Jackson Hole Rodeo Season

The Jackson Hole Rodeo represents something rare in modern tourism, an authentic competition with roots reaching back to 1890, when Sylvester Wilson led the first settlers over Teton Pass.

The formal rodeo was established in 1911 as Jackson’s Hole Frontier Rodeo, making this tradition more than 130 years old. It is still operated by Wilson family descendants through six generations.

The season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the Teton County Fairgrounds at 447 Snow King Avenue, within walking distance of downtown Jackson. Performances begin at 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Friday shows added in July and August. Gates open at 6:30 PM, and arriving by 7:15 PM is recommended to beat crowds and secure good seats in the 1,985 seat venue.

Only one grandstand section is covered, making it the best option during unpredictable weather. Ticket prices are approximately $50 for covered general admission and $38 for uncovered seating, with $5 discounts for children under 15 and adults over 55.

Tickets should be purchased exclusively through jhrodeo.com, as resale sites often charge five times face value or more. Eight of ten rodeos typically sell out, with the July 4 performance and the YETI Finals in late August drawing the largest crowds. Events run rain or shine with no cancellations.

The program includes bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and tie down roping. Mutton Busting for ages four to seven is the crowd favorite, featuring young cowboys and cowgirls riding sheep while wearing protective helmets.

This tradition runs deep, with Wilson family children often starting around age three. Current family competitors include Levi Wilson, a 23 year old bull rider on a college rodeo scholarship, and Tipton Wilson, a 14 year old mini bull champion who began mutton busting at age three.

The concession stand beneath the grandstand serves Bovine and Swine’s bison and pork huckleberry sausages, a specialty worth seeking out. After the rodeo, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, founded in 1937 and known for its saddle barstools, is just minutes away, as is Snake River Brewing, founded in 1994 as Wyoming’s original craft brewery.

Lake activities pair well with rodeo timing. Jenny Lake, about 20 miles north and a 30 to 40 minute drive, offers morning kayaking and ferry access to Hidden Falls before evening performances. Jackson Lake, roughly 30 miles away, provides full day boating and fishing. Phelps Lake’s famous Jumping Rock makes a memorable afternoon stop along the seven mile circuit hike.