Experience the Best of Wyoming Fall Festivals: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Natural Beauty
Discover Wyoming’s vibrant autumn events, featuring local music, artisanal crafts, and family-friendly activities against the stunning backdrop of fall foliage.
As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across the wide-open landscapes of Wyoming, the state comes alive with a series of festivals that celebrate its rich heritage, vibrant communities, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the art-filled streets of Jackson Hole to the pumpkin patches of Riverton, Wyoming’s fall festivals offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste local specialties, a music lover ready to enjoy live performances, or a family looking for fun-filled days of seasonal activities, these events provide the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. Join us as we explore the best fall festivals Wyoming has to offer, where tradition meets celebration in the heart of the American West.
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival
Who should go: Art enthusiasts and music lovers
Visitors: Approximately 20,000 attendees
Theme: A blend of art, music, and Western culture
The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, running from September 6-17, 2024, is not just about art; it’s also a showcase for local musical talent. The festival features performances by bands like the Canyon Kids, known for their indie-folk sound that perfectly complements the laid-back mountain vibe. The One Ton Pig, a Jackson-based band with a unique blend of bluegrass and country, will also take the stage, providing lively tunes to accompany the artistic displays.
Cheyenne Oktoberfest
Who should go: Families and cultural enthusiasts
Visitors: Approximately 15,000 attendees
Theme: German heritage meets Western charm
The Cheyenne Oktoberfest, held on September 28, 2024, brings a taste of Bavaria to the heart of Wyoming. Traditional German dance groups like the Polka Nuts perform lively folk dances in full costume, inviting festival-goers to join in. The event also features modern dance acts, blending old-world charm with contemporary energy.
Rock Springs Harvest Festival
Who should go: Food lovers and families
Visitors: Approximately 7,000 attendees
Theme: Celebrating local harvests and culinary creativity
The Rock Springs Harvest Festival, taking place on October 5, 2024, is a must-visit for foodies. Local eateries like Cowboy Donuts and Java Peddler set up booths offering everything from gourmet pastries to coffee blends. The festival features cooking demos by local chefs like Brandon Goldsmith, who will showcase how to prepare seasonal dishes using Wyoming-grown ingredients.
Lander Brewfest
Who should go: Beer enthusiasts and social butterflies
Visitors: Approximately 3,500 attendees
Theme: Craft beer celebration with a local twist
Lander Brewfest, scheduled for September 13-14, 2024, is a haven for craft beer lovers. The event features over 30 breweries, including local favorites like Lander Brewing Company and Snake River Brewing. Attendees can sample a wide range of craft beers, including seasonal brews made with Wyoming-grown hops. Cider lovers can enjoy offerings from Jackson Hole Cider Company, known for their crisp, refreshing ciders made from local apples.
Sheridan’s Fall Craft Fair
Who should go: Craft lovers and collectors
Visitors: Approximately 4,000 attendees
Theme: Handmade goods and local artistry
The Sheridan Fall Craft Fair, held on October 19, 2024, is a showcase of Wyoming’s best artisans. Visitors can browse booths featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, and leather goods from local artists like Ann Taliaferro and Wayne Barlow. The fair also includes a section for local food products, such as jams and honey from Big Horn Mountain Honey.
Riverton’s Pumpkin Patch Party
Who should go: Families and children
Visitors: Approximately 2,000 attendees
Theme: Pumpkin picking and autumn fun
Riverton’s Pumpkin Patch Party, running every weekend in October 2024, is a highlight for families. Kids can pick their own pumpkins from a sprawling patch and then head to the decorating station to create their own jack-o’-lanterns. The event also features a costume contest with prizes for the most creative outfits. Last year’s winner, Sophie Martinez, impressed the judges with her hand-made scarecrow costume.
Buffalo Harvest Festival
Who should go: Families and food lovers
Visitors: Approximately 4,500 attendees
Theme: Celebrating the season’s bounty
Buffalo’s Harvest Festival, taking place on October 12, 2024, is a celebration of local agriculture. The festival features apple pressing demonstrations, allowing visitors to sample fresh cider from Wyoming Apple Ranch. Local farmers sell their produce, including pumpkins, squash, and corn, while food vendors offer homemade pies and preserves. The festival also includes a pie-eating contest, with last year’s winner, Tommy O’Connell, devouring five apple pies in under five minutes.
Laramie’s Homecoming Parade
Who should go: Community members and alumni
Visitors: Approximately 8,000 attendees
Theme: University pride and local culture
The Laramie Homecoming Parade on October 19, 2024, is a beloved tradition for University of Wyoming alumni and students. The parade features floats from local businesses, marching bands, and appearances by the university’s mascot, Pistol Pete. The parade concludes with a pep rally, where local celebrities like former NFL player Chris Prosinski give motivational speeches.
Teton Village Fall Festival
Who should go: Families and art enthusiasts
Visitors: Approximately 5,000 attendees
Theme: Creative crafts and community spirit
The Teton Village Fall Festival on October 5-6, 2024, includes a variety of arts and crafts workshops for all ages. Visitors can try their hand at pottery-making, guided by local artist Sarah Gilmore, or participate in a community mural painting. The festival also features a kids’ crafting corner, where children can make their own fall-themed decorations to take home.
Powell’s Farm Tour Day
Who should go: Agriculture enthusiasts and families
Visitors: Approximately 2,500 attendees
Theme: Learning about local farming practices
Powell’s Farm Tour Day on October 13, 2024, offers guided tours of local farms and ranches. Visitors can see firsthand how crops like sugar beets and barley are harvested. The tour includes a visit to Heart Mountain Creamery, where guests can sample fresh cheese and ice cream. The event also features educational talks by local farmers, who share insights into sustainable farming practices in Wyoming’s unique climate.
Thermopolis Fall Festival
Who should go: Families and animal lovers
Visitors: Approximately 3,000 attendees
Theme: Farm fun and fall festivities
Thermopolis Fall Festival, scheduled for October 19, 2024, offers a petting zoo with a wide variety of farm animals, including alpacas, goats, and chickens. Kids can feed the animals and learn about their care from local farmers. The festival also features pony rides and sheep-shearing demonstrations, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Wyoming’s agricultural roots.
Sheridan’s Fall Foliage Festival
Who should go: Nature lovers and photographers
Visitors: Approximately 6,000 attendees
Theme: Celebrating the colors of fall
Sheridan’s Fall Foliage Festival on October 5, 2024, transforms the town into a celebration of autumn’s beauty. The streets are lined with pumpkin displays, hay bales, and scarecrows, creating a picturesque setting. The festival includes guided nature walks in Kendrick Park, where visitors can admire the vibrant fall foliage and learn about local wildlife.
Practical Information
Visitors to Wyoming’s fall festivals should plan ahead to ensure they make the most of their experience.
Schedule and Timing
Many festivals start in September and run through October, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival kicks off the festivities on September 6-17, 2024, while Casper’s Halloween Festival closes out the season on October 31, 2024.
Tickets and Reservations
Some festivals require advance tickets, especially for special events or VIP experiences. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival and Lander Brewfest are popular events where early booking is recommended. Tickets for these festivals often include access to exclusive areas, tastings, or workshops.
Weather and Attire
Wyoming’s fall weather can be unpredictable, with sunny days and chilly nights. Visitors should pack layers to stay comfortable, including a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat for evening events. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating festival grounds, especially those in rural or outdoor settings.
Embrace Wyoming’s Fall Spirit
Wyoming’s fall festivals offer a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural celebrations, and community spirit. Whether you’re enjoying live music in Jackson, navigating a corn maze in Cody, or sampling local brews in Lander, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit to these vibrant festivals and experience the magic of Wyoming in the autumn.
