Targhee Fest

Grand Targhee Resort Overview

Grand Targhee Resort, located at 3300 Ski Hill Road in Alta, Wyoming, hosts two distinct music festivals that are worth understanding before booking a trip. Targhee Fest, a multi genre rock and Americana event, returns July 10 and 11, 2026 after its last iteration in 2019.

The longer running Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival, founded in 1988, celebrates its 36th edition from August 7 to 9, 2026. It remains one of the longest continuously running bluegrass gatherings in the Rocky Mountains.

The lineup landscape across both festivals

Targhee Fest 2026 is headlined by The Marcus King Band, Charley Crockett, and Lukas Nelson, with additional performances from Larkin Poe and Ryan Bingham with The Texas Gentlemen.

The Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival features Sierra Ferrell, a four time Grammy winner in 2025, alongside Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band, and The Devil Makes Three. Past performers across the festival’s history include Trampled By Turtles, Molly Tuttle, Greensky Bluegrass, and Leftover Salmon. Many artists return regularly, creating a loyal and familiar community atmosphere.

What distinguishes both events is the setting

Performances take place at 8,000 feet elevation with the Grand Teton visible behind the main stage. The intimate Trap Bar, rebuilt in 1991 after a fire destroyed the original structure, hosts late night shows limited to 21 and over audiences. Tickets for these performances typically range from $60 to $65 and sell out quickly.

Camping commands the experience

Festival camping defines the Grand Targhee experience. Options range from walk in tent sites priced at $249 for four nights to undesignated meadow spots with vehicle access priced at $300. There is no shore power available anywhere on site.

Designated RV and trailer spots in 20 by 30, 20 by 40, and 20 by 65 configurations sold out by January 2026. These sites go on sale December 1 at 10:00 AM Mountain Time and require prompt booking.

Amenities include shower banks near the Lot 3 campgrounds, water stations throughout the venue, and gas grill or stove use. Open fires are not permitted. Camping check in opens at noon on Thursday, with queuing beginning the afternoon prior. The meadow terrain is uneven with dirt access roads, and campers are responsible for arranging their own towing if vehicles become stuck.

Pricing tiers and what sells first

Targhee Fest passes range from $349 for Tier 1 tickets released in December to $499 at the door. Bluegrass Festival passes range from $309 to $459. Children ages 6 to 12 attend for $50, while children five and under are free with registration.

Single day Bluegrass tickets range from $169 to $199 depending on the day and timing of purchase.

The Lodging VIP Package and Ticket VIP Package typically sell out within days of release. A Camping VIP Package priced between $949 and $989 bundles two adult passes, a campsite, and perks including VIP early entry. The Kids VIP Package priced at $109 includes festival admission, a chairlift ride, an activities pass, and a pizza party at Rendezvous Lodge.

Logistics for high altitude festival going

Free shuttles run continuously from Teton High School in Driggs to the resort and are mandatory without an on site parking pass, which costs $130 for multi day access.

The high elevation brings wide temperature swings, with daytime highs near 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows dropping into the 30s. Rain or even August snow is possible. Attendees should pack a rain jacket, warm layers, sunscreen due to intense UV exposure, and bug spray. Coolers and outside alcohol must remain at campsites.

Pets are strongly discouraged and are permitted only in parking lots while inside vehicles. Pets are not allowed in venues, camping areas, or the plaza. Wheelchair accessible viewing areas require advance requests submitted through the ADA form available starting December 1.

Lake excursions from Grand Targhee

Phelps Lake is the closest option at approximately 45 to 55 miles away, about one hour via Moose Wilson Road. It offers the well known jumping rock and generally less crowded hiking than Jenny Lake.

Jenny Lake sits 53 to 65 miles away and requires travel through Jackson over Teton Pass, taking approximately one and a quarter to one and a half hours depending on traffic. Jackson Lake lies 60 to 70 miles away and takes roughly one hour and forty minutes to reach.

Most festival goers plan lake excursions on non performance days and avoid driving at dusk or dawn when wildlife activity peaks.