Cheyenne Frontier Days: The World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration
Cheyenne Frontier Days, known as the "Daddy of 'em All," is an annual outdoor rodeo and Western celebration held in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
This iconic event has been taking place since 1897 and has grown to become the world's largest outdoor rodeo, attracting nearly 200,000 visitors annually. Let's explore the rich history, exciting events, and everything you need to know about this spectacular celebration of Western culture.
History and Evolution of Cheyenne Frontier Days
The story of Cheyenne Frontier Days begins in 1897 when Frederick W. Angier, a Union Pacific Railroad agent, suggested the idea to the editor of the Cheyenne Daily Sun-Leader. Inspired by Greeley, Colorado's "Potato Day," the inaugural "Frontier Day" was held on September 23, 1897, as a one-day cowboy roundup featuring pony races, bronco busting, and steer roping.
From these humble beginnings, the event quickly expanded. By 1898, it had grown to two days and added a parade. Over the decades, Cheyenne Frontier Days evolved into the 10-day celebration we know today, incorporating a wide range of events and attractions that go far beyond its rodeo roots.
Throughout its history, the event has played a significant role in preserving and celebrating Western culture. It has featured Native American villages, frontier town recreations, and various Western-themed attractions. In 2008, Cheyenne Frontier Days was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, cementing its status as a cornerstone of rodeo culture.
The 128th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days
The upcoming 128th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days is scheduled for July 19-28, 2024. This 10-day festival offers a diverse array of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests:
1. World-Class Rodeo Action
At the heart of Cheyenne Frontier Days is the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) rodeo. Top professional cowboys compete for over $1 million in cash and prizes across various events, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. The rodeo takes place on 9 out of the 10 days of the festival, culminating in Championship Sunday.
2. Star-Studded Concerts
Each night, Frontier Nights come alive with performances by popular music acts. The 2024 lineup includes:
- Turnpike Troubadours with The Red Clay Strays (July 19)
- Jason Aldean with Chase Matthew (July 20)
- Jelly Roll with Warren Zeiders (July 21)
- Machine Gun Kelly with Shaboozey (July 24)
- T-Pain & Ludacris (July 25)
- Lainey Wilson with Flatland Cavalry (July 26)
- Thomas Rhett with Dylan Scott (July 27)
3. Family-Friendly Entertainment
The event offers plenty of family-oriented activities, including:
- A carnival midway with rides, games, and food vendors
- Grand Parades featuring floats, antique carriages, riders in period dress, and marching bands
- Free pancake breakfasts served three times during the event, typically feeding around 40,000 people each time
- An Indian Village showcasing Native American culture with authentic dancing, music, storytelling, and pow-wows
4. Thrilling Spectacles
Beyond the rodeo, visitors can enjoy:
- Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Last Cowboy Standing event on July 22-23
- US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration (scheduled for July 24, 2024)
- Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team performances during the rodeo
5. Cultural Experiences
Cheyenne Frontier Days offers several opportunities to immerse yourself in Western culture:
- Fort D.A. Russell Days: A three-day open house at F.E. Warren Air Force Base celebrating military history
- Western Art Show and Sale featuring artwork inspired by Western themes
- Old West Museum showcasing the history and culture of the American West
Planning Your Visit To Cheyenne
Attending Cheyenne Frontier Days requires some planning. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Accommodations
Book your lodging early, as hotels tend to fill up quickly. Options include:
- Hotels in Cheyenne (e.g., The Historic Plains Hotel, Best Western Plus Frontier Inn, Candlewood Suites)
- Campsites and RV parks
- Nearby towns within a one-hour drive (Laramie, WY; Denver, CO; Fort Collins, CO)
For those traveling with pets, several pet-friendly options are available, including Comfort Inn & Suites, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cheyenne, and The Historic Plains Hotel.
Tickets
Purchase tickets through the official Cheyenne Frontier Days website or by calling the ticket office at (307) 778-7222.
Prices vary depending on the event:
- General admission to Frontier Park: $5 per person
- Rodeo tickets: $18 to $35
- Concert tickets: $49 to $94
- Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Event: $25 to $105
- Carnival: $40 for a one-day session or $150 for all 10 days
What to Wear To Cheyenne Frontier Days
Embrace the Western theme while prioritizing comfort:
- Cowboy hat or wide-brimmed hat
- Western-style shirt or comfortable top
- Jeans or durable pants
- Cowboy boots or comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Light jacket or vest for cooler evenings
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
For night concerts, consider adding layers for temperature changes and avoid open-toed shoes.
Transportation
The event offers various transportation options, including shuttles and parking facilities, to help manage the large crowds.
Virtual Experience
If you can't attend in person, Cheyenne Frontier Days offers virtual experiences through:
- Interactive video tours on their website
- Augmented Reality (AR) experiences, including Web AR and AR posters
- Virtual Arena Experience accessible via mobile devices
What Makes Cheyenne Frontier Days Special
Cheyenne Frontier Days stands out for several reasons:
- Historical significance: One of the oldest and most established Western celebrations in the United States
- Scale: Billed as the "World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration"
- Duration: A 10-day event offering an extensive program of activities
- Prize money: One of the top prize-money rodeos for the PRCA
- Diverse entertainment: Combines rodeo, concerts, parades, carnival, and cultural attractions
- Community involvement: Relies on about 3,000 volunteers
- Economic impact: Significantly boosts the local economy
Conclusion
Cheyenne Frontier Days is more than just a rodeo; it's a celebration of Western heritage, a showcase of world-class entertainment, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. Whether you're a rodeo enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about Western culture, this event offers something for everyone. As it continues to honor Western heritage while adapting to modern times, Cheyenne Frontier Days remains a unique blend of tradition and contemporary entertainment, truly earning its title as the "Daddy of 'em All."
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.