come stay at Flat Creek Inn while you're at it. We're a five-minute drive from all the action, giving you convenient access to all the chili, shopping, and antlers you could ever want.
