No one celebrates July 4th quite like Cody Yellowstone. For us, Independence Day means rodeos, parades, stampedes, fireworks, delicious food, and live music! If you’re joining us for the fourth this year, you’ll find all kinds of fun for the entire family. So make sure to wear your red, white, and blue, and saddle up for an adventure you’ll remember forever. Here are a few must-do activities to check out on the days leading up to July 4th in Cody Yellowstone.
What’s more American than a rodeo in the Rodeo Capital of the World? Since the turn of the century, Cody Yellowstone has celebrated July 4th with rodeos and parades, and this year might just be the biggest celebration yet! So bring the family to the 106th Annual Cody Stampede Rodeo to celebrate America’s Independence with some old-fashioned Wild West fun! The Cody Stampede features the best Cowboys and Cowgirls in the rodeo world. Every year they compete for a chance to win not only a big-money prize, but also to cement their legacy as a legend of the Cody Stampede Rodeo.
Each night of the Cody Stampede Rodeo has a different theme. July 1st is Law Enforcement and First Responder Night, July 2nd is Breast Cancer Awareness Night, July 3rd is Military Appreciation Night, and July 4th is Veteran Appreciation Night. Make sure to secure your tickets as soon as possible as they are always in high demand, especially for the 3rd and 4th of July shows. You can purchase tickets online or at the main Stampede office at 1013 12th Street.
Is it really July 4th if you don’t go to a parade? We don’t think so! The Cody Stampede Parade is known around the world. Pick out your patriotic best and find a good spot along Sheridan Avenue in downtown Cody to watch this fantastic motorcade. Keep an eye out for all of the parade floats that highlight local businesses and organizations. Marching bands also come from all over the state to participate in the celebrations. And, of course, every year, the Cody Stampede Parade has a very special Grand Marshal. Over the years, we’ve had everyone from John Wayne to Gary Cooper, Wilford Brimley to Larry the Cable Guy take on the role of Grand Marshal. This year, in honor of the parade’s theme, My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, our very own Cody Stampede Parade Outriders will be Grand Marshals. The Outriders have been integral to the July 4th Parade for decades, and we’re proud to celebrate their work this year.
Speaking of the craft show, no July 4th celebration in Cody is complete without visiting the Wild West Arts Fest. This arts and crafts fair draws an average of 10,000 visitors over three days , all looking for a unique memento to remember their trip to Cody. Vendors will be open 9am to 6pm on July 2nd & 3rd, and open 9am to 4pm on July 4th as you browse through locally made crafts that showcase the incredible talent of the Wyoming community. And don’t worry, there will be plenty of delicious food trucks nearby, offering everything from ice cream to expresso, burgers to sushi bowls, so you can fill your belly and fuel your fun!
Some people like to celebrate Independence Day with a parade, others with a BBQ. But some folks, well, they like to celebrate it with a 5k or 10k run! If you’re the type to lace up your sneakers to get a few miles in, you’re in luck! This year, the 44th Annual Runner’s Stampede is gearing up to take July 4th weekend by storm. If you’re not much of a runner but still would like to participate, there’s a 5k walk that happens at the same time. No matter which way you participate, it’s sure to be a healthy and entertaining way to start your holiday weekend in Cody.
Yeehaw! Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time reliving the Wild West in all its glory with the award-winning comedic musical, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Spectacular The Musical. Staged at the historic Cody Theatre downtown, this live show is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with action, romance, thrills, and enough laughs to leave your cheeks hurting! Expect toe-tapping music, enthusiastic cheers from the audience, and a whole lot of Wild West fun. Running from June 18th to August 9th, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Spectacular The Musical hits the stage for matinee performances July 3 – 4 at 2 pm before returning to its regular schedule of evening performances. This year, the musical is offering dinner and a show options, so you can enjoy a bite to go along with the performance.
Did you think we would talk about July 4th and not mention fireworks? No July 4th is complete without fireworks! So pack some snacks and your beverage of choice, find a nice spot somewhere downtown at dusk, and get ready to watch the show. The fireworks spectacular on July 4th is brought to you by the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce. The fireworks will be shot off across the river, north of the rodeo grounds. This show is the perfect way to cap off your July 4th in Cody!
As you gather with your family and friends in honor of Independence Day this year, spend some time exploring the many other treasures surrounding Cody. Take in the stunning natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park, dive into our fascinating history at Old Trail Town or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, or get outside and enjoy some fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities. No matter how you like to celebrate July 4th, you can do it here.
Start planning your Wild July 4th adventure in Cody Yellowstone today!
April 14, 2025
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