Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne
This one-of-a-kind Western celebration has been a Wyoming staple since 1897. Nicknamed the “Daddy of ‘Em All,” Cheyenne Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. The event takes place during July and features rodeos, night shows, carnival rides and more.
Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days – Wind River Reservation
The Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days is a three-day celebration highlighting Native American culture. Enjoy the beautiful powwows, drums and vendors.
Fort Bridger Rendezvous – Fort Bridger
The first weekend in September celebrates Fort Bridger Rendezvous. Learn about the fur trade era while exploring Fort Bridger State Historic Site. One of the largest rendezvous in the nation, you will find great food, historical demonstrations and more.
Chugwater Chili Cookoff – Chugwater
Join in the fun of this chili cookoff in Chugwater every June. Come enjoy all types and levels of spice in this cooking competition, as well as kids’ games, a car show, a rodeo, live entertainment and more.
Wyo Film Festival – Sheridan
This film festival takes place the last weekend of September. While it highlights Wyoming-themed films, it is open to all submission types. Immerse yourself in this amazing community while enjoying these films.
Nicknamed the “Daddy of ‘Em All,” Cheyenne Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. Photo courtesy of Wyoming Office of Tourism
For more information on Wyoming, visit TravelWyoming.com.
McCall Winter Carnival
A mountain celebration of all things winter in McCall. https://visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival/
Treefort Music Festival
Over 400 bands and 30+ venues, all packed into five high-energy, creativity-inducing days in Boise. https://www.visitsouthwestidaho.org/6-reasons-to-visit-treefort/
Savor Idaho
Idaho’s premier local food and wine event. https://idahowines.org/event/savor-idaho/
The Huckleberry Festival, Donnelly Idaho
A celebration of all things huckleberry over a weekend. https://donnellychamber.com/events/huckleberry-festival/
Caldwell Night Rodeo
Idaho’s #1 large outdoor rodeo and one of the top 5 large professional outdoor rodeos in the entire U.S. https://caldwellnightrodeo.com/
The Emmett Cherry Festival
Since the 1930s, the community of Emmett and all of Gem County has gathered each June to celebrate the abundance of our valley. We celebrate with the region’s longest continually running festival. https://www.emmettcherryfestival.com/
Idaho Potato Drop
Of course Idaho drops a potato on New Year’s Eve rather than a disco ball – and it’s just as strange and wonderful as it sounds. https://idahopotatodrop.com/
National Old Times Fiddle Contest and Festival in Weiser, Idaho
This event is an old-time music contest competition, festival and musical meeting. https://www.fiddlecontest.org/
Get your nosh on at Savor Idaho, Idaho’s premier local food and wine event. Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Idaho
For more information on Southwest Idaho, visit VisitSouthwestIdaho.org.
100th Anniversary: Custer’s Gold Discovery Day | July 21-23 (Custer)
In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer led the troops of the 7th Cavalry into the Black Hills and discovered gold near present-day Custer. More information: https://www.custersd.com/Gold-Discovery-Days
75th Anniversary: The Start of Crazy Horse Memorial/ Crazy Horse Volksmarch | June 3 & October 2 Volksmarch, June 4 Anniversary Celebration (Custer)
The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch is a 10K hike to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. More information: https://crazyhorsememorial.org/visit/special-events/volksmarch/
Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo | July 2-4 (Mobridge)
The annual Sitting Bull Stampede in Mobridge is the major event of the year, with parades, carnival and rodeos. More information: https://mobridge.org/rodeo
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally | August 4-13 (Sturgis)
The Rally is one of the world’s oldest and largest motorcycle gatherings, offering incredible riding, exhibitors, racing and concerts. More information: https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/article/sturgis-motorcycle-rally
Chislic Festival | July 28 (Freeman)
Small-town food festival based around South Dakota’s most popular dish – chislic. More information: https://www.sdchislicfestival.com/
Black Hills Powwow & Art Market | October 6-8 (Rapid City)
Known as one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the U.S., the Black Hills Powwow attracts hundreds of dancers, singers and artisans, and thousands of spectators. More information: https://www.blackhillspowwow.com/
Hike up close and personal onto Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. Photo courtesy of Crazy Horse Memorial
For more information on South Dakota, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.
2023 is poised to be a big year for Sheridan County as we celebrate some major anniversaries! The legendary mountain hideaway known as Spear-O-Wigwam, beloved by Ernest Hemingway during the 1920s, turns 100 years old. Don King Days, an annual celebration of Western history and heritage that takes place at the Big Horn Equestrian Center, celebrates 35 years over Labor Day Weekend. The Bighorn Wild and Scenic Trail Run, an iconic stop on the trail running circuit, turns 30. Trail End State Historic Site will be 110. And not to be outdone, the Historic Sheridan Inn turns 130 years young, and has never looked better!
Of course, there are plenty of other events and attractions to look forward to this year. In seven short years, The Dead Swede has become one of the West’s premiere gravel bike races. The Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo became the largest skijoring event in America its first time out of the gate; it’s back for a third time, and bigger than ever. Last but not least, our beloved Sheridan WYO Rodeo takes center stage in July for the 93rd time.
Legendary mountain hideaway Spear-O-Wigwam, beloved by Ernest Hemingway in the 1920s, celebrates its 100th birthday in 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheridan County Travel and Tourism
For more information on Sheridan, visit SheridanWyoming.org.
75th Anniversary at Crazy Horse Memorial
Stand in awe before the world’s largest mountain carving in progress at Crazy Horse Memorial. Tour the grounds and witness Native American performances, visit with Native American artisans, spend time in the Indian Museum of North America and learn from one-of-a-kind exhibits.
The bi-annual Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch is a 6.2-mile hike that takes visitors around the base of the mountain and up onto Crazy Horse’s outstretched arm. Experience this unique event on June 3 and stay for the special public events held on June 4 to honor the Memorial’s 75th anniversary.
Black Hills Powwow
Take part in the Black Hills Powwow-He Sapa Wacipi and join in a celebration of community featuring hundreds of Native American dancers, drummers, singers and artisans. Every October, this premier American Indian cultural event in the United States draws thousands of visitors to Rapid City, South Dakota.
Buffalo Roundup
Get a taste of the Wild West with an iconic experience at the annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival. Watch cowboys, cowgirls and park rangers drive the herd of nearly 1,400 bison through a valley and into a corral in Custer State Park at the end of September.
Get a taste of the Wild West at the annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival in Custer State Park. Photo courtesy of Travel South Dakota
For more information on Rapid City, visit VisitRapidCity.com.
North Dakota is home to several unique and beautifully entertaining events. The state’s largest event, the North Dakota State Fair, takes place July 21-29, 2023, and hosts over 300,000 people from across the U.S. and Canada. Fairgoers will enjoy food, rides, concerts, shopping and North Dakota culture on display. 4-H and FFA fill the center and livestock barns with exhibits and livestock, and commercial vendors showcase the hottest products out today. There are various daily events and free stage entertainment, and the 2023 Grandstand line-up includes Eric Church, Whiskey Myers, Jelly Roll and Five Finger Death Punch.
The United Tribes Technical College International Powwow takes place September 8-10, 2023, and is one of the top celebrations showcasing “champion” dancers and drums from across the U.S. and Canada competing for top honors.
Powwows are a celebration of life within Native American culture, beautiful events involving many different colors, styles, dances and songs. The celebrations often have religious significance, but are also a time for people to gather, sing, dance, feast, pray, renew old friendships and make new ones. These celebrations are still an important part of life for many Native Americans.
The United Tribes Technical College International Powwow takes place September 8-10, 2023, and is one of the top celebrations showcasing “champion” dancers and drums from across the U.S. and Canada competing for top honors. Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
For more information on North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.
Montana Folk Festival is one of the largest free music festivals in the northwest USA. Held in Butte, it features spectacular views of the Northern Rocky Mountains and multiple stages with continual shows by top traditional performers, along with ethnic and festival foods, art markets and folklife demonstrations. July 14-16
Crow Fair, held on the Crow Reservation, features traditional regalia, a rodeo, artwork, craft and food vendors, and dancers competing from tribes from across the U.S. and Canada. Over 1,500 tipis are pitched on the riverbanks, creating the largest tipi encampment in the world. August 18-20
North American Indian Days, held on the Blackfeet Reservation, is one of the largest gatherings of U.S. and Canadian tribes with traditional dancing, stick games and horse relay races. July 7-9
Enjoy top musical acts in a cow pasture just outside White Sulphur Springs at Red Ants Pants Music Festival. The landscape, family-friendly atmosphere and variety of performances make it a must-attend. July 27-30
Miles City Bucking Horse Sale & Rodeo is a large rodeo, a major auction of rodeo stock, and a main social event for the community. It has evolved to include horse racing, rodeo and concerts. May 18-21
North American Indian Days, held on the Blackfeet Reservation, is one of the largest gatherings of U.S. and Canadian tribes with traditional dancing, stick games and horse relay races. Photo courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development
For more information on Montana, visit VisitMT.com.
Treefort Music Fest | Boise | March 22-26, 2023
This annual five-day music and arts festival is fueled by a passion for discovery. 2023 brings an expanded footprint and 500+ bands from nearly every genre, along with artists, authors, chefs, brewers and more.
War Bonnet Roundup | Idaho Falls | August 3-5, 2023
Founded in 1911, this event is Idaho’s oldest rodeo. More than 450 cowboys and cowgirls compete in front of 15,000 rodeo enthusiasts.
Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival | Fort Hall | August 10-13, 2023
One of the largest and most popular Native American gatherings in the Northwest features traditional activities and performances, including a powwow, art show, rodeo, Indian relay races, food and craft vendors, and more.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival | Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley | October 4-8, 2023
The annual festival preserves the sheepherding and ranching traditions that welcomed and sustained Basque, Peruvian and other cultures in Central Idaho. Festivities include cultural events, cuisine, art and the parade of sheep.
Upcoming: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve | Arco | 100th Anniversary in 2024
Celebrate the centennial of this natural wonder and national treasure formed during eight major eruptions over thousands of years.
One of the largest and most popular Native American gatherings in the Northwest, the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival features traditional activities and performances, a powwow, Indian relay races and more. Photo courtesy of Mimi Lopez Photography
For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.
Western Montana’s Glacier Country has several annual signature events that will enhance any itinerary through the region.
For equestrian lovers, over five days in late July, Kalispell plays host to The Event at Rebecca Farm, featuring a horse competition of dressage, cross country and show jumping, along with food and a shopping fair. And it’s free.
Missoula hosts an annual River City Roots Festival the last weekend in August, bringing together exceptional music, food, libations and more at this two-day free event in the heart of the city.
Every February, Whitefish holds its annual Whitefish Winter Carnival and Skijoring World Invitational; or, if visiting in September, join the fun at the Great Northwest Oktoberfest.
North American Indian Days, held the second week in July over four days in Browning, is the signature celebration of the Blackfeet Nation and hosts Native Americans from every region of the U.S. and Canada. Featured events include a parade, powwow, stick games and horse relay races.
Delicious Flathead cherries are celebrated with their very own festival: The Flathead Cherry Festival takes place in Polson the last weekend in July on the southern shore of Flathead Lake – the largest freshwater lake in the western U.S.
Bundle up and join the fun at the Whitefish Winter Carnival, held each year in February. Photo courtesy of BrandMT
For more information on Western Montana’s Glacier Country, visit GlacierMT.com.
