Step back in time to the Wild West at the iconic Jackson Hole Rodeo This is no run-through-the-motions rodeo, it’s as close to cowboy culture in Jackson Hole as you can get and set inside the picturesque confines of Teton County Fairgrounds. If you’ve ever imagined watching bull riders mixing it up with barrel racers and team roping, all in one heart-stopping event… the Jackson Hole Rodeo is where we own our brittle ignorance. Planning a Jackson Hole vacation or just passing through, this rodeo will give you an authentic taste of the traditions and thrill from days gone by in the Old West. Put your hat on and let us get to everything you need to know about the iconic feature.
For more than 100 years, the Jackson Hole Rodeo has been providing top-notch rodeo entertainment that appeals to everyone from cowboys and wannabe cowpokes of all ages. Beginning with Memorial Day weekend and concluding over Labor Day, the rodeo ignites our summer months by giving permission to even non-natives like me all the enjoyment of this gloriously boisterous revelry. It’s a place where the West meets modernity, and you can see premieres like calf roping and breakaway during your visit — all in a family-friendly setting. Gates open early, giving fans lots of time to take in the atmosphere and sights before grabbing their seats alongside some fellow rodeo lovers. Cue the post-hoedown: these Saturday evenings beneath the stars promise to show you what a little Wild West is supposed to feel like.
What to Expect at the Jackson Hole Rodeo Witness heart stomping action, breath taking stunts and night of excitement. The Teton County Fairgrounds springs to life with a line up of some spectacular events. One of the main events, bull riding shows us cowboys at their most skilful and fearless trying to ride a bucking bull for as long as they can. As a fast event, barrel racing is just that where riders have to guide their horses through an obstacle course at full speed. Team roping is a demonstration of teamwork and precision between two cowboys who work together to rope one steer.
The Wilson family was one of the early pioneers in this region and were instrumental in helping to found what has become known as The Jackson Hole Rodeo. A dive back to the roots of Jackson Hole history only grazes the surface on how this event is connected with cowboy culture in abundance that made our town what it was. What makes the rodeo special is not just the events, but rather it’s a family affair with 100 years of tradition. Today, the Jackson Hole Rodeo remains a beloved part of our rich local heritage from those first settlers to today’s attendees.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo Story
The history of the Jackson Hole Rodeo is as interesting and rich in character as its rodeo performances A hundred years ago settlers came to the Valley and brought with them a tradition that would continue into the Jackson Hole community. The Wilson family, which was one of the most prominent in that part of Probate County, had a lot to do with establishing the rodeo as a favorite tradition for numerous locals. Their love of the cowboy way and Western spirit helped to launch a rodeo that would later make history as one of the most prestigious in the nation.
One of the early settlers to Jackson Hole, coming from Idaho was so struck by the beauty and potential he saw that threw his leather apron with all is cobblers’ tools cornered in it into a wagon along side his wife and headed for these mountains. Soon thereafter, they started hosting events in honor of being cowboys and the Jackson Hole Rodeo was born. This rodeo grew from its origins to entertain people all around the globe. From a small local roping company, it has become one of the most wonderful events you will ever see for miles and years away! With the Wilsons and their peers coming together, they made a rodeo that would become everything we know it to be—daring prowess yielding time-honored history.
Compassion, camaderie defined rodeo’s fledgling years. Cowboys and cowgirls from various fields of life joined events ranging with bull riding, barrel racing to calf roping. This highlighted the one of a kind abilities and talents these cowboys and cowgirls had as they live in Jackson Hole. News of the thrilling events and warm atmosphere traveled fast, making The Jackson Hole Rodeo an immediate hit for cowboying families traveling to or through nearby towns (some a state away) around Wyoming.
Over the years, events and challenges have been added to reflect new times as well as strengthen traditions that date back when Jackson Hole was far more rural. Everything in the rodeo world; from bull riders risking life and limb to team ropers hitting an 8-second dime, is a romantic notion of what defined the biggest facet of American existence just over one hundred years ago—The Wild West! Thanks to the efforts of his wife, Marge Wilson, and many other volunteers throughout 20-plus years since breaking tradition with a non-sanctioned date rodeo in November it is hoped that generations will still get to enjoy the magic all over Railroad Park.
Still, today the Jackson Hole Rodeo lives on as a reminder that we can never quit in the West. A place where the glories of history can be seen first hand as events that occurred more than a century ago were recreated for specific audiences. The gates at the Teton County Fairgrounds will open on a world rich with tradition and cowboy culture. When Memorial Day weekend rolls around — and the rodeo returns to handle its first-day bumps (and injuries) of what promises to be another grand ol’ time from now through Labor Day.
And the Jackson Hole Rodeo is more then history, but also… having a legacy. It’s about telling the stories and keeping those traditions alive, passing them down to the next generation so that the West is not DEAD! The Wilsons (and countless others) have made that legacy possible, and their commitment to it is evident in every facet of the rodeo. So, be in the stands as you watch it unwinding before your eyes knowing that this is a tradition that has been revered for more than 100 years. In addition to being an event, The Rodeo is a celebration of the West and its brave pioneers who took part in settling this great land as well as promise for generations ahead that the cowboy spirit will live on.
Jackson Hole Rodeo Series Events
The Jackson Hole Rodeo is an extreme rodeo which showcases many exciting entertaining competitions. From a seasoned rodeo fan to someone who has never been before, there is something for everybody. Several cowboys and cowgirls will also compete in Chose N Barrels, a category featuring speed drills on horseback. The events are intended to demonstrate the cowboy’s abilities as well as courage while providing both competitors and spectators with an unforgettable show. Known for the incredible excitement and adventure, every event from bull riding to barrel racing is a must see in Jackson Hole.
One of the events that always attracts a good crowd at The Edge is bull riding, which makes it one of the most popular attractions year after year. In this breathtaking battle of skill and will, cowboys try to keep from getting flung off a bucking bull. The arena is buzzing with excitement as spectators watch the best riders in world compete, a true test of skill and grit. You will never forget the vision of a cowboy holding on for his life while the bull spins and pivots.
Another favorite for the fans with barrel racing highlighting the speed and nimbleness of both horse and rider. It is a timed event in which riders guide horses through a cloverleaf pattern around barrels. This is incredible accuracy and team work as the rider maneuvers their horse with mastery. The anticipation only grows as each rider competes against the person who went before them and the stands erupt in cheers.
Team roping is only one of its kinds that gives tough competition to the athletes. Two cowboys team up to lasso a steer and tie it down in the fastest time. The steer’s horns need to be roped by one cowboy while the other needs to rope its hind legs, ending once it has been caught. That is a true test of communication and skill, to be worked in perfect harmony between both rider. This event does require an impressive amount of precision and timing, too — no wonder it’s a crowd favorite.
Another action packed event that shows the agility of cowboys is calf roping. A cowboy had to rope a calf and tie it upside down in the fastest time. This action-packed sport demands fast reactions and skillful riding. As the cowboy races against time, you can feel it in that tension surrounding an arena and hearing those whoops from spectators excited for what might happen next. It is a real test of courage to perform in the event and also helps in attracting people who come into see rodeo.
How to Plan Your Next Trip at the Jackson Hole Rodeo
A trip to the Jackson Hole Rodeo is fun to plan for, it will give you a great look into cowboy culture in Jacksonjur. Whether you’ve attended the time or two—or at this point have enough rodeos under your belt to call yourself a genuine enthusiast—it’s crucial to make sure that including buying tickets and choosing where they’re located. Jackson Hole Rodeo Tickets Purchase Info: You can buy tickets in the following categories to watch Jackson Hole Rodeo live at Teton County Fairgrounds. General admission tickets are a favorite among those that want to be close to the action without spending a fortune. If you are planning your Jackson Hole Vacation around this legendary event, get in early to pick up Tickets Early bird special tickets still on sale. And, of course, for all the pulse-pounding action in finals like bull riding or barrel racing and team roping — no seats cheap out here. By early evening, the rodeo opens its gates which gives you plenty of time to grab a seat in the stands and start enjoying Jackson Hole Rodeo’s thrilling atmosphere.
The timing of your visit to the Jackson Hole Rodeo is key. The rodeo season is usually an eight- to twelve-week period that runs from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays most weeks. Family and group friendly, these summer long celebrations of the Wild West are sure to be a hit with all ages. Arrive early for pre-show entertainment and experience the other things to do at the TetonCountyFairgrounds. Rodeo is always all-around entertainment and the rodeo organizers plan a full slate of events you won’t want to miss: breakaway roping, barrel racing in that great dirt arena, team penning competitions…and those bull riders competing under Jackson Hole Rodeos’ big roof. Make sure to check specific dates and times when planning your visit as the schedule is dependent on other events going on.
In addition, it pays to take a bit of time planning exactly what you will need for the Jackson Hole Rodeo so that your trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The rodeo is slated to be in the heat of summer, so it’s recommended that you dress with layers as nightfall approaches when temperatures and conditions can change. Cowboy hats and boots aren’t just functional wear, they are a way to celebrate Jackson Hole’s cowboy culture. Be sure to have a sunblock, sunglasses and probably your light jacket or sweater for the night. Be sure to pack your camera, so you can snap photos of these iconic Jackson Hole Rodeo events. By having the right gear, you too can appreciate festivities without being discomforted throughout other evenings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
