The Best Festivals, Exhibits, and Events in Jackson Hole
Whether you’re a music, art, food, or culture fan, you’ll find the perfect event.
Jackson Hole is a popular destination for people looking to experience the outdoors, but that’s not all it has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do in Jackson Hole, there are some incredible festivals and events to explore that are unique to the area. Keep reading for the best Jackson Hole events and what makes them one-of-a-kind.
Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Join in for a weekend of rocking bluegrass music with loads of local vendors laden with crafts and food.
By far, this is one of the most entertaining events in Jackson hole. The Targhee Bluegrass Festival takes place each year on Memorial Day weekend. It features bluegrass music from all over the country along with food vendors boasting local cuisine that will make your mouth water! If you love listening to new artists, this one’s for you. The Targhee Bluegrass Festival is held in the Northern Rockies, making it the perfect combination of great music and beautiful mountain living.
During the week leading up to the festival, many artists host a unique music teaching camp that matches the exciting chance to learn from two generations of skilled performers with a taste of camping in the great outdoors. The Rockies provide a beautiful landscape for your stay, as well as some potential creative inspiration for those aspiring future artists!
Though the music is by far the crowning experience at the festival, there are also local arts and crafts vendors and plenty of outdoor recreational activities to experience. Many festivalgoers also choose to camp or stay in the nearby mountain resort. This event is family-friendly and a great way to co-exist with nature as well as the arts.
More information about the festival and tickets can be found here.
Grand Teton Music Festival
A musical season of talented musicians with indoor and outdoor performances.
One of the most incredible things to do in the Jackson area, the Grand Teton Music Festival, takes place each summer and features a lineup of top classical artists from around the country. This event is all about music, so you won’t want to miss it! The festival was founded in 1962 and continues to bring expansive cultural awareness and unique musical opportunities to Wyoming and the surrounding areas. The Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra includes more than 200 musicians from 80 orchestras and 55 institutions and celebrates its 60th anniversary in the 2021 season.
This Jackson Hole event is a cultural must-do not only because of the sheer talent of the performers but because these musicians also gather inspiration from the festival’s notable mountain setting for their music. A treat for performers and audiences alike, this prestigious musical event is not to be missed!
Jackson Hole Writers Conference
An engaging workshop with new and established writers from all over the world.
The Jackson Hole Writers Conference (JHWC) happens every June and brings together professional writers for workshops, panels, readings, and more. It’s a helpful way for aspiring authors to learn from some of the best people in their field.
The conference offers engagement through writing workshops, manuscript critiques, and craft classes. There are also social events for writers to get to know one another and build a foundation for collaboration. Faculty members strive to help participants leave with new skills and new connections. Past notable workshops have included “Blueprinting: Exploring the Spaces and Places in our Stories” and “Writing from the Soul: And Finding a Good Story to Call Your Own,” and the list of panelists span dozens of fiction and nonfiction writers, as well as novelists, essayists, and poets.
For more information about the next JHWC, you can visit the official website here. From beginners to experienced members of the craft, anyone and everyone can learn and enjoy this event!
Fall Arts Festival
An all-encompassing celebration that fills the entire town with art, food, and fun.
Jackson Hole’s Fall Arts Festival is one of the best cultural events in the Rocky Mountain West for wildlife, landscape, and Western art. With more than 50 events throughout the festival, there’s absolutely no room for boredom! Thousands of visitors attend the festival each year to take in the breathtaking scenery and the distinct works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
Events don’t stop at artwork — visitors can also expect to experience incredible music, cuisine, and wine. The Fall Arts Festival also boasts an open-air art fair featuring fine art from local artists, historic local ranch tours, quick-draw art auctions, and gallery brunch walks. Participants this year can also expect a state-of-the-art Western Design Conference Exhibit and Sale, a fine arts fundraiser for the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and even a fashion show!
More information is available on the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce website.
If you’re feeling inspired by one of these events, be sure to book your trip to Jackson Hole soon. Whether you’re a music, art, food, or conservation fan, there are Jackson Hole events that will speak to you!
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