Mountains and rivers aside, the Jackson Hole Rodeo is the oldest show in town. Founded in the 1890s by the Wilson family—one of the valley's original settlers—the Rodeo is now run by newer generations of this same family of pioneering cowboys. For over 120 years, summer nights in Jackson Hole have been punctuated by two things: the hollering of voices and the tossing of dirt, all in the oval ring of the rodeo.
Hear the pounding of the hooves and visualize the rides for yourself in our full behind the scenes account, or read on for all the details to know before you go!
Quick Rodeo Facts
- Duration: Starts promptly at 8 p.m. and usually finishes a little after 10. Crowds begin to arrive for tickets at 7:15 (but you can get them online!) Either way, show up early!
- Cost: $20-$30 depending on your seats. $5 off for those aged under 15 and over 55.
- Where? The Rodeo grounds! 447 Snow King Ave in Jackson, a few blocks west of the base of Snow King.
- Ages: All!
- Intensity: Easy, unless you plan on getting in the ring...
- Highlights: Watching some old fashioned Western bull riding and being part of a lively crowd as the sun sets.
Best For...
Those who'd like to connect with the Western spirit of Jackson Hole for an evening with the whole family. Take in traditional (and heart-racing) events including bronco riding, bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, breakaway roping, and team roping.
What are my options?
Not a whole lot, which is the great part. Just show up, park yourself in the stands, and get ready to have some fun!
The rodeo runs Wednesday and Saturday, end of May-July, and expands to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, in August. Extra days around Independence Day.
One showing per day at 8 p.m. Check online for the exact schedule and to buy tickets ahead, saving yourself a line at the gate.
What should I bring?
Only one stand of the rodeo ring is covered, so a jacket is good in case weather moves across the skies unexpectedly. Temperatures can drop significantly between your arrival and the end of the show. Even if you don't need a jacket, most of the rodeo is metal bleacher seating, so yours will make a nice seat cushion.
Other than your cowboy hat, you really won't need much since all the action plays out right in front of your seat. If you get hungry, the rodeo staff runs a full concession bar under the grandstand with beer, sodas, and food like burgers, hot dogs, and Philly cheesesteaks.
The Last Word
The historic pageantry of an evening at the rodeo completes any trip to Jackson Hole, and if you've never seen bronco and bull riding in action before, it's a can't-miss stop. Let time slow down and immerse yourself in the aura of the cowboy West. The daring 8-second bull rides will have you jumping off your own seat and longing for a pair of boots and spurs.