America’s 250th Celebrations and Cody’s 2026 Fourth of July Events
The activities are already on the lineup, so here’s your place to keep up with it all – from official events to any that celebrate the history of our country and the West. Check back as there will be more events added.
Special Brew Now Available
Cody Craft Brewing, a local brewery, has crafted 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.
JANUARY 2026
January 30, 2026 – January 30, 2028 | Buffalo Nation: America at 250
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has created an immersive exhibition that surrounds audiences with the sights, sounds, art, science, and spirit of the buffalo—past, present, and future. This two-year exhibit invites you to explore and reconnect with the animal that has shaped the American story like no other, the American buffalo. Spotlight exhibitions open January 30, 2026. Read more.
APRIL 2006
April 16-18 | 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.
April 18 | 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.
MAY 2026
Date TBD | Dude Ranch Association Celebrates 100 Years
In celebration of the Dude Ranchers’ Association’s 100th anniversary, they will host an exhibition featuring the work of photographer Scott T. Baxter, drawn from his body of work in the companion coffee-table book, “100 Years of Dude Ranching,” available in hardcover now. Read more.
JUNE 2026
June 6-7 | Frontier Festival
In partnership with the Cody Medical Foundation, the Park County America’s 250 committee host a Chuckwagon Cookoff at the Cody Stampede Grounds June 6-7, 2026 with up to five competing chuckwagons cooking authentic meals over campfires. Also, you’ll find the kiddie corral with many activities and vendors with a homesteading flair.
June 14 – July 4 | 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.
June 27 | Chuckwagon Cook-Off and Live Music
Held June 27 at City Park, the event will feature two things Cody does best: chuckwagon cooking and musical performances.
June Date TBD | Cattle Drive and Festival
The Town of Meeteetse will host an authentic cattle drive followed by a street festival.
June 30 | Xtreme Bulls
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. Buy Tickets
JULY 2026
July 1 | Cody Stampede Rodeo – Law Enforcement Night
This four-day PRCA rodeo was voted the best small rodeo at the NFR in 2025. It’s also been inducted into the PRCA Rodeo Hall of Fame. Cody knows how to do rodeo! Buy Tickets
July 2 | Kiddie’s Parade | 10:00 am
This parade is for the kids – with delightful entries. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this first of three parades. The theme this year is ???
July 2-4 | Wild West Arts Fest
Vendors from around the country and locally come to sell their wares at this annual event next to City Park. Food trucks will also attend.
July 2 | Cody Stampede Rodeo – Breast Cancer Awareness Night
This four-day PRCA rodeo was voted the best small rodeo at the NFR in 2025. It’s also been inducted into the PRCA Rodeo Hall of Fame. Cody knows how to do rodeo! Buy Tickets
July 3 | Independence Day Parade | 9:30 am
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the parade. The theme for this year is “250 Years of Legends, Liberty and the Lasting West”
July 3 | Cody Stampede Rodeo – Military Appreciation Night
This four-day PRCA rodeo was voted the best small rodeo at the NFR in 2025. It’s also been inducted into the PRCA Rodeo Hall of Fame. Cody knows how to do rodeo! Buy Tickets
July 4 | Runners Stampede
In it’s 45th year, the Runners Stampede is a tradition. Start the day with a 5K walk (open to all ages) and a 5K and 10K run (open to 14 years old and up). Registration to come.
July 4 | Independence Day Parade | 9:30 am
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the parade. The theme for this year is “250 Years of Legends, Liberty and the Lasting West”
July 4 | Cody Stampede Rodeo – Veterans Appreciation Night
This four-day PRCA rodeo was voted the best small rodeo at the NFR in 2025. It’s also been inducted into the PRCA Rodeo Hall of Fame. Cody knows how to do rodeo! Buy Tickets
July 4 | Cody Fireworks
The fireworks are shot off across the Shoshone River between the rodeo grounds and town. You can watch them from along Skyline Drive, at the Rodeo Grounds or any street that views this area.
AUGUST 2026
August 22 | Buffalo Nation: America at 250 | Primary Exhibition Opening
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has created an immersive exhibition that surrounds audiences with the sights, sounds, art, science, and spirit of the buffalo—past, present, and future. This two-year exhibit invites you to explore and reconnect with the animal that has shaped the American story like no other, the American buffalo. Read more.
Janet Jones
Owner, Publisher, Editor
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.