Cheyenne is known for its western heritage, friendly people and one of the biggest western celebrations in the nation. But there is more to Cheyenne festival scenes than a single week in the summer (although that one week is pretty awesome!). In this article we’re going to explore some of the best festivals featured on the Cheyenne events calendar that you won't want to miss during your next visit to Cheyenne.
1. Cheyenne Frontier Days
When: Late July
Where: Frontier Park
Since the 1890’s, Cheyenne Frontier Days has been a Cheyenne tradition - perhaps more accurately, an institution. Billed as the largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration in the world, Cheyenne Frontier Days is one of the biggest events in the entire state of Wyoming. Every year, during the last week of July, thousands of people come to Cheyenne for the summer festivals, which include top notch rodeo, celebrations, pancake breakfasts, parades and much more!
What's Nearby?
Aside from the rodeo, you can also enjoy the carnival midway, full of rides, entertainment and, of course, all that unique carnival food! Of course a short distance from Frontier Park is all of Downtown Cheyenne, where you can have your pick of the great brewery scene and multiple restaurants!
2. Cheyenne Greek Festival
When: Mid-September
Where: Frontier Park Exhibition Hall
The Cheyenne Greek Festival ushers an end to the Summer and the beginning of Autumn. This mid-September festival is filled with food, music, dancing and fun. A celebration of everything Greek, this festival is the place to go to experience gyros, spanakopita and traditional Greek dancing. Vendors sell everything from clothing to souvenirs. Year to year this festival is one of the most popular cultural celebrations in the region.
3. Edge Fest
When: Late August
Where: Civic Commons Park
Cheyenne music festivals are very cool! Music festivals that are free to attend while offering popular artists from around the region, nation and even the world - that’s just amazing. Edge Fest is a free Cheyenne music festival put on by marketing firm Warehouse 21 and their partners across Cheyenne. Edge Fest is part of an effort to revitalize an area of Cheyenne known as the West Edge - hence the name - and this festival has been a massive hit. From international stars like Tones and I to bluesy American acts like ZZ Ward, this festival offers music, food trucks and fun all while breathing new life into the west side of Cheyenne.
What's Nearby?
Taking its name from the West Edge (as well as it’s founders) Westby Edge Brewing Company is just across the street from the Civic Commons park where Edge Fest takes place on Bent Avenue. Just down the street from the other side of the park, on O’neil Avenue is Black Tooth Brewing. Beyond these spots, all of Downtown Cheyenne is easily driven or walked to.
4. Hispanic Festival
When: Early September
Where: City-wide; kickoff at the Wyoming State Museum
After the big festivals of the summer, and before Greek Festival greets the fall season, Chispa (Cheyenne Hispanics Improving Strengthening Powerful Alliances) of Cheyenne hosts another popular event - The Cheyenne Hispanic Festival. This festival takes place all over Cheyenne leading up to the main event at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza. You can expect to find traditional dances, food, classic cars and even a jalapeno eating contest!
What's Nearby?
This festival’s main event takes place in the heart of Downtown Cheyenne at the Depot Plaza, where you can find plenty to do, eat, and drink. Right there at the plaza is Accomplice Beer Company, The Albany restaurant and The Wrangler. Coffee spots like Paramount Cafe and Cheyenne Cup, along with even more shopping is all within walking distance of the plaza.
5. 4- Restaurant Week
When: Mid-April
Where: All Over!
Seven full days of favorite restaurants and maybe some you’ve never tried offering amazing pricing and combos. Every April Restaurant Week hits with gastronomical gusto, featuring some of the best local eats in Cheyenne. Every year is different, with new restaurants joining familiar faces. In the past, Restaurant Week has featured Cheyenne favorites like The Albany, Dog Haus, Two Doors Down and many others. If food and great deals are your jam, this is the festival for you!
6. Yiddish Food Festival
When: Late June
Where: Mt. Sinai Synagogue
When it comes to food festivals, this one just might have some of the most unique choices in fare. The Yiddish Food Festival is a celebration of Jewish cuisine and culture, welcoming folks from all around to the Mount Sinai Synagogue. Attendees come through the main entrance, pay for “shekels” and use those shekels to buy and sample various foods from Jewish culture. Expect to find everything from the familiar, like kosher hot dogs, to something you may have never tried before like hamantaschen pastries.
7. Cheyenne Celtic Festival
When: Early June
Where: Lions Park
If you’re ever in Cheyenne in early June and feel like you may have wandered onto the set of a Braveheart reboot, then there’s a good chance you’ve actually found the Cheyenne Celtic Festival in Wyoming. Humor aside, this is the festival to find food, fun, kilts and some crazy athletic competitions! A big part of the festival is the Highland Games including the Haber Toss, Hammer Throwing and Tug ‘o War. You can also find specialty beers like Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks along with scotch tastings. Best of all, entrance to this festival is free.
What's Nearby?
From Lions Park just about everything is at your fingertips. The beautiful Botanic Gardens are located in the park, and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is just across the street from the West side of the park. Downtown Cheyenne and the north side of town, including Frontier Mall, are also easily accessible from here.
8. Annual Western Spirit Juried Art Show & Sale
When: March to April
Where: CFD Old West Museum
This annual art show at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum has been happening for more than 40 years and still going strong. The show features artwork from multiple artists centered around Western life, culture and legend. In addition to the art auction you can find artworks for sale, and attend the Opening Reception for hor d'oeuvres and drinks along with live painting. Keep in mind this is a ticketed event, but it’s also easy to find time for - it runs for more than a month from mid-March to late April.
What's Nearby?
Think Celtic Fest but in reverse - Lions Park and the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are in the same area and free to access. Downtown Cheyenne is just a short walk or drive away, with Frontier Mall in North Cheyenne close by.
9. Wyoming Brewers Festival
When: Mid-June
Where: Depot Plaza
Wyoming has a great brewery scene, and the Wyoming Brewers Festival (or Brew Fest) turns it all up to 11. As the festival nears 30 years in Cheyenne, things are promising to just keep getting better. At the Brew Fest you’ll find beers from all over the state, the country and even the world, including breweries from here in Cheyenne, Laramie, Casper, in Colorado, New York, Montana, across the ocean in Belgium and many more. Of course there is plenty of food to be had as well. This is a great time for any beer lover, and proceeds go to the upkeep and improvement of the Historic Union Pacific Depot in Downtown Cheyenne where the festival takes place.
10. Old West Holiday
When: November through December
Where: City-wide
Snow or no snow, Cheyenne becomes a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The Old West Holiday is the best time to get out as a family and explore downtown Cheyenne, meet Santa, and even have letters to jolly old Saint Nick via the Pony Express! Dress up and take part in the annual Santa Run, or make your way through the various Santa Stops to win a grand prize. To top it all off, grab some hot cocoa and hop on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley for our Holiday Light Tours, where our drivers take you on a tour of the best light displays in the area.