Wyoming’s Traveling Music Competition Discovers the State’s Best Storytellers

Something unique is headed to Cody on August 20th, 2025 and will be hosted at “The Colonel Venue”, the Wyoming Song and Singer-Songwriter Competition! In late June and mid July regional rounds of the competition began in Saratoga and Lander. According to the organization, this completely volunteer led movement, is to ‘showcase Wyoming troubadours and songsmiths of all ages, styles, and experience levels. Each one has a story to tell, and each one contributes to the evolving narrative and culture of Wyoming.’

A newcomer to the stage but not to music who will be competing in the Cody regionals is Logan Class. Logan Class began his musical career being classically trained as a cellist. From this musical knowledge he began to teach himself how to play guitar just a few short years ago. Logan has recently moved home for the summer and has been playing country music originals and covers at local open mic nights. At just 19 years old, Logan’s effortless tenor voice often halts the crowds to a standstill as they watch this young man sing and play his heart out like a seasoned troubadour. You’ll want to be sure to catch Logan singing on August 20th in Cody when he performs three original songs for the competition.

How it Works:

• The annual competition begins in June with qualifying rounds throughout the state.
• In each qualifying round, up to 3 contestants will advance to the final competition held on Labor Day weekend (August 28 – Aug 30) at Ten Sleep Brewery in Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

Wyoming Song vs. Singer-Songwriter Competition

They now have TWO competitions. You can choose to compete in both or only one.
Singer-Songwriter Competition – the main event with three original songs, with regional qualifiers leading to the Grand Finale in Ten Sleep, Wyoming.
Wyoming Song Competition – an audience-vote-only category during regional rounds, with cash prizes and festival placements. Official judging begins at the festival in Ten Sleep on Thursday, August 28. Plan on making it to Ten Sleep. They’ll have a fun “Party Song” category for those whose songs aren’t quite serious enough for the intention of this special category.

Contestant Information

• Each contestant will perform 3 songs they have written for fellow contestants and audience members who are following along with printed lyrics sheets.
• All contestants need to print 40 copies of the 3 original songs they intend to perform, formatted onto one double-sided 8×11 sheet. Show up 1 hour before the event for detailed information, but you must first register HERE.
• During qualifying rounds, the judging will be done by a diverse panel that recognizes both the top songs as well as the top singer-songwriters.
• Those doing the Wyoming Song Competition will print 40 copies of those lyrics for regional rounds, separate from the other three songs.
• The grand prize for the competition in Ten Sleep is $5000, sponsored by Wyoming Whiskey. Second and third place will also be awarded a cash prize.

2025 Wyoming Singer-Songwriter Competition Schedule

See the Full Schedule

Regional Round Schedule

Saratoga – June 28, 3:00 PM @ The Yard
Lander – July 18, 5:00 PM @ City Park Stage
Cheyenne – July 24, 5:00 PM @ Blue Raven Brewing (Frontier Days)
Casper – July 31, 5:00 PM @ The Bloomery
Rock Springs – August 2, 3:00 PM @ Bunning Park
Cody – August 20, 5:00 PM @ The Colonel
Sheridan – August 23, 3:00 PM @ The Warehouse

Grand Finale:

Ten Sleep, Wyoming-Aug. 28th-31st at Ten Sleep Brewery over Labor Day Weekend

Purchase Tickets for Ten Sleep, WY Grand Finale

Tickets for the Grande Finale Singer- Songwriter Festival in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, to be held over Labor Day Weekend on August 28th-31st, may be purchased in advance HERE.
For lodging, camping, and food information, learn more HERE.

Platinum Sponsors for the Event Include:

Wyoming Whiskey, Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Public Media, Wyoming Community Foundation, Ten Sleep Brewing Co., Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, and Metro Coffee.

Have fun supporting local music by attending the regional event in Cody! If you know a band or solo singer in our Cody, Wyoming community who has written original songs, encourage them to read the contestant information and consider registering by clicking HERE. Want to hear about results from each regional competition? Visit this link to see them posted throughout the competition leading up to the festival. If you would like to volunteer or donate to this outstanding community of musical storytellers, CLICK HERE to learn more.

This article is proudly sponsored by Cody Calendar advertisers