Cover photo courtesy of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.

Saddle up, partners! Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your Stetsons, and polish those spurs because we're heading straight into the heart of the Wild West with the Old West Days Festival. There are few places on earth where the spirit of the West still lingers, the rugged mountains meet vast plains, and “yee-haw!” and gunslinging showdowns still resonate through the streets. You’ll experience all this and more at the Old West Days Festival May 17-27, 2024. So hitch your wagon to this blog post as we ride through the highlights of one of the wildest events this side of the Mississippi!

May 17 (running through the 27th)

Mountain Man Rendezvous: Are you in your fur trading era? Experience a trip back in time to the early 19th-century American frontier. At the heart of the rendezvous is the marketplace, the traditional social and commerce hub. Browse a wide array of goods from hatchets, leather goods, mountain man crafts, and more. The rendezvous has its own schedule of events you can find here. 

May 18

Elkfest: Ready for the world’s largest elk antler auction? Locals and visitors alike converge on Town Square, all hoping for the chance to take home a set of prize antlers. All antlers being sold are naturally shed by elk on the National Elk Refuge and all proceeds directly benefit the Boys and Girls Scouting programs in Teton and surrounding counties, and the National Elk Refuge. 

Teton Powow: Attend the Teton Powow, where indigenous knowledge keepers share their rich culture, art, tradition, and history.

May 19

High-Noon Chili Cookoff: A spicy favorite of the Old West Days Festival, where local chefs and chili enthusiasts compete to create the most flavorful and creative chili recipe. Sample chili ranges from mild to hot. Vote on your favorites and don’t forget the Pepto Bismol. Visit the website for tickets and more information. 

May 24

Jackson Hole Shootout: Don’t miss the opening day celebration of the longest-running shootout in the United States. The event begins promptly at 6:00 pm at Town Square, but I’d recommend getting there early for the best view. 

May 25

Best of the West Parade: Children and families can enjoy the excitement of this celebration that “seamlessly weaves together the rich tapestry of heritage, history, community, culture, and the renowned recreational offerings that define this picturesque valley.” The parade features the American Legion Color Guard, rodeo queens, cowboys, cowgirls, snowboarders, skiers, mountain men (and mountain women), rafters, fly fishermen, and others who contribute to the diversity of Wyoming. The parade winds its way from Glenwood Street to Broadway. 

May 26

Million Dollar Music Fest Concert: Million Dollar Music Fest is a celebration for locals, visitors, and anyone who can handle listening to country music for more than a few seconds at a time! Held on Town Square, the music fest brings some of the top country music acts to downtown Jackson. With a different selection of up-and-coming artists and at least two major headliners, this is a must for country music fans. This is a free event, but VIP tickets are available for purchase.

May 27

Finale: The festival concludes with a Memorial Day Rifle Salute, Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, and a chuckwagon dinner. 

For a complete schedule of events, including a list of family activities, music, and food and drinks, visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.

This post is brought to you by Flat Creek Inn.

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Breanne Kunz was raised in the Pacific Northwest but grew up spending summers in Idaho and frequently visiting Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. She is a wife and mom who likes to write and travel and wants to travel more. She definitely wants to attend the BBQ chuckwagon dinner.