Must-Do Summer Events in Cody Yellowstone

Looking for the perfect summer getaway? There’s never a dull moment when you choose Cody Yellowstone as your next vacation destination. Fill your family-fun itinerary with one of our heart-pounding rodeo events, enjoy a laid-back concert in the park with your favorite travel buddy, or set a new personal best at this year’s Runner’s Stampede. Cody Yellowstone offers an unforgettable lineup of events every year for every type of traveler. Here are a few we’re looking forward to this summer. 

Cody Nite Rodeo

Hang on to your hats, folks, because you’re in for a wild ride at the Cody Nite Rodeo! Running all summer long from June 1st to August 31st, the Cody Nite Rodeo is the perfect event to round out any vacation to Cody Yellowstone. This exciting Western showcase of rodeo talent will have you hootin’ and hollerin’ as you watch the cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and more! Whether you’re visiting us for a night or staying for a week, be sure to add this two-hour, family-friendly event to your Cody itinerary.

Xtreme Bulls

If you’re staying in Cody Yellowstone over June 30th, you’re not going to want to miss the pulse-pumping, adrenaline-filled Xtreme Bulls and Bullfighters Only events. Some of the most skilled bullriders and bullfighters take on the world’s biggest and baddest bulls in this exhilarating display of bravery and athleticism. And when we say biggest and baddest, we mean it! These bulls are some of the industry’s highest-ranking, most aggressive bulls, and they mean business. Avoid the FOMO and be sure to grab your tickets in advance—as an added bonus, there’s an after-party featuring Texas Unlimited Band you’re not going to want to miss.

Cody Stampede

Get ready for not one, not two, but FOUR days of action-packed rodeo entertainment at this year’s 106th Annual Cody Stampede Rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls come from all across North America to compete for big cash and ride some of the best rodeo stock in the entire country. But it’s not just the rodeo you have to look forward to—enjoy daily parades, a craft fair, and a great lineup of food booths. Happening from July 1st to July 4th, here’s what you can expect:

• July 1st | Law Enforcement and First Responder Appreciation Night—In honor of the brave law enforcement individuals and first responders, wear blue to show your appreciation and arrive at 6:30 pm for live music on the Plaza.
• July 2nd | Breast Cancer Awareness Night—Grab that bright pink shirt that’s been hanging in your closet and enjoy a special tribute during our Grand Entry to the cancer survivors and patients who have been fighting their heroic battles, and to the cancer-treating professionals assisting them. Live music on the Plaza begins at 6:30 pm.
• July 3rd | Military Appreciation Night—Join us as we say “Thank You” to the brave men and women in uniform who answer the call of duty. Wear your best camo/military attire and get to boot scoot and boogyin’ at 6:30 pm on the Plaza.
• July 4th | Veteran Appreciation Night—Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and remove your hats as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Proudly wear your reds, whites, and blues to show your support and pay tribute to their heroic sacrifices. Live music kicks off on the Plaza at 3:30 pm.

Wild West Spectacular The Musical

What do you get when you combine the Wild West, classic sing-along songs, a little bit of history, and a whole lot of comedic relief? The award-winning, original Wild West Spectacular the Musical of course! Not only will you be boot-stomping and toe-tapping to some favorite tunes, you’ll have a belly full of laughs in this entertaining tale of the legend himself, the namesake of our beloved town, Buffalo Bill Cody. Perfect for all ages and groups, you can catch this charming show on select days from June 18th to August 9th, and you’ll discover how William F. Cody became the world’s greatest showman to ever live.

Concerts in the Park

Visiting Cody Yellowstone mid-week? Consider yourself booked on Thursday night! From July 10th to August 21st, sit back and enjoy some incredible local talent every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Concerts in the Park are completely free, all ages are welcome, and we encourage all attendees to BYOLC (bring your own lawn chair). Not only will you get to treat yourself to the beautiful sound of acoustic guitars and mesmerizing vocals, we also want to welcome you to our Ice Cream Social on opening day, July 10th, through August 21st.

44th Annual Runners Stampede

Start your Fourth of July feeling healthy and energized and join the 44th Annual Runners Stampede. Whether you want to take a more leisurely approach to the race or you let your competitive spirit drive you to the finish line, we have an option suited for every participant:

• 5K Walk – Open to all ages and prizes will be awarded to the first place men and women overall.
• 5K Run – Runners of all ages will compete for the top prize plus bragging rights for the fastest time. Prizes will be awarded to the first place men and women.
• 10K Run – Anyone 14 years of age or older is invited to go head to head in hopes of outrunning their fellow patrons. There will be prizes for the first place men and women in each age group. 

Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show

If you were searching for an event a little more unique to Cody, gather ‘round for the ultimate Wild West experience at the Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show. A fun Western re-enactment completely free of charge, you’ll see this wild bunch interacting with the crowd as they duel it out in the streets—to make things even more exciting, every show ends in gunfire!

Jake Clark Mule Days

Known as America’s Finest Select Saddle Mule Auction, Jake Clark Mule Days is a week-long event celebrating mules and their role in ranching and western heritage. Happening June 11th through 15th at Big Boulder Ranch, Mule Days features a variety of activities and events such as mule competitions, rodeos, and shows. Enjoy this family-friendly gathering that highlights the strength, intelligence, and versatility of mules, and learn all about how mules are used on farms and ranches. The event also includes vendors, music, and more, making it a unique celebration of Western culture.

Wild West Arts Fest

The Fourth of July celebrations continue with the Wild West Art Fest happening July 2nd to 4th. From craft vendors, jewelry makers, and photographers to food trucks ranging from sushi to classic burgers—let time slip away as you wander the venue in search of the perfect souvenir or gift. Vendors will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on July 2nd & 3rd, and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on July 4th! The festival can be found between the Park County Courthouse and the City Park in downtown, along 10th Street, and food trucks will be waiting for you at the southern end of the park on Beck Avenue.

Great Dam Day 2025

There’s no better day to visit the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center than Great Dam Day 2025. On August 16th, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, explore the Old Dam Road behind the visitor center free of charge and have an informative chat with the exhibitors that are stationed along the road. With a food truck close by and the August sun in the sky, what could be better than sharing a picnic lunch while learning about this little piece of Cody history?

Cody Yellowstone is a destination that combines rich history, vibrant Western culture, and stunning natural beauty into one unforgettable experience. Stay Wild Forever and immerse yourself in the spirit of the West with our free vacation planning guide. Make this summer one to remember — come explore the wonders of Cody Yellowstone and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Your next adventure starts here!