Jackson Hole on a Budget: Free & Low Cost Activities

Get the full Jackson Hole experience without breaking the bank.

Here are six of the best local activities at little to no cost!

1. Explore Town Square

Town Square is the lively hub of downtown Jackson. There’s always something going on, whether it’s the historical shootout reenactment in the summer, holiday festivities in the winter, or just taking in the buzzing sights and sounds of the local restaurants and shops. Walking around the Square is always free, and special activities like Winter Wonderland Ice Skating are super low-cost. Be sure to check out the spectacular Elk Antler Arches, which famously indicate the entrance to Town Square. The antlers come from the National Elk Refuge, where the animals naturally shed their antlers each spring.

2. Live Music & Festivals

There’s plenty of free live entertainment in Jackson Hole, from late-night pub concerts to community-wide festivals. The Pink Garter Theatre and The Silver Dollar Showroom are both great bars to enjoy local bands and DJs- with no tickets required! If you’re looking for a more family-oriented experience, Jackson Hole has several music festivals throughout the year. Jackson Hole Rendezvous is a three-day music festival in March with various stages throughout town, and it’s completely free and open to the public. Jackson Hole Live! is an all-ages concert series with multiple shows during the summer. It’s located at the bottom of Snow King Mountain, and tickets are only $5 per person (and free for kids!).

3. Art & History Exhibits

You can delve into the world of fine art and culture without spending a dime- as long as you look in the right places. Jackson Hole Center for the Arts always has lots of events going on, many of which are very inexpensive or free. Browse their upcoming events to discover anything from art exhibits to auctions to gallery walks right here in Jackson Hole! If you’d like to opt for the more historical route, entry to the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum is only $6 for adults and $4 for students. Learn about western history, archaeology, and historical preservation through the incredible exhibits. The National Museum of Wildlife Art is free to Museums West & American Association of Museum Members and features impressive works of art focused on wildlife.

4. Farmer’s Market

Join the Jackson Hole community at the summer Farmer’s Market on the Square. The best part? You don’t have to pay money to savor the smell of freshly baked goods or to enjoy the upbeat live music. Perusing through all the merchant stands selling locally-grown fruits and veggies is an ideal Saturday morning, even without making a purchase. However, we definitely recommend dishing out a little cash to try some of the delicious goods yourself.

5. Take a Scenic Drive

Sometimes, the best way to sightsee in a new place is to get in the car and drive. Jackson Hole has many scenic drives that provide beautiful views you might not otherwise witness on a hiking trail. We suggest keeping the music off, windows down, and eyes wide open so you don’t miss a thing. In a place as stunning as Jackson Hole, it won’t be long until you come across picturesque wildlife, lakes, and forests. You could even make a day out of it and set up a picnic along a scenic overlook!

6. Visit the National Parks

Entry to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is not free, but it comes at a great value. For both parks, a seven-day pass is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person entering by foot or bike. We recommend packing your friends or family into the car and going in together to get the most bang for your buck. This way, you can enjoy a week of breathtaking outdoor excursions at one low cost.

Thanks to Jackson Hole’s natural charm and fun community activities, free and low cost adventures can be found right outside your door. Explore more things to do in Jackson Hole.