The Roundup: What You’ll Find in This Article

• Key dates and can’t-miss events for America’s 250th birthday in Park County
• Where to catch parades, rodeos, live music, and Western-style celebrations
• Where local traditions like cattle drives and chuckwagon cook-offs come to life
• Tips for planning your 2026 stay (plus why you’ll want to book early)
• Family-friendly activities, free events, and authentic community moments

In 2026, the United States marks a major milestone, the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Here in Park County, we’re rolling out the red, white, and blue with true Western flair! In Cody Yellowstone, we’re proud to bring you a full year of celebration, community events, and Western-spirit festivities in recognition of this once-in-a-generation moment. As we honor 250 years of freedom, heritage, and pioneering spirit, we invite you to join us in making your own memories, raising a toast and setting a tone for the next 250 years ahead.

What’s in Store for This Once-in-a-Lifetime celebration?

We’ve pulled together a peek at all the best events happening around town and county-wide, each one fused with local flavor and national pride. Let the anticipation build, save the dates on your calendar, and get to planning your 2026 Cody Yellowstone adventure.

April 18, 2026 — Two Lights for Tomorrow

We’re kicking off the festivities on the evening of April 18, at 7:30 p.m., outside the historic Irma on 12th Street in downtown Cody. Two lights will be placed at the hotel in tribute to the famed 1775 ride of Paul Revere — a symbol of vigilance and community and the enduring spirit of America. This free event features live music, proclamations and a gathering of locals and visitors alike.

June 14-21, 2026 — Cody Heritage Museum Field of Honor

Flag week is back, and in a big way. From June 14 through June 21, flags will be proudly displayed from the Heritage Museum. Nearly 500 flags will sweep across the museum lawn, courthouse, and city park in quiet tribute — each one honoring a life, a story, a legacy. There’s no formal ceremony, just a salute to service and hometown pride.

June 27, 2026 — Chuckwagon Cook-off & Live Music

The scent of slow-smoked brisket. The clang of cast iron. What’s more Western than a classic chuckwagon cook-off under open Wyoming skies? On June 27, Cody City Park transforms into a frontier cookout straight out of the Old West! Come for the cook-off, stay for the live music closing out the night, and make a full day of it. Details are still coming together, but you’ll want to reserve this date for family, fun, and big flavors.

June 29, 2026 — Authentic Cattle Drive & Street Festival (Meeteetse)

Just a short drive from Cody, the Town of Meeteetse will host an authentic cattle drive and street festival on June 29. You’ll find real ranch-life in action, local vendors, community camaraderie and a true Western vibe. It’s a fantastic way to branch out, explore, and celebrate the country’s 250-year story.

June 30, 2026 — Xtreme Bulls at Stampede Park

For pure adrenaline-fueled fun, don’t miss the Xtreme Bulls event on June 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Stampede Park. Hear the roar of the crowd and witness the true grit of top-tier riders going head-to-head with the West’s wildest bulls. It’s all part of the fun of celebrating America’s birthday!

July 2, 2026 — Kiddie Parade (Downtown Cody, 10:00am)

The littlest cowpokes take center stage in this charming community parade on Sheridan Avenue. On July 2 at 10:00 a.m., Cody’s youngest patriots will decorate bikes, wagons, and floats, all dressed in creative costumes that celebrate our American heritage. Expect big fun and even bigger smiles at this free, family-friendly event. 

July 3 and 4, 2026 — Cody Stampede Parade (Downtown Cody, 9:30am)

The feather in the cap of Cody Yellowstone’s July celebrations, the Cody Stampede Parade offers two mornings of full-throttle celebration on July 3 and 4 at 9:30 a.m. This unforgettable parade will have floats, live marching bands, trotting horses, and plenty of Western themes. Sheridan Avenue will be buzzing with excitement, and the nation’s 250th gives us even more of a reason to celebrate.

Why You’ll Want to be Here for it All

• A Historic Moment. The 250th anniversary of the United States is a milestone you won’t want to miss, and Park County is bringing a terrific lineup of events to commemorate the celebration.
  
• True Western Spirit. From cattle-drives to chuckwagons, downtown parades to rodeo grounds, our celebration blends national significance with Western tradition. 
• Community and connection. Many events are free, open to all, and anchored in local culture. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been a local your entire life, we’re hosting events that offer meaningful ways to participate. 
• One-of-a-kind memories. The combination of location, history, and celebration means you’ll take home more than photos—you’ll create lasting memories and stories to tell for years to come.

Ready to be part of the story?

Adventure awaits in Cody Yellowstone! Pull out your best red, white, and blue, book the next big family vacation, and be part of America’s 250th in a way that only the Wild West can deliver.

• Mark your calendars for all of the upcoming events: Make sure you subscribe to receive updates, accommodations info, and special offers. 
• Plan Ahead: Lodging fills up quickly when celebrations are this big — book early. 
• Spread the Word: Let friends and family know this is not your average vacation, it’s history in the making, right here in the West. 

Let’s celebrate 250 years together!

Whether you’re waving flags, watching the cattle drive, cheering from the parade route, or raising a pint of the official “Two Fifty Pale,” you’ll be making history here in Cody Yellowstone for America’s 250th Birthday. 

We’ll bring the fireworks, you just remember to pack your spirit. Saddle up and start planning your unforgettable Cody Yellowstone adventure today.