West Yellowstone Events and Festivals

(West Yellowstone, Montana - MT, USA)

Each season within both West Yellowstone and the vast Yellowstone National Park sees a different set of events, festivals and celebrations. The most noteworthy events include the Yellowstone Jazz Festival, which takes place in the middle of June each year and has been staged in the neighboring cities of Cody and Powell (Wyoming), for just over two decades.

Both Cody and Powell lie directly each of the park and close to the Yellowstone Regional Airport. Since it was first established, the Yellowstone Jazz Festival has grown to attracts crowds of jazz lovers and many leading musicians and performers, with the sister festival of Jazz Alive now also being staged here each winter, in January.

West Yellowstone Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

There are a number of theater within an hour or two's reach of the National Park, where many shows and live events are staged. These include the Opera House Theater in Philipsburg and the Jackson Hole Playhouse in the city of Jackson, while within the National Park itself, there are always things to see and do at the popular Yellowstone IMAX Theater within the South Canyon.

Founded in 2003, the Yellowstone Music Festival and Art Show is another very worthy event and takes place at the Arch Park in Gardiner, on the far northern side of the park. Close by and to the northeast of Gardiner, the large city of Billings is home to the official Yellowstone Bluegrass Association, which was created to promote the enjoyment of bluegrass music, hosting a series of jazz-related events annually.

For over 30 years, the Ski Festival has drawn crowds of winter sports enthusiasts and cross-country skiers from all over North America. Held annually at the end of November and based around West Yellowstone, the Ski Festival marks the very start of the Montana ski season.