Spring Fever

In April, the Teton Park Road opens to non-vehicular traffic only, meaning bikers and pedestrians can claim the whole stretch of pavement from the Bradley-Taggart Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge, sans cars. As further incentive to get out and explore the early season, rangers waive the park fee during National Park Week, April 16 – 24, leaving no excuse not to flock to the park (as all locals do on sunny weekends).

As the spring kick-off to outdoor entertainment, the EcoFair feels as much like a community celebration as it does an environmental showcase. For one day only (May 14), live music, local food, kids’ activities and educational demos transform the Snow King Ball Field into a carnival of mindful fun.

All anglers in the valley come together in support of coldwater fisheries for Trout Unlimited’s Tie-One-On Banquet, hosted by the local and state chapters of the fisheries advocacy group. Held at Hotel Terra, the evening features raffles and live and silent auctions. The banquet benefits Teton waterways.

Every spring, the Jackson District Boy Scouts are given exclusive access to harvest the antlers shed on the National Elk Refuge, a bone bounty then sold at auction on May 21 on the Town Square as part of Elk Fest. Last year, 10,609 lbs. of antlers were sold at auction, with bidders paying a record-setting average of $17.03 per pound. Beyond bidding, Elk Fest hosts a High Noon Chili Cook-Off on May 22 and the Mountain Man Rendezvous, a tribute to frontier life.

For the first time ever, the US Yoga Federation is hosting the 2016 Yoga Asana National Championship from May 20 – 22 at the Center for the Arts in Jackson. The three-day event finds athletes from across the country competing in the sport they are championing in their respective communities. Beyond competition, the championship features exhibitors, demos and yoga classes—open to all ticketholders.

For 35 years running, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce spotlights Jackson Hole’s boisterous cowboy history through Old West Days, May 27-30. With rodeo events, a downtown parade, wine and beer tastings, a traders’ row and even cowboy church on Sunday, the gathering promises good old fashioned fun.

On Father’s Day (June 19), the Teton Raptor Center hosts a community open house in the historic Hardeman Barns, a fun-for-all afternoon replete with live music, kids’ activities and demos with the center’s feathered residents (including Owly, the Great Horned Owl and Gus the Golden Eagle).