March is a high-octane month in the valley. Between the spring corn snow and the Rendezvous Music Festival, adding the 68-team NCAA tournament into the mix makes March in Jackson Hole one of the most electric places to be in early Spring.
Whether you’re a local looking to escape the spring-break crowds or a visitor trying to balance “The Big Dance” with big lines at the tram, here is your definitive guide to watching March Madness in Jackson Hole.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament Schedule
Keep these dates on your radar so you don’t accidentally book a snowmobile tour during a buzzer-beater:
- Selection Sunday: March 15
- First Four: March 17–18
- First & Second Rounds: March 19–22
- Sweet 16 & Elite Eight: March 26–29 (Note: This overlaps with the Rendezvous Music Festival!)
- Final Four: Saturday, April 4 (Indianapolis, IN)
- Championship Game: Monday, April 6
Top Spots to Catch the Tourney Action
1. Sidewinders American Grill (West Broadway)
If you want the most “traditional” sports bar experience, this is it. With a wall of TVs and a classic American menu, it’s the unofficial headquarters for brackets in Jackson.
- The Vibe: High energy, family-friendly, and plenty of “S”idewinder pretzels.
- Pro Tip: It gets packed early for the opening Thursday/Friday rounds. Get there by 10:00 AM if you want a prime seat.
- Address: 945 W Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001
2. Cutty’s Bar & Grill (Town)
A local favorite for Philly cheesesteaks and a “no-frills” sports atmosphere. Because Cutty’s is a bit off the main tourist path of the Town Square, you’ll find more year-round residents here.
- The Vibe: Authentic, gritty, and great for people who actually care about the point spread.
- Pro Tip: Their pizza is some of the best in town, perfect for a long afternoon of 1st-round upsets.
- Address 1140 WY-22, Jackson, WY 83001
3. The Mangy Moose (Teton Village)
If you’re skiing JHMR and can’t bear to leave the village, the Moose is your best bet. While famous for its après-ski music, they typically have the games on in the saloon area.
- The Vibe: Iconic, loud, and heavily populated with people still in ski boots.
- Pro Tip: Great for the weekend games, but be prepared for “Rendezvous Festival” crowds on March 27–28.
- Address: 3295 Village Dr, Teton Village, WY 83025
4. Snake River Brewing (Town)
The “Brewpub” is a local institution. While not a dedicated “sports bar,” they have screens near the bar and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
- The Vibe: Communal, craft-focused, and cozy.
- Pro Tip: Check their schedule for Tuesday trivia nights; they’ve been known to mix in some NCAA-themed questions in March.
- Address: 265 S Millward St, Jackson, WY 83001
The “Rendezvous” Conflict
The Rendezvous Music Festival falls on March 27–28, directly hitting the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.
- Friday, March 27: Souls of Mischief will be performing free under the Tram.
- Saturday, March 28: The Flaming Lips and Umphrey’s McGee headline the big stage.
My Advice: If your team is in a Sweet 16 game on Friday, watch the first half at a bar in the Village, then head out to the Tram Commons for the music. The energy in Teton Village when a major game ends right as the headliner starts is legendary.
Watching at Home (or in the Condo)
If you’re avoiding the crowds, Jackson’s internet infrastructure has improved significantly for 2026. Spectrum and EarthLink Fiber are the dominant high-speed players in town.
- Broadcasting: Games will be split across CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV.
- Streaming: The March Madness Live app is your best friend, but ensure your rental’s Wi-Fi is up to the task, some older condos in the Aspens can still be “spotty.”
Local Insider Tips
- Mountain Time Advantage: Remember, games start early here! The first tip-offs for the opening rounds usually happen around 10:15 AM MST. It is perfectly acceptable in Jackson to have a beer with breakfast during March.
- The Altitude Factor: If you’re visiting from sea level, remember that one “celebratory pint” at 6,233 feet feels like two. Hydrate between halves.
- Reservations: Most sports bars in town are first-come, first-served. If you have a group of 6+, call ahead to Sidewinders or Roadhouse Pub & Eatery to see if they can accommodate a block.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
