Jackson Hole nightlife is all about choices. Honky-tonk live music. Free, kid-friendly concerts on the lawn. A world-class symphony orchestra. Open mics. DJs and karaoke. Professional stage performances. You'll find there is still a lot of action in Jackson Hole when the sun goes down.
Let us give you some ideas for an evening to remember!
Historic Saloons
If you'd really like to channel the outlaw spirit during your stay, look no further than Jackson Hole's historic watering holes. You can't miss the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, which is directly on the Town Square. Founded before Jackson was even incorporated as a town, the Cowboy Bar's distinctive knobby pine decor dates to the 1930s. In fact, it was the first bar to gain a liquor license in the state of Wyoming after the repeal of Prohibition. Since then, that license has been put to good use as thousands of visitors and locals alike step through the swinging doors to plunk themselves on the saddle bar stools (yep, you heard that right), knock back a cold one and listen to the always-lively mix of live music.
Just around the corner at the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill (located inside the historic Wort Hotel), 2,032 uncirculated 1921 Morgan silver dollars decorate the bar and a tradition of rollicking live music shows, including Bluegrass Tuesdays, keeps the diverse crowds coming back for more. In 2015, a replica of the original bar was built in the Silver Dollar Showroom which features a large stage for musicians and bands that perform Tuesday through Saturday.
The recently renovated and upgraded Virginian Saloon in the iconic Virginian Lodge serves up DJ nights, karaoke and local musicians every week.
Free Outdoor Tunes
As summer temperatures rise and the sun sets later and later, lawns open up throughout the Jackson Hole valley offering free (and nearly-free), family-friendly live music programming with beer gardens, gourmet nosh and traveling musicians from around the world. Bring your lawn chair and check out the schedules for Sunday's Concerts on the Commons, and Victor, Idaho's Music on Main series. Grand Targhee Resort also hosts musical performances as well as a bluegrass festival during the summer.
And for real Western flair, go out to Dornan's in Moose for its free Monday night Hootenanny at 6 p.m., featuring the Tetons as the backdrop! The "Hoot" moves inside to the Silver Dollar Showroom for the fall, winter and early spring months.
Stunning Performances
Our little enclave in the Wyoming mountains is also a haven for high culture. Since 1962, Jackson Hole has played host to the Grand Teton Music Festival, a gathering of fine classical musicians from around the world. The annual festival runs from early July through late August. There is also a winter concert series and outreach events throughout the year. The festival orchestra plays at beautiful Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village, which makes for a perfect summer or winter evening at the base of Rendezvous Mountain.
Not to be outdone, the contemporary Center for the Arts represents a consortium of nonprofits and arts organizations all housed under one appealingly-designed roof. Year-round, the Center offers talks, dance performances, touring artists, grassroots theater, outdoor Shakespeare, and much more. If you're hankering for a cultural evening out during your stay in Jackson Hole, be sure to check the Center's calendar for happenings.
Catch a show the Jackson Hole Playhouse, a time-honored venue for Western entertainment and dinner theater—and named one of Jackson Hole's top attractions by TripAdvisor—starring professional actors from around the country. You can enjoy dinner and a show, or simply come for the musical performance.
Dance the Night Away
Feel like kicking up your heels? From live bands to rowdy dance nights, there's usually something going on every night of the week in Jackson Hole, though the calendar is certainly most packed during the busy summer and winter seasons.
In Jackson
A diverse roster of national touring acts and local musicians take to the stages at popular Jackson bars and restaurants. These include the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill.
Wilson
If you're in Wilson, look no further than the Stagecoach Bar, especially for the weekly Disco Night event and "Sunday Church," where the famous, more than 50-year-old Stagecoach Band plays music you can Western swing dance to. Other inducements include free drinks for the ladies and $2 cab rides when the evening comes to a close on Thursdays. For some history of the 'Coach and the band, click on this story.
Teton Village and The West Bank
During the ski season and beyond, the iconic Mangy Moose Saloon in Teton Village serves great food, drinks and music (including an area for dancing), including a popular outdoor deck.
Catching the Game
If you can't bear to miss your favorite team going head to head with its rivals during your stay in Jackson Hole, never fear. You can plant yourself on plenty a barstool and keep up with the score. From spacious Sidewinders American Grill to Cutty's Bar & Grill, to the Snake River Brewery, you're guaranteed to find someone screening the game.
Handcrafted Drinks
If you're the type of traveler who loves to sample local brew or order a creative concoction from the cocktail menu, you're in luck! Jackson Hole is home to three award-winning breweries: Snake River Brewery, Melvin Brewing in Alpine and Roadhouse Brewing Company, which has two locations—a pub and eatery on Town Square and a small taproom at 1225 Gregory Lane.
For fancy bubbles or a worldly tasting menu of international wines, the cozy Bin22 wine bar has quickly become a locals' favorite. Just a block away, The Rose pours artfully crafted cocktails in a sophisticated lounge atmosphere.
Jackson Hole Winery provides tastings by appointment only during the summer months from May through the beginning of October. In winter (October through April), the winery has a taproom inside New West Knifeworks off Town Square. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. Call (307) 201-1057 or visit jacksonholewinery.com
For more Jackson Hole libation inspiration, check out our list of featured drinks. There's more where that came from!
RELATED STORY: Cheers To Jackson Hole Breweries
Getting Artsy
Gallery Art Walks, sponsored by the Jackson Hole Gallery Association, take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Wednesday evening of each month. Enjoy gallery openings, shows and artist demos at participating galleries. Visit jacksonholegalleryassociation.com for more information and schedule.
Catch a Ski Flick
Teton Gravity Research has a retail store on Town Square that includes a 30-seat theatre where nightly at 7 p.m. you can see the TGR-produced feature film "Far Out." Also, every hour on the hour you can marvel at their 25-minute ski flick "Wild Jackson." The store location is 50 W Broadway in the Pink Garter Plaza. Visit TGR's website at tetongravity.com.
Adventure Awaits
Beneath the cover of a huge, star-flecked Wyoming sky, every Jackson Hole night begins with options. Whether you're lured in by the neon lights of the Town Square, a laid-back lawn concert alfresco, or a classy evening out at the base of Rendezvous Mountain in Teton Village, it'll be a night to remember.