A Summer of Festivals & Fun: Casper’s Can’t Miss Events of Summer 2026

Every month in Casper has an abundance of events - here are a few to pencil into your calendar as you start to plan your trip to Wyoming.

• June: Casper Marathon, a Boston Qualifier with a scenic course that takes runners along the North Platte River
• June: College National Finals Rodeo at the Ford Wyoming Center, one of the nation's biggest rodeos!
  
• July: Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo, a local favorite and the definition of summer in Wyoming
• July: 250th Celebration at Ford Wyoming Center featuring fireworks, family-friendly activities and more!
• August: 5150’ Festival at David Street Station

Truth be told, summer doesn’t officially start until June 20. But around here, our summer season kicks off Memorial Day weekend, with warm sunshine-filled days leading the way for an epic few months.

June 4-7: NIC Fest

An annual celebration at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, NIC Fest is marking its 20th anniversary this year. Best described as a summer arts festival, it includes art, culture, music, food, vendors and abundant family-friendly fun.

June 8: Casper Marathon

Choose from a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, half marathon relay and 10k at this year’s Casper Marathon. A few reasons to consider running this race: it’s a certified Boston marathon qualifier and the route crosses parts of the Oregon Trail.

June 13: Casper Pride Fest

While Casper Pride takes place June 11-14, the Casper Pride Fest is the main celebration. Held at David Street Station, it features vendors, booths, live music and family-friendly offerings.

June 14-20: College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR)

Each June, the best college rodeo athletes come to Casper to compete to become the next national champion in their respective events. The week includes nightly performances, slack, a trade show at the Ford Wyoming Center and The Mercantile at WYO Sports Ranch, a golf tournament, CINCH Style Show, softball tournament, Special Olympics Rodeo and more.

Insider tip: there’s so much to do outside the rodeo performances. Here’s our guide to making the most of your time in Casper for CNFR.

June 19: National Pony Express Association Re-Ride

Catch the reenactment of the Pony Express (an annual event) as it makes its way through Casper. Riders will be at the Sinclair Casper Refinery, National Historic Trails Center, Fort Caspar and Martin’s Cove Road.

June 27: Casper Comic Con

Taking place at the Ford Wyoming Center, Casper Comic Con has vendors with a wide variety of offerings, including comic books, toys and pop culture items.

This month, Casper really settles into summer, with locals and visitors making the most of July. You’ll find all sorts of events going on in July, from concerts at downtown businesses to pop-ups and farmers markets. Here are a few to put on your radar (you can see the full calendar of events here).

July 3-11: 2026 Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo

One of Wyoming’s best events, CWFR combines rodeo action with carnival rides, monster trucks, a parade and community happenings, like a downtown sidewalk chalk festival and pancake breakfast.

July 4: Independence Day

This year, Casper - along with the rest of America - is celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. There’s no better place to do so than right here in Central Wyoming, with festivities that include an Independence Rock Celebration, Veterans 4th of July Lunch, Casper Spuds baseball game, 307 Throwdown Demolition Derby, fireworks and a 250th celebration at the Ford Wyoming Center.

Insider tip: In honor of the nation’s anniversary, dig into Wyoming history. Here’s how.

July 8: Charley Crockett

Musician Charley Crockett is bringing his talents to the Ford Wyoming Center - catch him live right here in Casper!

July 10-12: Casper Balloon Roundup

This free event features hot air balloons launching from Mike Sedar Park in Casper. Catch them each morning around 6 a.m. as they take to the air.

Good to know: After watching balloons take off, end the day at the Balloon Festival at David Street Station, with live music, balloon baskets and food trucks.

With summer starting to wind down, this is the time to take that last-minute summer trip. It’s also a great month for road tripping to Casper, with abundant attractions to see and do along the way.

August 7: Lindsey Stirling Duality Untamed Tour

Violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling is bringing her tour to Casper and will be performing at the Ford Wyoming Center.

August 15: 5150’ Festival

A celebration of all things Caper and Wyoming, the festival has local makers, tasty food, live music and local made–right-here brews.

August 22: Ham & Jam Pig Races

An annual event at Gruner Brothers Brewing, come watch the best - and fastest - pig race to the finish.

Ready to plan your trip to Casper, Wyoming? Check out our calendar of events and sign up for our monthly newsletters here.