The Great American West’s Calendar Is Full In 2023

There’s always something happening in the Great American West states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. But 2023 is set to be particularly eventful, jam-packed with events, festivals and anniversaries. Read on for some can’t-miss happenings around the region in 2023:

Idaho

You can find events celebrating music, rodeo, Native American and Basque culture all around Idaho, including festivities around huckleberries, cherries and wine in the southwest part of the state. It’s a feast for the senses – literally.

Get your nosh on at Savor Idaho, Idaho’s premier local food and wine event. Photo courtesy of Visit Southwest Idaho

Montana

Montana’s summer calendar is jam-packed with festivals and fairs, including the free Montana Folk Festival set against the stunning Northern Rocky Mountains. If a winter visit is on your calendar, bundle up and check out the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival or Skijoring World Invitational in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. If summer is more your speed, enjoy an evening stroll along the 1.5-mile Billings Brew Trail, the only walkable craft beverage trail in Montana.

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the Billings St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Watch as dozens of floats march through downtown, and then sample some seasonally dyed libations. PHoto courtesy of Visit Billings

North Dakota

Powwows are a celebration of life within Native American Culture, and one of the top celebrations in North Dakota – the United Tribes Technical College International Powwow – will leave you speechless. And quirky celebrations in Fargo-Moorhead will fill your belly and get your crafting creativity flowing.

The Red River Valley Fair is known as the “10 Best Days of Summer” in Fargo. You won’t want to miss it! Photo courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead

South Dakota

There are some big events coming up in South Dakota this year, including the 75th anniversary of work beginning on Crazy Horse Memorial. Other annual can’t-miss festivities include the Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City and the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park.

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

Wyoming

Plan a tour around the state for uniquely Wyoming events ranging from a fur-trade-era rendezvous to the Chugwater Chili Cookoff to a fall film festival in Sheridan. Watch seasoned loggers and brave amateurs star in competitions like the log throw and the “Mad Logger” chainsaw throw at the 62nd annual Woodchopper’s Jamboree & Rodeo in Carbon County, or marvel at endurance athletes participating in tough trail runs and gravel bike races in Sheridan County. And of course, summer in Wyoming brings rodeo, rodeo, rodeo! Between the iconic Cheyenne Frontier Days to the 85th anniversary of the Cody Nite Rodeo, you’re sure to get your fill of the sport this summer.

Don’t miss the 85th anniversary of the Cody Nite Rodeo in summer 2023 – it’s sure to be wild! Photo courtesy of Cody-Yellowstone

Denver

The Great American West’s official Gateway City of Denver is ready to show off its vibrant culture with festivals and celebrations in 2023. With events ranging from Denver Restaurant Week to the Five Points Jazz Festival to the Denver Cinco de Mayo Festival, you’ll leave with a renewed understanding of the city’s exciting history.

Celebrate Denver’s thriving craft spirit industry with Denver Beer Week and the Great American Beer Festival, scheduled for September 2023. Photo courtesy of Brewers Association and Visit Denver

For more information on the Great American West, visit GreatAmericanWest.co.