Can't-Miss Summer Events in Rock Springs & Green River
Discover Local Festivals, Western Rodeos & More in Southwest Wyoming
Rock Springs and Green River are bursting with never-ending fun and family-friendly events. Starting in May and continuing all summer long into September, you’ll find something for everyone with rockin’ live performances, delicious foods, carnival rides, cultural activities and Western spirit. To help plan your next adventure in southwest Wyoming, here’s a list of some favorite summer festivities we know you’ll love:
Special Events
Flaming Gorge Bus Tours: June–September
Flaming Gorge Country awes with sweeping canyon views, tranquil waters and stunning rock formations. Take a full-day bus tour of this national recreation area and stop at scenic overlooks, spot adorable local critters, learn fun facts about the region and chow down on a delicious lunch. Enjoy the breathtaking sights and leave the planning to us. Snag your tickets before they’re gone.
Rods & Rails Car Show: June
Downtown Rock Springs hosts the Rods & Rails Car Show every summer. The shows feature more than 100 different classic cars and motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s as old-school rock ‘n’ roll hits play in the streets. Car and motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the region will be heading to southwest Wyoming to show off their cherished rides. Join the fun and bring your own beloved vehicle or just mingle with like-minded auto fans.
Farmers’ Markets: July–September
Indulge in some retail therapy with weekly farmers’ markets happening throughout the season. On Thursday nights in Downtown Rock Springs, the Main Street Market features a mix of local and regional vendors offering everything from farm produce to rejuvenating bath and body items. On Wednesday evenings, the Green River Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to savor summer’s bounty with fresh fruits and veggies and to browse stalls of homemade crafts.
International Day: July
Celebrate the diverse heritage of Rock Springs this summer in Bunning Park during International Day. Known as the home of 56 nationalities, Rock Springs celebrates its many cultures on this day with international cuisine, traditional outfits, fascinating exhibits and stunning performances all day long. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the variety of people, histories and cultures that make up our city.
Fairs & Festivals
Sweetwater Blues n’ Brews: June
National blues bands and local and regional breweries come together to form one tasty and toe-tapping festival to satisfy music lovers and beer fans alike during Sweetwater Blues n’ Brews. Watch as Rock Springs’ Bunning Park transforms into the coolest blues bar in the West. Check our events calendar as the festival approaches to stay up to date on details and big-name headliners.
Wyoming’s Big Show: July–August
Named the number one summer event in Wyoming by “Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine,” the Sweetwater County Fair (a.k.a. Wyoming’s Big Show) is one event you won’t want to miss. People come from hundreds of miles away to experience the carnival, enjoy 4H exhibits and see major musical acts take the stage, from big country artists like Trace Adkins and Dylan Scott to rockers like Puddle of Mudd and Ratt.
River Festival & Art on the Green: August
Great food and drinks, activities, music, shows and fireworks are all jam-packed into the River Festival & Art on the Green this August. Get tickets now for the Cajun Shrimp Boil that always sells out, start training for the annual Run With the Horses marathon, and get your dogs and your cars ready for their respective shows before finally relaxing and watching the night's fireworks display.
Rodeos & Races
Sweetwater Speedway: May–September
For motor enthusiasts, Sweetwater Speedway has an action-packed event series for you. Cheer on drivers and watch them zoom around the 3/8-mile banked dirt track. Race days feature multiple events with stock cars, go-karts and more competing to be the first across the finish line. It’s fun for fans of all ages, and with tickets starting at $10 per person, you can bring the whole family.
On race days, the gates open at 5:30 p.m. and motors start revving at 7 p.m. For more information and dates, visit sweetwaterspeedway.com.
National High School Finals Rodeo: July
The National High School Finals Rodeo is one of the world’s largest gatherings of international competitors featuring approximately 1,700 contestants from across the United States, Canada and Australia. Watch talented athletes vie for national titles, assorted prizes and their share of thousands of dollars in college scholarships. Here the action is nonstop with event competitions including barrel racing, bareback riding, goat tying, pole bending, trap shooting and so much more.
Red Desert Roundup Rodeo: July
See the Wild West spirit come alive during the two-day Red Desert Roundup Rodeo at Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs. Whether it’s your first rodeo or your hundredth, you’ll love watching skilled cowpokes compete in thrilling events, including bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle-bronc riding, tie-down roping and bareback riding.
In between watching the professionals, kids can participate in mutton bustin’ or calf-scramble contests. Plus, don't miss the parade through town on the first day of the rodeo.
Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing: August–September
Fast-paced and heart-pounding, the Sweetwater Downs are an exciting series of horse races that everyone can experience. Here, you’ll find horse-jockey teams from all over the Western United States, including Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and even as far away as California, compete for cash prizes. Cheer on your favorite competitors as horses and jockeys dash across the track in this high-stakes competition.
Check out upcoming race dates at sweetwaterevents.com.
Discover More Summer Adventures
Between your event festivities, make time for some local exploration. Cool off and splash around on the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel or fish, boat and swim across the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Prefer land-based activities? Try some of Wyoming’s top mountain-biking trails (like the Wilkins Peak Trail System), go on a dino-hunting expedition or spot wildlife (like golden eagles, moose, waterfowl and more) at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge.