Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo is an event that not only locals look forward to every year, but also several thousand others as they flock to Cheyenne, Wyoming for the “Daddy of ’em all”. Cheyenne Frontier Days continues to be a pinnacle event in the rodeo community and is considered not only an honor to perform in, but contestants across the country are all vying for that coveted championship buckle. The 10-day extravaganza celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of the American West. If you’re planning to attend this iconic rodeo, you’re in for a treat! But the town of Cheyenne offers so much more than just the rodeo, and that includes Cheyenne Day, which falls on Wednesday, July 26th. Below is the Ultimate Guide to Cheyenne Day during Cheyenne Frontier Days!
While I have included a full schedule of everything going on below to plan out your own day, I am going to give you the ideal itinerary so you can experience as much as you can on Cheyenne Day!
Start with the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast | 7 AM
This is an absolute must! There truly is no better way to start your day off than with a hearty breakfast at the CFD Pancake Breakfast. Get an early start at 7 AM and fuel up with a stack of free flapjacks before embarking on your day of adventure.
CFD Fun Fact: Volunteers will serve up more than 100,000 flapjacks, serve 9,200 cartons of milk, and 520 gallons of coffee, along with 630 pounds of butter and 475 gallons of syrup over the course of three days!
Explore Downtown | 8 AM – 10 AM
After breakfast, it’s time to take a stroll through the historic downtown area. Take a leisurely walk along the charming streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings. Browse the unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries that dot the area. On Cheyenne Day, Visit Cheyenne has partnered with several local retailers to bring some awesome specials including the Buck Off Cheyenne Savings Pass and the Daddy of the Malt Craft Beverage Pass both of which offer specials for local businesses! I highly recommend snagging both to use throughout your time in Cheyenne.
Must See Stops in Downtown Cheyenne
- Emma’s Old Time Photos (Free 8×10 photo with Savings Pass)
- Must-See Museum: Cheyenne Depot Museum
Head Over to Frontier Park | 10:30 AM – 4 PM
It’s time to head over to Frontier Park to do some exploring and shopping before the big show! First things first, you are going to want to catch the Behind the Chutes Tour at 10:30 AM. This is an opportunity to meet the animal athletes, step into the chutes and finish the tour by walking across the arena. The tours begin in front of the Old West Museum by the “No Looking Back” statue.
Visit the Old West Museum, Western Art Show, and Chute 10 Mercantile Gift Store
Once you wrap up your Behind the Scenes Tour, you’ll want to head over to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum where you can immerse yourself in the history of the American West as you explore fascinating exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia from the early days of Cheyenne Frontier Days. In addition to the museum itself, you can also enjoy browsing the CFD Western Art Show which showcases several pieces that best represent Western art, culture, and heritage.
Browse the Midway and Old Frontier Town Before the Show
On your way to the arena, you can enjoy everything that the Midway has to offer including shopping vendors, food, the carnival, or even the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program. Then make sure to make time to walk through the Old Frontier Town which offers a petting zoo, games, artisans, exhibits, educational experiences, and more. There is no shortage of things to do at Frontier Park!
Time for the Main Event | 12:45 PM
It’s time to head to the rodeo grounds for the main event – the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo! Grab your cowboy hat and boots and prepare to be amazed by one of the most anticipated rodeo events of the year. Cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they showcase their incredible skills, and soak up the electrifying atmosphere of this iconic rodeo. In addition to the classic eight rodeo events, CFD also features a Wild Horse Race and tons of mid-show entertainment that you won’t want to miss.
Buckin’ A Saloon
Once the rodeo wraps up for the day, make your way to the Buckin’ A Saloon for a cold, adult beverage and live music. The saloon is free with gate admission. Please note that visitors must be 21 years of age and older to enter the Buckin’ A Saloon. The saloon is a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy some fun-filled moments with family and friends.
Head Downtown to Wrap Up Your Evening
As the evening approaches, it’s time to head back downtown to catch the tail end of the festivities of Cheyenne Day. To start your evening, you can catch the Gunslingers Shootout taking place on 15th St. and Pioneer at 6 pm, then make your way to the Atlas Theater for an Old-Fashioned Melodrama starting at 7 pm.
I know you’ve had a jam-packed day but if you are itching for a good time, then below are my personal recommendations for nightlife in Downtown Cheyenne!
- Chronicles Distilling (laidback vibe and local flair)
- Railspur (great cocktails)
- Freedoms Edge Brewing Co. (great local beer)
- The Crown Bar (fun local spot where you find live bands, dancing, and drinks)
- The Albany (great local spot for American food, lunch, dinner, bar, and lounge)
- Blue Raven Brewery (a spot you’ll find locals in this historical home with craft beer to enjoy on the patio or inside their historic tasting room)
- Outlaw Saloon (Not located Downtown but a very popular night spot for dancing and live music)
Full Schedule of Events for Cheyenne Day
Events Downtown
- CFD Pancake Breakfast | Depot Plaza – 7-9 AM
- Fridays on the Plaza “Fridays Extended” | Depot Plaza
- 67th Army Band – 1 PM
- Boogie Machine – 2:30 PM
- Annual Cheyenne Day Block Party | Freedom’s Edge Brewing Company (15th & Pioneer) – 12PM
- Annual Kid’s Rodeo – Chronicles Distillery (15th & Thomes) – 10 AM-5 PM
- Visit Cheyenne Block Party at The Stables (15th & Pioneer) – 11 AM-4 PM
- Gunslingers Shootout (15th & Pioneer) – 12PM & 6PM
- Old-Fashioned Melodrama – Atlas Theatre – 7 PM
- Hat Branding Bar – Alexis Drake (15th & Carey)
- Cowgirl Christmas in July | Desperado Depot (500 W. 15th Street) – 10 AM-5 PM
- Vendors and Foods Trucks along 15th Street
Explore Frontier Park
- CFD Western Art Show | Old West Museum – 8 AM-7 PM
- Behind the Chutes Tour | Frontier Park – 9:30 & 10:30 AM
- BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program | Frontier Park – 10 AM-7 PM
- Petting Zoo | Frontier Park Old Town – 10:30 AM- 8 PM
- Carnival Midway (free entry for Laramie County residents) | Frontier Park – 10:30 AM-12 AM
- Buckin’ A Saloon | Frontier Park – 11 AM-12 AM
- Native American Dance Performances | Frontier Park – 11:30 AM, 3 PM, 6 PM
- CFD Rodeo – 12:45 PM
- Frontier Nights – Five Finger Death Punch | Frontier Park – 8 PM
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