December 15, 2022
In Wyoming’s Wind River Country, there are abundant options of things to do and events to experience, from powwows and rodeos to outdoor recreational celebrations and festivals. Check out the list below to see what’s happening in Wind River Country in 2023.
Rodeo Events
Rodeo is the official state sport of Wyoming, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch rodeo athletes at work throughout Wind River Country. Summer rodeos include the Dubois Friday Night Rodeo, the Northern Arapaho Tour Rodeo in Riverton, Fremont Toyota Pioneer Days Rodeo in Lander and the Fremont County Fair and Rodeo in Riverton. Come cowboy up and enjoy the West’s most-loved sport.
June 9, 10, 11 — Northern Arapaho Tour Rodeo
The Northern Arapaho Tour Rodeo (NATR) is an INFR Qualifying Rodeo presented by the Wind River Hotel & Casino that takes place at the Fremont County Fairgrounds. The winner of the rodeo will automatically win a ticket to the INFR (Indian National Finals Rodeo) Finals in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.natourrodeo.com. 1010 Fairground Road, Riverton.
Mid-June to Mid-August — Dubois Friday Night Rodeo
This real west, family friendly rodeo takes place every Friday night in Dubois at the Clarence Allison Memorial Arena east of town behind the medical clinic. There is fun for the whole family with food and beverages available right on the rodeo grounds. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate. Adults $15, kids (six to 12) $10, five and under free. Call (307) 710-7080 for more information. 5639 US-26, Dubois.
July 3 to 4 — Fremont Toyota Pioneer Days Rodeo
The Lander Fremont Toyota Pioneer Days Celebration is a half-marathon, parade, rodeo, fireworks, little cowpokes and Indian relay races. Main Street’s 4th of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. Both nights of the rodeo start at 6:30 p.m. Roughstock events include bull riding, junior bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback and ranch bronc riding. Timed events include ladies barrels, calf roping, ladies breakaway, steer wrestling, open team roping, mixed team roping, businessmen’s ribbon roping, Indian relays and junior barrels. Be sure to stick around for the fireworks show put on by the Lander Rural Fire Department at 10 p.m. on July 4. Presale tickets: adults $13, kids (six to 12) $8. Tickets at gate: adults $15, kids (six to 12) $10. 1663 Rodeo Drive, Lander. For tickets or more information, go to http://lotra.org.
July 29 to August 5 — 110th Annual Fremont County Fair and Rodeo
The Fremont County Fair and Rodeo is one of the premier county fairs in Wyoming, featuring daily exhibits, contests and shows. Experience the ranch rodeo, carnival nights, bull riding, craft and vendor trade show, live music and entertainment, parade and more. Various ticket prices. 1010 Fairground Road, Riverton. Call (307) 856-6611 for more information or visit www.fremontcountyfair.org.
Outdoor Recreational Events
With room to breathe, Wind River Country is one of the best places to get outside and soak up the beauty of Wyoming. Each community has its own unique variety of outdoor activities, featuring events such as recreational festivals, outdoor races, hunting competitions and more.
January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18 and March 4 and 18 — Riverton Ice Races
Bring the whole family to see thrill-seeking dare-devil motorcycle racers on ice. Separate races for kids on four-wheelers and small motorcycles. Be sure to dress warm. Entries are $60 for adults (16+) and $25 for juniors (under 16). Pee-wees race for free. Races begin around 8:30 a.m. Located at the E. Monroe Ponds in Riverton. For details, call (307) 851-2724 or go to www.worra.org.
January 27 to 28 — 44th Annual Women’s 5 Shot Rabbit Hunt
This event unites women from all over Wyoming, and allows them an opportunity for mentoring, teaching and developing camaraderie amongst women through hunting rabbits. On Friday night, Jan. 27, there will be a Spaghetti Social at 6:30 p.m. The night will include Calcutta, live and silent auctions, raffles and a chance to visit with the hunting teams. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the hunt begins at 7:30 a.m and ends at 4 p.m. Teams must check-in with field-dressed rabbits between 3 and 5 p.m. Join the teams and champions as they celebrate another successful hunt during the Awards Banquet at 6:30 p.m. at the Riverton Elks Lodge BPOE 1693. There will be a pulled pork dinner catered by RJ’s Smokin BBQ. 207 E. Main Street, Riverton. For details, visit https://ww5srh.square.site.
February 25 — 2nd Annual Roll and Slide Poker Ride
A fundraising event for the Lander Nordic Ski Association, Lander Cycling Club and LanderPresents, with support from The Bike Mill and Gannett Peak Sports. Participants compete to collect the best poker hand as they frequent four stops in Sinks Canyon. Fat bike, cross country ski, snowshoe, run or hike, and collect a card at each stop with the last card collected at the Lander Bar (126 Main Street), where winners are announced. Then dance the evening away to live music. Sinks Canyon Road, Lander.
May 19 to 20 — 9th Annual Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo
The Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo is a family-friendly gathering that celebrates the kickoff to summer. It takes place at the Lander Community and Convention Center. Find out what outdoor activities are available in the area while enjoying live music, free food, beverages, climbing, shooting, archery and prizes. 950 Buena Vista Drive, Lander. Head to wyomingoutdoorweekend.com for details.
July 13 to 16 — Lander International Climbers’ Festival
Lander International Climbers’ Festival is the longest-running climbers’ festival in the world. The festival was started by Todd Skinner and a handful of Lander locals in 1994 to celebrate the community of climbing. The fun includes climbing clinics, a dyno-climbing competition, a trade fair, a Limestone rodeo, yoga, live music, an art crawl on Main Street and world-class rock climbing. Tickets are available at www.climbersfestival.org.
August 17 to 20 — Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Festival
Lander’s high desert and alpine trail systems are growing, and the mountain bikers are here to party about it. The Jurassic Classic Mountain Bike Festival is a weekend of riding trails, enjoying live music, bike films, skills clinics, trail building, some ridiculous bike-related games and much more. Go to www.jurassicclassicfest.com for more information.
August 20 — Dubois Town Hill Thrill
The Town Hill Thrill is a Hare Scramble Format that takes place at the Dubois Scenic Overlook Hill in Dubois. The course is a 5.5 mile loop with a variety of single track, hill climbs, drainages and more. The Dubois Scenic Overlook has plenty of vantage points for spectators to watch the race. The awards ceremony follows directly after the race at the town park, in conjunction with the annual Dubois Volunteer Fire Department’s Buffalo BBQ. More information can be found at www.worra.org.
September 8 to 9 — WYO131 Gravel Grinder
The WYO131 Gravel Grinder is the ultimate Wyoming cycling experience, held annually the second weekend in September. Courses weave through the red desert and historic mining towns. Participants follow the tracks of the Oregon Trail up to South Pass and Atlantic City, across to Louis Lake Road, through forests and along a lake, and through Sinks Canyon State Park. Riders end back in Lander for an afterparty sponsored by Melvin Brewing Company. Check out https://landercycling.org for more information.
September 13 to 16 — 83rd Annual One Shot Antelope Hunt
Every September, hunters gather in Lander and compete in the One Shot Antelope Hunt — a competitive hunt that puts eight three-man teams against each other. The task of each team member is to harvest a pronghorn antelope with one shot. The One Shot Antelope Hunt is an 83-year-tradition with a powerful alumni list. The men who are invited to participate come to shoot, hunt and raise money for wildlife conservation. This is a ticketed event held at several locations. The public is welcome at the Friday night blessing of the bullet ceremony, which is hosted by Shoshone Indian Tribal Elders. For more details, go to www.oneshotantelopehunt.com.
September 23 — Run The Red and Wyoming Public Lands Day
Trail runs of a half marathon, 50k and 100k races. The Red Desert is a uniquely Wyoming Landscape—one blanketed with sage, carved with colorful badlands, rich with wildlife and steeped in cultural and historical significance. The day will be filled with live music and celebrations including food trucks, beverages, tours of the Carissa Mine, nature trails, gold panning and an Oregon Trail presentation. 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. runthereddesert.com.
Wind River Indian Reservation Events and Powwows
Mid-June to Mid-August — Eagle Spirit Singers and Dancers
The Eagle Spirit Singers and Dancers perform every Wednesday night at the Museum of the American West in Lander. Watch skilled dancers in colorful regalia at this outside venue against the backdrop of the Wind River Mountains. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, or sit on the benches. 7 p.m. 1445 W. Main St., Lander.
June 23 to 25 — 63rd Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow
Come celebrate Wyoming’s largest powwow, which includes an Indian rodeo and relay races. There will be Indian games on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. and a parade shortly after. Grand Entry begins Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 12 and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. (307) 349-6053. 10 Old Wind River Highway, Fort Washakie.
Other Annual Events
There are a number of events that take place every year throughout Wind River Country that are near and dear to our communities. Many of these events fund local businesses and organizations, while others are annual and/or historical celebrations. There’s something that they all have in common; a sense of a community and enjoyment for people of all ages.
January 21 — Riverton Community Celebration
The Wind River Visitors Council hosts a community event to celebrate both Riverton and the start of the ice racing season. This event is open to the public and co-hosted by the Wyoming Off-Road Racers Association, the Hampton Inn & Suites and the WYRiverton Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. Come to Bunks BBQ from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for food and fun. Free. 201 E. Washington Avenue, Riverton.
April 29 — Dancing With The Stars: Lander & Riverton
Support Community Entry Services with a magnificent evening of entertainment. Since 1975 CES has been dedicated to empowering people with brain injuries and developmental disabilities in Fremont County to make their own life choices while being valued, respected and contributing community members. Watch the dancing teams compete, and vote for your favorites at the Lander Community and Convention Center. Tables are available for purchase, which include seats for four with dinner provided and complimentary drink tickets. 950 Buena Vista Drive, Lander. To purchase tickets, visit www.dancingwiththestarslander.com.
June 9 to 10 — 21st Annual Lander Brewfest
Lander Brewfest is held each year on the second weekend of June. It features craft breweries with a wide variety of beers from all around the Rocky Mountain West. More than 2,500 visitors descend upon Lander each June to kick off summer at this two-day celebration known as “The Best Little Brewfest in the West.” There will be live music, food and fun for the whole family. Various ticket prices. Friday 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 2 to 7 p.m. Call (307) 332-3892 for more information. 1445 W. Main Street, Lander.
June 17 — 10th Annual Hudson Daze
Enjoy family fun and old-fashioned Western hospitality, activities and much more. The fun begins at 10 a.m. with craft vendors, a car show, great food and live music. Hudson Daze takes place at the Gold Star Memorial Park on Main Street. Call (307) 335-8125 for more information. 217 S. Main Street, Hudson.
June 28 to July 1 — 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous
The 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous is the only reenactment on the original rendezvous site. Walk in the same footsteps of traders from the past. Learn fire starting with flint and steel, dutch-oven cooking, black powder shoots, flint knapping, teepee set-up, trap setting and more. The Rendezvous begins June 28 at 10 a.m. and ends July 1 at 8 p.m. End of E. Monroe Avenue, Riverton. For more information, visit www.1838rendezvous.com.
July 4 — Dubois 4th of July Celebration
Enjoy the greatest little small-town July 4 in the West. The day kicks off with Kiwanis Kids’ Games at the Dubois Town Park. Shop around downtown and check out the Opportunity Shop’s Annual Sidewalk Sale. Spectators line the street to enjoy the Dubois 4th of July Parade that takes place at 2 p.m. on Ramshorn Street and goes from Dubois Town Park to the First Street intersection. Afterwards, the crowd disperses to an afternoon filled with fun events like the Ice Cream Social and the Ducky Derby at Horse Creek Bridge. At dusk, the town gathers at the Dubois Scenic Overlook for a spectacular fireworks show. The Overlook is one of the best vantage points in the Dubois area, making it the perfect place to watch the show. Dubois.
July 8 — 41st Annual Arts in Action Day in the Park
Experience a Wyoming day filled with community togetherness, local business promotions, family fun and merriment. The 41st Annual Arts in Action Day in the Park features the craftsmanship of artists and makers from across our region from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 901 E. Fremont Avenue, Riverton.
July 8 to 9 — South Pass City Gold Rush Days
Head to South Pass City for a weekend of enjoyment. Pan for gold, see historic exhibits and gold mining demonstrations, Pony Express reenactments, a vintage baseball tournament, live saloon music and the anvil blasting at the Price Street Bridge every hour on the hour. Gold Rush Days also includes tours of the Carissa Mine & Mill and the opportunity to explore five-miles of interpretive trails. Admission is $5, kids two and under free. 125 Main Street, South Pass City. Check out www.southpasscity.org for details.
August 19 — 15th Annual RiverFest
Come to Lander City Park for the 15th Annual RiverFest at Jurassic Classic! Enjoy a day filled with art, music and entertainment. The Lander Art Center hosts its 15th Annual RiverFest this year, kicking off at 5 p.m. and featuring local artists and vendors, concessions, bikes, live music, drinks and kids activities. Check out https://landerartcenter.com for details. 405 Fremont St., Lander.
September 21 — The Wind River Visitors Council Hosts Business After Hours
Join the Wind River Visitors Council and the Lander Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for Business After Hours. Connect with businesses, potential customers and the Lander community. This event also serves as a celebration of Lander-South Pass City being a Gateway Community for the Continental Divide Trail, and information about the Trail will be provided. Join us at the Lander Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 N 1st Street, Lander. This event is open to the public, and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
Farmers’ Markets
Come get a taste of Wind River Country’s communities, from mushroom and dairy farms to locally processed meats to home grown garden vegetables and fresh-baked pastries. Shopping at a farmers’ market gives travelers an opportunity to meet Wyoming farmers and vendors and get a feel for the local culture.
May to September (Summer) & October to April (Winter) — Riverton Saturday Farmers’ Market
Local businesses and families want to bring the goodness of local products to your home. 9 to 11 a.m.
Summer location: Riverton City Hall parking lot (816 N. Federal Boulevard, Riverton) and Winter location: Little Wind Center (1010 Fairground Road, Riverton).
May to September (Summer) & October to April (Winter) — Lander Local Food Market
Every Saturday. Summer location: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m at South 2nd Street and Main Street, Lander, and Winter location: 1 to 3 p.m. at 11 Tweed Lane, Lander.
May to September — Riverton Wednesday Farmers’ Market
Offering a wide variety of locally grown and locally made foods from the first Wednesday in May through September at Riverton City Park. 5 to 7 p.m. 901 E. Fremont Avenue, Riverton.
June to October — Lander Valley Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning 3rd Street in Downtown Lander. Featuring produce, meat, eggs, dairy, flowers, baked goods, cottage foods and locally produced crafts. 9 to 11:30 a.m. To inquire about vendors or volunteering, head to www.landervalleyfarmersmarket.com. 3rd Street, Lander.
June to October — Wind River Farmers Market
Every Thursday at the Frank B. Wise Business Center. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 3 Ethete Road, Fort Washakie.
June to October (Summer) and November to May (Winter) — Dubois Farmers Market
Every Thursday. Fresh local produce and food bank contributions. 4 to 6 p.m. (307) 455-2313.
Summer location: 202 E. Ramshorn Street, Dubois, and Winter location: 20 Stalnaker Street, Dubois.
July to October — Shoshoni Farmers Market
Every Friday at Shoshoni Community Plaza Park. 5 to 7 p.m. E. 2nd Street and Main Street, Shoshoni.
