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May Events & Music In Jackson Hole
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There’s a particular magic to Jackson Hole in May, the kind that comes when a mountain town exhales after a long winter and remembers everything it loves about itself. Snow gives way to sage, wildlife returns to the valley floor, and neighbors who haven’t seen each other since the ski lifts closed find each other again at parades, cookoffs, and concerts on Town Square. It’s a month of firsts and traditions: the first rodeo of the season, the first tram ride to the summit with summer views, the first open mic night at the Virginian. And with Grand Teton and Yellowstone opening their gates wide, the greater landscape joins the celebration, too.
This May is especially full. Old West Days brings the world-famous Elk Antler Auction, the High Noon Chili Cookoff, and one of America’s last horse-drawn parades to downtown Jackson. The 6th Annual Teton Powwow at Snow King honors Indigenous culture with dance, music, and art from more than 60 tribes. A free concert on Town Square, a birding festival in the meadows, live theater, raptor encounters, and Touch-A-Truck for the kids round out a month that has something for absolutely everyone. Welcome to May in Jackson Hole, we’re glad you’re here.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
May 2026 Events
Old West Days, wildflowers, and the valley in full bloom
Early May
1May
National Park
Grand Teton National Park — All Roads Open
All roads open to vehicle traffic, snow conditions permitting. Time to explore the park in full.
2May
Arts
Spring Fling Fashion Thing 3 Free / Ticketed
Presented by Jackson Hole Pride and the Center for the Arts — the third-annual fashion show, dance party and celebration of Jackson Hole’s LGBTQIA+ artists and community. An original collection of looks designed, styled, and modeled by local queer artists will hit the runway in an immersive fashion extravaganza.
3May
Music
Jackson Hole Community Band Spring Concert
A beloved local tradition at the Center for the Arts Theater.
Cinco de Mayo — May 5
5May
Food & Drink
Cinco de Mayo at StillWest Brewery & Grill
$5 Mexican lagers and $8 margaritas, plus a special Cinco de Mayo menu all day long.
5May
Music
Cinco de Mayo Party at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
The iconic Cowboy Bar kicks off the holiday with a lively evening fiesta.
5May
Film
Bicycle Film Festival 2026
Presented by Friends of Pathways — a curated screening of short films celebrating the bicycle, plus a bike vendor village, food, and drinks.
Native Arts & Culture — May 7–9
7May
Culture
Native Voices: An Evening of Native American Artistry
Presented by Central Wyoming College — meet Indigenous artists, experience exhibitions, and enjoy Indigenous food tastings. “Behind Linear Narratives: Indigenous Plains Ledger Art” will be on view at the Jackson Hole History Museum.
8May
National Park
Yellowstone National Park Opens South Entrance
The south entrance opens for the season, snow conditions permitting.
9May
Culture
6th Annual Teton Powwow & Native American Art Market Free
Presented by Central Wyoming College and Native American Jump Start — an unforgettable gathering of dance, music and community with more than 60 tribes represented from throughout the Western States.
9May
Family
Junior Ranger Day in Grand Teton National Park Free
Kids and families enjoy free festivities at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. This year’s theme: animals of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Earn a Junior Ranger badge, explore games, learning stations, rescue vehicles, and exhibits from Teton Science Schools, the Cougar Fund, Wyoming Stargazing, and more.
9May
Music
S’mores and Songs with Isaac Hayden Free
Part of the Murie Ranch Front Porch: Out & About series. Gather around the fire for an evening of soulful music and community at Teton Science School’s Kelly Campus.
Arts, Film & Theater — May 12–15
12May
Film
“The Art of Adventure” Free Film Screening Free
A documentary about the lifelong friendship between wildlife artist Robert Bateman and biologist Bristol Foster, at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
12May
Music
Open Mic Night at Virginian Saloon — Summer Season Begins
The beloved summer open mic tradition kicks off for another season at the Virginian Saloon.
14–16May
Theater
Riot Act Presents “When We Were Young and Unafraid”
A powerful stage production at the Center for the Arts. Also performs May 21.
15May
Wildlife
Raptors From the Teton Raptor Center at The Cloudveil Free
See live raptors up-close at this informal program in the hotel lobby. No reservations needed. Also on May 29.
Old West Days Kick-Off — May 15–22
15–22May
Food & Drink
3rd Annual Restaurant Week — Jackson & Teton Village
Part of Old West Days — local eateries offer prix fixe deals on lunch (from $15/person) and/or dinner (from $30/person).
Old West Days — May 16–25
16May
Old West
Elkfest — Elk Antler Auction
The world-famous Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction returns to Town Square. A cherished Jackson Hole tradition celebrating the annual antler shed.
16May
Old West
Jackson Hole Shootout Opening Day — 50th Anniversary
At “age” 50, this is the longest-running shootout in the country. Catch the first performance of the season on Town Square.
16May
Outdoor
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram Opens for Summer
Ride the iconic tram to the summit for panoramic Teton views — summer season begins.
17May
Food & Drink
High Noon Chili Cookoff
All-you-can-eat chili competition on Town Square. Come hungry.
17–25May
Old West
Mountain Man Rendezvous & Traders Row
The spirit of the true West comes alive at the Teton County Fairgrounds as part of Elkfest and Old West Days — including one of the only remaining horse-drawn parades in America.
17–25May
History
Homesteaders & Mountain Men: Living History of the American West Free
Step back in time with two immersive reenactments — “Wagons & Tales” (1850s homesteaders) and “Mountain Man Rendezvous” (1840s trader’s row). Explore tents, watch live demos, and hear first-person frontier accounts.
17May
Music
Viva La Música — Jackson Hole Chorale Spring Concert Free
A free spring concert from the Jackson Hole Chorale at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole.
17May
History
Historic Downtown Walking Tours Kick Off
The Jackson Hole History Museum’s popular walking tours run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. from May through September. Purchase at the front desk.
22May
Outdoor
Granite Hot Springs Opens for Summer
The beloved backcountry hot springs south of Jackson reopens for the warm season.
22May
Outdoor
Snow King Mountain Opens for Summer
Jackson’s hometown mountain opens its summer offerings — lift rides, trails, and more.
22May
Music
7th Annual Million Dollar Music Fest — Opening Night with Lonestar
The music fest kicks off with a ticketed concert inside the Cowboy Bar featuring country legends Lonestar.
Memorial Day Weekend — May 23–25
23May
Old West
Annual Best of the West Parade
One of the last horse-drawn parades in the West winds through Jackson. A true bucket-list moment for visitors and locals alike.
23May
Old West
Jackson Hole Rodeo Opens for the Season
The rodeo is back! Catch world-class cowboys and cowgirls compete in Jackson’s beloved summer tradition.
23May
Food & Drink
Old West Brew Fest
More than 20 breweries — including Snake River Brewing, Roadhouse Brewing, and StillWest — pour more than 50 unique beers and ciders.
23May
History
Free Admission at Jackson Hole History Museum After Parade Free
Celebrate Old West Days with free admission to the museum following the Best of the West Parade, plus family activities.
24May
Music
7th Annual Million Dollar Music Fest — Free Concert on Town Square Free
A free, all-ages big-stage country concert on Town Square. Headliner Hudson Westbrook, with Avery Anna and Neal McCoy opening. Gates open at 4 p.m., rain or shine.
24May
Old West
Cowboy Church on Town Square Free
A unique blend of faith and the Old West — a spiritual service welcoming all to connect with community and God.
25May
History
American Legion Memorial Day Service
A solemn and proud community gathering to honor those who served.
25May
National Park
Free Entry Day — Grand Teton National Park Free
Memorial Day is a fee-free day at Grand Teton. A perfect opportunity for a first — or fiftieth — visit.
Late May
26May
History
Take-a-Tour Tuesdays — Jackson Hole History Museum
Exhibits Director Kirsten Corbett leads a guided tour of “Women Artists of the American West: Colorado and Utah, 1885–1935.” Space limited to 20, first-come, first-served.
28–30May
Nature
Annual Jackson Hole Birding Festival
A three-day celebration of the remarkable diversity of bird life in and around Jackson — field excursions, expert-led tours, educational programs, and a deep immersion in the natural delights of the Tetons.
29May
Theater
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Opens
The beloved musical opens at the Jackson Hole Playhouse for a season-long run through August 29th.
29May
Arts
“Your Brain on Art” at the Center for the Arts
Presented by JH Public Art — an exploration of how creativity and artmaking support brain health and enhance well-being.
29May
Wildlife
Raptors From the Teton Raptor Center at The Cloudveil Free
See live raptors up-close at this informal lobby program. No reservations needed.
31May
Family
Touch-A-Truck, Presented by Jackson Hole Children’s Museum Free
A beloved Jackson Hole tradition — touch the levers, switches, and gears of construction, emergency, law enforcement, food service, and recreation vehicles. At Jackson Elementary School fields and the south parking lot at Teton County Recreation Center.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
