America’s 250th Celebrations and Cody’s 2026 Fourth of July Events

Traditionally, Cody, Wyoming throws one of the best Fourth of July parties in the country with five days of rodeo, three parades, and plenty of side activities, it’s the place to be for patriotic small town goodness. Add that this year the country is celebrating its semi quincentennial of 250 years, and this year is shaping up to be much more.

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

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 – June 30 | Field of Honor

Flags will be displayed June 14-June 30, 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. They will make way for parade watchers on June 30.

Monday, June 29 | Cattle Drive and Festival

Meeteetse will be celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary Celebration with a cattle drive, community dinner, street dance and outdoor movie.

Tuesday, June 30 | Xtreme Bulls

The Independence Day celebration really kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 with the Cody Xtreme Bulls and Bullfighters Only -, a high-octane event that showcases the skills of some of the top bull riders in the country. Buy Tickets

JULY 2026

Wednesday, 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! SOLD OUT!

Thursday, 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.

Thursday, 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

Friday, 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”

Friday, 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

Saturday, 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.

Saturday, 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”

Saturday, 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

Saturday, 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.

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