Held every year toward the end of July, Cheyenne Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. When you visit the rodeo, you’ll find 10 days of great food, fun rides, and plenty of excitement. Learn more about the history of Cheyenne Frontier Days and discover what you can expect this year.
History of Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne Frontier Days started in 1897 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Events for that first rodeo were exhibitions that tested a cowboy’s skill, including bronco busting, pony races, and steer roping. The first rodeo was so successful it expanded to two days and added a parade the following year. As the years went on and the rodeo continued to grow in popularity, more events were added. Today Cheyenne Frontier Days is a 10-day event that’s held at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena and throughout Cheyenne and draws an estimated 200,000 people every year.
Stop by for the Free Breakfast
Held on the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the event from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the free pancake breakfast is a great way to meet people from around the world and fill up on a hearty breakfast that will help you enjoy the rest of the rodeo. During the breakfast, volunteers will serve over 100,000 pancakes, 475 gallons of syrup, 630 pounds of butter, 3,000 pounds of ham, 520 gallons of coffee, and 9,200 cartons of milk. The breakfast takes place at the historic Cheyenne Depot Square in downtown Cheyenne.
Check Out the Midway
Whether you’re looking for exciting rides or unique food, head to the carnival midway. The carnival is open from 10:30 a.m. to midnight on all 10 days of Cheyenne Frontier Days. You can find some of your favorite snacks and meals at the midway. You can even discover some one-of-a-kind offerings, like a deep-fried cheeseburger with sugar. Head up in the Ferris wheel to get a great view of the surrounding area or jump on one of the thrill rides for some heart-pounding excitement.
See the Grand Parade
On both Saturdays, Tuesday, and Thursday of Cheyenne Frontier Days, travel to the Wyoming State Capitol at 9 a.m. to see the start of the Grand Parade. After leaving the Capitol, the parade then heads down to the Cheyenne Depot Square before returning to the Capitol. The 90-minute parade features some of the top marching bands, floats, antique carriages, horse-drawn vehicles, automobiles, and horses with riders wearing period clothes.
Tour Old Frontier Town
Open every day of the event from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Old Frontier Town is the place to go to celebrate some of Cheyenne’s rich Western heritage. The town is free to enter and located between the Indian Village and the Old West Museum. When you stop by, you can play games, see the animals at the petting zoo, shop the artisan booths, and check out the educational experiences and exhibits.
When you’re ready to experience the excitement of Cheyenne Frontier Days, make a plan to check out all 10 days of family-friendly fun.
Image by Alexas_Fotos, used under CCO 1.0“>Image by werner22brigitte, used under CCO 1.0
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