From Cattle Drives to Covered Grandstands
It all started with a cattle drive. In 1890, Sylvester Wilson led the first group of settlers over Teton Pass into the Jackson Hole valley, drawn by the promise of fertile grasslands and wide-open range. What followed was more than a ranching enterprise — it was the seed of a tradition that would outlast generations.
By 1911, the informal contests cowboys held among themselves — roping, riding, proving their worth against the land — had grown into something bigger. The community formalized them as the Jackson's Hole Frontier Rodeo, complete with a grandstand and racetrack. Shows ran annually on the first three days of September, and the whole valley showed up.
Belle Flanders, sister of John and Jess Wort, donated roughly 40 acres for the grounds — a gift that gave the rodeo a permanent home. Her heirs reclaimed the land in the 1930s, but the town wasn't about to let the tradition disappear. Jackson purchased 25 acres outright, establishing what we now know as Frontier Park, the same grounds where riders compete today.
Six generations of the Wilson family — direct descendants of Sylvester himself — still run the show. Phillip Wilson and his family organize events, compete in them, and keep the spirit of the Old West unmistakably alive every spring and summer in Jackson Hole.
When to Go: 2026 Schedule
The 2026 season runs from late May through Labor Day weekend. Regular shows are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Friday nights added through July and August when the summer crowd peaks.
- Season Kickoff: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Season Ends: September 5, 2026
- Regular Shows: Wednesdays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Additional Shows: Fridays at 8:00 PM (July and August only)
- Gates Open: 6:30 PM
Tickets
Tickets for 2026 are priced as follows:
- Covered General Admission: $64
- Uncovered General Admission: $55
A couple of important notes: tickets are non-refundable and must be purchased exclusively at jhrodeo.com. ADA-approved seating and parking are available at the venue.
Food & Drink
No need to eat before you arrive. Outside food and drinks aren't permitted, but the concession stands under the grandstand more than make up for it. You'll find burgers, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, loaded nachos, and soft pretzels, plus a local standout worth seeking out: Bovine and Swine's bison and pork huckleberry sausages. On the drinks side, there's soda, a variety of beers, and hard seltzers.
Tips From a Local
Arrive around 7:15 PM. Gates open at 6:30, but 7:15 is the sweet spot — early enough to snag a great seat without a long wait. Skip the flip-flops; the grounds are dusty and uneven, and closed-toe shoes (boots, obviously, are always appropriate) will serve you much better. Even in the middle of summer, mountain evenings cool down fast, so toss a light jacket in your bag. And before you head out, check the weather — conditions in Jackson can shift quickly.
Getting There
The rodeo takes place at the Teton County Fairgrounds at 447 Snow King Ave, Jackson, WY — just a short walk from downtown. Parking near the town square and walking over is a perfectly reasonable plan.
