ElkFest Weekend

Elkfest is a weekend of activities built around the world famous Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction. It is an exciting time for celebrating nature, outdoor skills, hunting and ecological education and awareness.

The first Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction was in 1968. Since then the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and partners have been building out the festivities every year. Don't miss the Mountain Man Rendezvous, Teton Powwow, Historic Ranch Tours, High Noon Chili Cookoff, and of course, the Elkfest Sales & Antler Auction.

Elkfest Weekend Signature Events

Elkfest Sales & Antler Auction

Saturday, May 21, 2022

8am - 3pm, Jackson Hole Town Square

Come see the world's best collection of elk antlers (collected by our own Boy Scouts) and bid in the famous Elkfest Elk Antler Auction.

There is a roubust market complete with private antlers, paddles, horns, bison skulls, bighorn sheep skulls, and more on the streets surrounding Town Square from 8am - 3pm.

There is a "Kid's Corner" that includes educational tables and games sponsored by Wyoming Game and Fish and The National Elk Refuge, as well as a free concert by Jackson Hole Community Band.

The world-famous Elk Antler Auction is open for voter registration at 8am and the auction begins at 10am. It's quite a site to see, even if you are not bidding!

More info

High Noon Chili Cookoff

Sunday, May 22, 2022

12 - 4pm, Jackson Hole Town Square

The Old West competition for the coveted chili trophy that professionals and amateurs brag about all year!

Pre-purchase a $20 all-you-can-sample spoon to try all the chili you want, grab a beer to wash it down (21+), and vote for you fav!
Spoons available at the door, beer not included.

Free concert on the Square by local band, Stumbucket, during th Chili Cookoff.

Mountain Man Rendezvous

May 20-30, 2022

All festival long, Fair Grounds

A pre-1840 era Fur Trade re-enactment, where Mountain Men, from all over the west, will gather in Jackson to sell and trade their goods in the finest tradition of Davy Jackson. Stroll down Trader's Row where heirloom-quality handmade goods are the order of the day. Take part in mountain man competitions like tomahawk tosses, bow-and-arrow shooting, or knife-throwing.

Teton Powwow

Saturday, May 21, 2022

10am - 9pm, Snow King Event Center

A celebration of American Indian culture where indigenous knowledge keepers will share their rich culture, traditions, dance and history. There will be arts and crafts booths including Wind River Reservation representatives who will share information on food sovereignty and natural resources. American Indian food vendors will offer a variety of delectable food options. Free entry into the event all day.

Ranch Tour

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

4 - 9pm, Historic Ranches

In this exclusive event, two of Jackson's ranching families - Mead Ranch and Snake River Ranch - will tour attendees on their working ranches, explain the history of their century-old businesses, and talk about the present and future of the ag industry in Jackson. Family-style dinner will be served at Headquarters at the final ranch, featuring a farm-to-table meal with ingredients from local farms and Mead Ranch.
Purchase tickets:

View Lodging Options Here

ElkFest: Old West Days Weekend 1

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH

ElkFest Antler Sale & Auction
7am - 1pm, Jackson's Town Square

Witness a world-famous event featuring one of Jackson's more iconic artifacts: antlers. Jackson's Town Square, already framed in the renowned antler arches, will be lined with hundreds more antlers and thousands of artifacts. Purchase prized deer, elk, and moose antlers, a statement bison skull, or an array of animal artifacts for unqiue crafts or one-of-a-kind decor.

10-1:The Jackson Boy Scouts Elk Antler Auction begins. Unlike anything you've ever witnessed...hundreds of buyers try to get their hands prized antler pairs in a live auction right on Jackson's downtown streets.

Mountain Man Rendezvous
9am - 5pm, Teton County Fair Grounds

Take a fascinating and educational step back into Jackson's history. Traders sell and exhange beautiful furs, unique artifacts, and hand-made masterpieces from their tents on Traders Row while mountain particpate in interactive bow & arrow and hawk & knife competitions. For more information, contact Dan or Brenda Thyer at (406)682-5255.

SUNDAY, MAY 17TH

High Noon Chili Cook-Off
12pm - 3pm, Jackson's Town Square

$5 for all you can taste! The meaty, the beany, the veggie... the mild, the spicy, the more-than-you-can-handle... we've got it all. Come to town square where all the chili-makers of Jackson, the amateur and the not-so-amateur, compete for serious bragging rights. This title is listed on menus and adorns offices around Jackson! Beer also available to cool down your palatte and prepare you for next weekend's Brewfest (see below).

Want in on the heated competition? Email Special Events Manager, Britney Magleby at britney@jacksonholechamber.com.

Mountain Man Rendezvous
9am - 5pm, Teton County Fair Grounds

Other Old West Days Information

Million Dollar Music Fest Weekend

May 26 - 30, 2020

Travis Tritt headlines the free concert on the streets of downtown Jackson. And that's just one piece of this event-packed weekend! Also check out Old West Brewfest, Old Town Family Entertainment, Cowboy Church, and more.

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