Cody Marks Country’s 250th in Classic Western Style; Line-up of Events includes Rodeos, Chuckwagon Cookoffs, Parades and Even a Cattle Drive. And Beer.

CODY, Wyo., January 9, 2026 – With a four-day schedule of events, including a PRCA-sanctioned multi-day rodeo, Cody Yellowstone always takes July 4 seriously. This year, however, will be bigger than ever as the destination marks the nation’s Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. Cody Yellowstone’s growing lineup of events and celebrations include festivals, a cattle drive and even a special beer to commemorate the milestone.

“You might say that when it is time to celebrate our nation’s independence, we like to take the bull by the horns every year,” said Katrina Southern, marketing manager for Cody Yellowstone. “For our 250th, however, we plan to put something extra into our celebration.”

In addition to its traditional schedule, Cody and Park County already have an official beer to commemorate the date while raising funds for the celebration. Starting in April, Cody will also celebrate Paul Revere’s famous ride warning of the advancing English army, host a week-long display of flags, throw a party featuring live music and a chuckwagon cook-off and conduct an authentic cattle drive and street festival.

Here’s a rundown of the county’s commemorations:

250 Pale

Cody Craft Brewing has brewed a special pale ale to honor the country’s birthday. Available on tap at the brewery and in cans at various locations in Park County, “250 Pale” is brewed with hand-picked hops and premium malt. Even better is that $1 from every pint and six pack is being donated toward the 250th celebration.

Annie Get Your Gun

Taking place April 16-18, 2026 at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium, this classical musical about the life of Annie Oakley will be performed by Cody High School students.

Two Lights for Tomorrow

Taking place April 18, 2026 at 7:30-8:00 p.m. outside Cody’s Irma Hotel, Two Lights for Tomorrow will commemorate Paul Revere’s famous ride by placing two lights at the hotel and featuring patriotic music and proclamations.

Frontier Festival and Chuckwagon Cookoff

In partnership with the Cody Medical Foundation, the Park County America’s 250 committee will be hosting a Chuckwagon Cookoff at the Cody Stampede Grounds June 6-7, 2026 with up to five competing chuckwagons cooking authentic meals over campfires.

Field of Honor

Flags will be displayed June 14-July 4, 2026 at the Cody Heritage Museum Field of Honor. Stretching from the Heritage Museum, around the courthouse and City Park and concluding at the Chamber of Commerce, the flags will honor local veterans.

Chuckwagon Cook-Off & Live Music

Held June 27 at City Park, the event will feature two things Park County does best: chuckwagon cooking and musical performances.

Cattle Drive & Street Festival

The Town of Meeteetse will host an authentic cattle drive followed by a street festival.

Cody Stampede

The Independence Day celebration really kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 with the Xtreme Bulls Tour, a high-octane event that showcases the skills of some of the top bull riders in the country. The Cody Stampede Rodeo begins on Wednesday, July 1, and the rodeo is staged nightly through Friday, July 4. The final rodeo is capped by a huge fireworks show. Each night of the rodeo features a special theme and tributes to heroes. July 1 is Law Enforcement Night. July 2 is Breast Cancer Awareness Night. July 3 is Military Appreciation Night. And July 4 is Veterans Appreciation Night.

Other events during the five-day celebration include a Cody Stampede Kiddie Parade on July 2 at 10 a.m., and Stampede Parades at 9:30 a.m. on July 3 and 4.

Throughout the celebration, the town of Cody stages a variety of fun events, from free concerts to Independence Day-themed decorations throughout the city. Other events include performances of Wild West Spectacular The Musical on July 3 and 4, Wild West Arts Fest July 2-4, 45th Annual Runner’s Stampede on July 4.

Other events during the five-day celebration include a Cody Stampede Kiddie Parade on July 2 at 10 a.m., and Stampede Parades at 9:30 a.m. on July 3 and 4 as well as a craft fair in city park with live music, food trucks, and local vendors.

Defining Courage

The Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation will host a powerful immersive stage production by renowned news anchor David Ono. The production will bring to life the overlooked stories of Japanes American soldiers who served with extraordinary valor during World War II, despite their families being unjustly incarcerated in camps across the country, including Heart Mountain.

There are also numerous affordable outdoor recreation activities available throughout the region including hiking in the Shoshone National Forest and other trails throughout the area. Moderately priced adventures include whitewater rafting on the Shoshone River and ATVing to the ghost town of Kirwin.

Additional Events

Because other events throughout the year will be added to the list for the 250th celebration, visitors are encouraged to keep checking back.

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Home of the Great American Adventure, Cody Yellowstone is comprised of the northwestern Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell and Meeteetse as well as the valley east of Yellowstone National Park. The region is known for rodeos, authentic guest and dude ranches, world-class museums and recreational adventures that reflect the adventurous spirit of the visionaries and explorers who brought the remote region to the world’s attention.

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Media contact:

Mesereau Travel Public Relations

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