10 Ways to Enjoy the 4th of July in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is a singular destination that offers superlative natural beauty, a friendly small-town atmosphere, and plenty of Western charm to go around. Our July 4th festivities are certainly no exception! Spending Independence Day in Jackson Hole and aren’t sure what to do? We’ve compiled an insiders’ list of all the best activities available, as well as a few logistical tips to help you make the most of your day. Read on for the scoop!

10. First of all, the real festivities kick off on July 3rd.

Start your 4th of July weekend off right by heading down to the Snow King ball park in downtown Jackson on Friday evening for JacksonHoleLive. What is JacksonHoleLive, you ask? Why, that would be a free, outdoor concert series featuring a range of nationally touring acts. This week, Jared & the Mill headline—a self described “indie-folk-bluegrass” hybrid hailing from Phoenix, AZ—preceded by homegrown favorites Wyatt Lowe and the Mayhem Kings. This family-friendly festival gets started at 5:30 pm, so pack a picnic, tote your lawn chairs, and come sample local, award-winning brews from Snake River Brewing and the finest food truck cuisine around.

(Please note that dogs, glass, outside beverages, coolers, and tarps are not allowed on Snow King grounds during the show).

9. Frontier Family Fun

Jackson Hole is a town that never strays far from its Western roots, especially not during the 4th of July. Case in point: the Town Square Shootout, a Jackson Hole institution that also happens to be the longest continuously running show of its kind in the United States. Located at the northeast corner of the Town Square at 6pm sharp, this lively frontier battle adds a jolt of cowboy-themed excitement to a 4th of July spent out and about with the kiddos.

If you really want to soak in the uniquely Wild West flavor of an Independence Day in rustic Wyoming, don’t miss the Jackson Hole Rodeo. This traditional show is extra special on the 4th of July with patriotic songs, lots of audience participation, and a range of events including bull roping and bareback bronc riding. Beginning at 8pm within a few blocks of the downtown fireworks show, simply amble on foot straight over to Snow King after experiencing the show.

8. Pancakes!

We truly treasure our small town roots in Jackson Hole. Connect with the local community, raise funds, and provision up for a day chock full of 4th of July fun at the Town Square Pancake Breakfast. Stretching from 7am-10:30am, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children under four years of age. Snag yours in advance from the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Administration Office at 112 Center Street.

7. Parade Party

Directly after breakfasting beneath the Town Square’s elk antler arches, line the streets for another beloved JH tradition—the annual 4th of July parade. Mounted cowboys on horses, clowns, live music, classic automobiles, and more provide a colorful Independence Day spectacle, with float judging occurring directly afterward. The route runs from Snow King Ave to Glenwood, Broadway, and then terminates at Willow St.

6. Snow King Suds

Go aerial and enjoy sweeping views of the entire valley and Teton Range from the summit of Snow King Mountain (which doubles as central 4th of July headquarters). Right in time for your 4th of July shenanigans, Snow King Mountain Resort is opening its brand spanking new Rafferty chairlift and celebrating with Suds at the Summit from Snake River Brewing from 4pm-6pm. Hike up, cruise down, or avoid the burn entirely with a scenic, quick ride to the top.

5. Fun Run

Good thing you brought your running shoes to Jackson Hole! Hit the pavement during the 4th of July 10K Race, which is sponsored by local outdoor apparel retailer Skinny Skis. Occurring from 7:30am—12pm at the Wilson Community Center in Wilson, WY, the 10k out-and-back course travels along scenic Fish Creek Road and is a laid-back event open to runners, walkers, strollers, and four-legged friends. Raffle and prizes are available for all participants as well! Visit Skinny Skis for information about registration and timing.

4. Don’t Forget Teton Village!

Both downtown Jackson and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village (12 miles way) are offering up a full two-day roster of events for the holiday weekend. We highly recommend checking out both! Here is the entire Teton Village line-up, however, for reference:

July 3rd–Delta Saints live music show, free at the Village Commons. Gets going at 6pm and is followed by an early fireworks show at 10pm.

On July 4th and 5th, the Silver Car Auctions entertain car aficionados and bidders all day long. For everyone else, a full day of fun begins at 4pm with the Jazz Foundation of JH in the Village Commons. Following this, Grand Teton Music Festival’s beloved pops Music in the Hole program is simulcast from 6-8pm. Count on Calle Mambo to bring the house down with their uptempo Latin and Salsa music stylings. Then, a vibrant fireworks display caps the evening! Please leave your dogs at home, but feel free to bring a picnic or sample the range of on-site food and beverage vendors.

3. Dining Out With a View

Perch yourself on one of these decks for a meal to remember, and a perfect glimpse of the fireworks and other al fresco entertainment. (Note: call ahead for reservations and special information).

Lift
Hayden’s Post
The Handle Bar Whiskey & Provisions

2. Evening Extravaganza

Prepare to be dazzled for hours before darkness settles with a full line-up of free musical performances downtown. Head out early to listen, relax, picnic, and enjoy a perfect summer’s day. JacksonHoleLive offers a second free concert at the base of Snow King at 5:30pm highlighting One Ton Pig, “a sextet that melds the hard luck singer-songwriter tradition of artists like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash with the dazzling musicality and imaginative genre-bending of jam band musicians.” Kid-friendly activities and plenty of mouthwatering food options will be on hand! Stick around for the simulcast of Music in the Hole, which always fosters a patriotic mood in the crowd.

1. Festive Fireworks!

We guarantee you’ll never forget the reverberating “Boom!” of fireworks echoing against Jackson Hole’s stunning background of mountain peaks in silhouette. Whether you choose to watch in downtown Jackson or Teton Village, be prepared for a shimmering light show spectacular. Both shows begin around 10pm.

Tips for Maximizing Your Fun:

With thousands of visitors flooding Jackson Hole each year during this holiday weekend, things can get a bit hectic. Hotels are full to capacity, restaurants packed with patrons, and cars stream continuously into the valley. Minimize parking and planning hassles while truly experiencing the meaning of “holiday” by following some of these easy tips:

Parking

Public, long-term parking solutions are located at the corners of Millward and Simpson Streets, N. King St. & East Deloney Ave, and E Gill Ave and Cache St. The E. Deloney and E. Gill Ave public parking areas also feature rest stations with public restrooms.

Go Carless!

Simplify your day even more by leaving your car at home and busing or biking to Snow King or Teton Village. On bikes: both locations can be accessed via the community walking and bike paths administered by Friends of Pathways. Check out a full map here. By bus: the START bus runs a shuttle in downtown Jackson that loops through all major attractions every 15 minutes. You can also take the START bus straight to Teton Village or north towards the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Head here for more rider information.

Be Sun Safe

With a weather forecast that calls for a potential 90 degree high, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and lots of hydration are crucial to preventing sunburn or heatstroke. Although Jackson Hole’s dry climate and high altitude makes for sunny, cloudless days, be aware that the temperature cools significantly in the evenings—you’ll want layers and blankets for your time outside after the sun goes down.

Whatever combination of activities you choose for your 4th of July in Jackson Hole, our team here at Budge Realty Group wishes you a safe, festive–and above all–memorable holiday weekend!

Visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for even more information.