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.
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.
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.
Bringing together authentic western experiences, the Frontier Festival and Chuckwagon Cook-off combines pack horse races and wagon demonstrations with live music, local vendors, and a one-of-a-kind chuckwagon cooking competition. It’s immersive, hands-on, and deeply rooted in the traditions of the American West—exactly the kind of experience that transports you back to the ways of the Old Frontier.
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.
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.
This special event invites visitors to browse a curated collection of antiques and the best keepsakes and souvenirs—perfect for commemorating America’s 250th birthday. Whether you’re searching for a unique treasure or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, it’s a relaxed, welcoming experience that captures the spirit of community and craftsmanship of Park County.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Pull up a seat and join our table! America’s potluck is exactly what it sounds like: a celebration of community, connection, and coming together over shared stories. This one-day event invites neighbors and visitors alike to gather over food, conversation, and good company. In a year dedicated to reflecting on 250 years of history, this event offers something simple and powerful—a chance to connect, belong, and celebrate the American spirit side by side.
Defining Courage is more than just a performance—it’s a deeply moving experience. This immersive stage production shares the powerful and often overlooked stories of Japanese American soldiers who served with extraordinary bravery during World War II, even as their families were held in internment camps like nearby Heart Mountain. As part of the 250th commemoration, it adds an important layer of depth—honoring not just the celebration of independence, but the ongoing journey toward meaningful union.
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.
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.
April 22, 2026
March 9, 2026
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