CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The 122nd Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days, a huge, ten-day western celebration, opens on Friday.
The "Daddy of 'em All" has been held since 1897 so that Cheyenne can celebrate its Old West roots.
While the centerpiece is the world's largest outdoor rodeo – which draws the top pros who compete for more than $1 million in prize money – there is a lot more to do at CFD than just that.
9Neighborhoods | We explore Cheyenne, Wyoming
Frontier Nights
Cheyenne Frontier Days always brings the top names in entertainment to perform at Frontier Nights and this year is no exception.
Florida Georgia Line will headline the first night show on Friday with special guest Michael Ray.
Cole Swindell with Chase Rice and Morgan Evans, Charlie Daniels Band with Tracy Lawrence, Eric Church with Chris Janson, Nickelback with Pop Evil, Toby Kieth with Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots and Dierks Bentley with Kip Moore also taking the Cheyenne stage this year.
PBR – Professional Bull Riders – will hold night events on Monday and Tuesday.
Pancake Breakfasts
The only thing better than pancakes is free pancakes. Cheyenne Frontier Days' Pancake Breakfasts are legendary and draw tourists from around the world.
Volunteers in downtown Cheyenne will serve up more than 100,000 flapjacks, cook 3,000 pounds of ham, serve 9,200 cartons of milk and 520 gallons of coffee with 630 pounds of butter and 475 gallons of syrup.
The three pancake breakfasts - which are completely free to the public - will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week (July 23, 25, 27).
Old Frontier Town
Just outside of the rodeo arena, Old Frontier Town features western merchants, craftspeople, artisans and special faces from the Old West.
The town's petting zoo is a must-see if you have children.
Pro Rodeo
Cheyenne is known around the world for its love of rodeo. There will be nine days of rodeo action this year.
The top names in professional rodeo come to Cheyenne to compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. The rodeo starts at 1 p.m. daily from Sat. July 21 to Sun. July 29.
Carnival Midway
The carnival midway at CFD has thrilling rides, kids rides and amazing carnival food. What more is there to say?
The midway is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Indian Village
American Indians have always been an important part of western history and it's no different at Cheyenne Frontier Days. The park's Indian Village hosts American Indian performers who educate visitors about American Indian heritage and culture.
There are also Native American craft and food vendors as well.
Grand Parades
Downtown Cheyenne is the location of four Grand Parades that draw visitors from around the world. The parades feature top marching bands and the most horse-drawn vehicles you'll see anywhere.
The parades will take place on Sat. July 21, Tues. July 24, Thurs. July 26 and Sat. July 28 at 9 a.m. in downtown Cheyenne.
Behind the Chutes Tour
Cheyenne Frontier Days lets visitors see how such a huge event is put on with daily Behind the Chutes tours. The free tours let visitors meet the animals, step into the chutes and walk across the arena floor.
The tours are held daily at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Old West Museum
The Old West Museum at Cheyenne Frontier Days is a world-renowned museum of western artifacts and art. The museum has one of the most-extensive collections of horse-drawn carriages west of the Mississippi and has exhibits showcasing the history of CFD.
If you aren't able to see it during this year's event, the Old West Museum is open year round.
A complete Cheyenne Frontier Days schedule and event tickets can be found at CFDRodeo.com.
9Neighborhoods | We explore Cheyenne, Wyoming
