Community Calendar

Terry Tempest Williams has been called “a citizen writer,” a writer who speaks and speaks out eloquently on behalf of an ethical stance toward life. A naturalist and fierce advocate for freedom of speech, she has consistently shown us how environmental issues are social issues that ultimately become matters of justice. “So here is my question,” she asks, “what might a different kind of power look like, feel like, and can power be redistributed equitably even beyond our own species?”

Williams, like her writing, cannot be categorized. She has testified before Congress on women’s health issues, been a guest at the White House, has camped in the remote regions of Utah and Alaska wildernesses and worked as “a barefoot artist” in Rwanda.

Known for her impassioned and lyrical prose, Terry Tempest Williams is the author of the environmental literature classics Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place; An Unspoken Hunger: Stories from the Field; Desert Quartet; Leap; Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert; The Open Space of Democracy; Finding Beauty in a Broken World; When Women Were Birds; Erosion: Essays of Undoing; The Hour of Land: A Personal Topography of America’s National Parks; and The Story of My Heart by Richard Jeffries, as rediscovered by Brooke Williams and Terry Tempest Williams.

Her next book will be The Glorians: Visitations from the Holy Ordinary. Kirkus calls it “An impassioned defense of interconnectedness.”

The 2026 Laramie County Fair is back July 29 through August 8, bringing together the best of summer, community, tradition, and family fun at the Archer Complex in Cheyenne. This year’s theme, “Fair’s Poppin’,” sets the stage for a full fair schedule packed with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, open class competitions, hands-on activities, fair contests, food, entertainment, and plenty of hometown memories in the making.

The fair kicks off July 29 with horse, dog, rabbit, beef, and static exhibits, then rolls into a lively week of public activities beginning August 1. Families can enjoy the Midway from August 1–7 with carnival games, an inflatable zone, glass blowing demos, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, magic shows, caricatures, a petting zoo, foam parties, mini-golf, a laser maze, and more.

Special highlights include the Farmers Market on August 1, Ranch Rodeo and the new Salsa Showdown on August 2, pie contests on August 3, Mutton Bustin’ on August 4, the new Cheyenne Youth Rodeo and Bubblegum Blowing Contest on August 5, Pig Wrestling on August 6, round robin shows and family activities on August 7, and the Youth Livestock Sale on August 8.

Welcome to the Targhee Bluegrass Festival at the Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming! Get ready to immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of the Targhee Bluegrass Festival on August 7, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM. This event is a must-see for music enthusiasts and promises an unforgettable experience.

The Targhee Bluegrass Festival is known for its electrifying performances that blend traditional bluegrass with contemporary flair, creating a unique and captivating sound that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along. The Grand Targhee Resort provides the perfect backdrop for this musical extravaganza, with its picturesque surroundings and welcoming atmosphere adding to the overall charm of the event.

Located in the beautiful city of Alta, Wyoming, the Grand Targhee Resort offers easy accessibility and stunning views that will enhance your festival experience. Whether you're a die-hard bluegrass fan or simply looking for a fun day out, this event is sure to leave you wanting more.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the Targhee Bluegrass Festival at the Grand Targhee Resort. Book your tickets now and get ready for a day filled with amazing music and unforgettable memories. See you there!

Stop by the Grand Encampment Museum to view Wyoming Public Media's Wyoming 250 Photo Contest Exhibit. The opening reception on August 7th features a presentation by Director Tim Nicklas.

Tim's presentation will explore Thomas Edison's visit to Wyoming in 1878 to view the solar eclipse - "Edison: The Wizard of the Sierra Madres."

After the talk, guests can enjoy light refreshments and enjoy the contemporary photographic images that are part of the Wyoming Public Media 250 Travelling exhibit. (View the virtual exhibit online).

Free and open to the public, the talk starts at 4:30 PM at the Grand Museum in Encampment.

* * This project is funded in part by the Wyoming Semiquincentennial grant from the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources office. * *

What do a certain Austrian composer and his English counterpart have in common? Hollywood, of course! Both John Barry and Erich Wolfgang Korngold found their way to the big screens of America and their music blurred the lines between the concert hall and the movie theater. GTMF Concertmaster Madeline Adkins performs Korngold’s lush, film-inspired Violin Concerto before the Festival Orchestra concludes the program with Beethoven’s eternal and appropriately cinematic ode to nature, the “Pastoral” Symphony No. 6.

Program
Barry: Themes from Out of Africa and Dances With Wolves
Korngold: Violin Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6

Sir Donald Runnicles, conductor
Madeline Adkins, violin

Join us in the lobby at 6 PM for a Pre-Concert Talk, an inside look into the music led by Stoner Family Education Curator Meaghan Heinrich. Talks are sponsored by the Goodman Family Foundation, in memory of Roy and Barbara Goodman.

Comedian Alex Dragicevich live at the historic Rialto Theater in downtown Casper. Two nights of stand-up comedy presented by Casper Entertainment Group. Doors open one hour before showtime.

Multi-platinum alt-reggae band Dirty Heads live at The Gaslight Social in downtown Casper with special guest Rome, presented by Casper Entertainment Group.

The 2026 Laramie County Fair is back July 29 through August 8, bringing together the best of summer, community, tradition, and family fun at the Archer Complex in Cheyenne. This year’s theme, “Fair’s Poppin’,” sets the stage for a full fair schedule packed with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, open class competitions, hands-on activities, fair contests, food, entertainment, and plenty of hometown memories in the making.

The fair kicks off July 29 with horse, dog, rabbit, beef, and static exhibits, then rolls into a lively week of public activities beginning August 1. Families can enjoy the Midway from August 1–7 with carnival games, an inflatable zone, glass blowing demos, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, magic shows, caricatures, a petting zoo, foam parties, mini-golf, a laser maze, and more.

Special highlights include the Farmers Market on August 1, Ranch Rodeo and the new Salsa Showdown on August 2, pie contests on August 3, Mutton Bustin’ on August 4, the new Cheyenne Youth Rodeo and Bubblegum Blowing Contest on August 5, Pig Wrestling on August 6, round robin shows and family activities on August 7, and the Youth Livestock Sale on August 8.

Please join us for the annual Laramie County Fair Youth Livestock Sale!
We will sell animals individually including beef, lambs, goats, hogs, rabbits, and poultry. Sale begins with all Champions and Reserve Champions selling first.
A complimentary buyer’s lunch will be served at noon.

Investing in Laramie County's Future:
The Laramie County Fair Livestock Program provides youth with valuable hands-on opportunities to develop responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship, and essential life skills. Through the process of raising and exhibiting livestock, participants invest significant time, effort, and resources while gaining practical knowledge in animal nutrition, health management, husbandry practices, and proper animal handling. These experiences help prepare young people for future success both within and beyond the agricultural industry.

All youth with market animals complete the University of Wyoming’s Youth Quality Assurance program, ensuring they follow proper animal care and management practices to produce a high-quality, wholesome product.

Ways to Participate:
• Attend in person
• Have purchases made on your behalf (Must contact the Fair Office before the sale)
• A Buyer’s Group
• An Add-on donation

Purchase Options:
• Live Animal: Purchase the animal as-is. Removal of the animal is the responsibility of the buyer.
• Custom Slaughter: You will choose one of the pre-arranged processors. Contact processor for cut sheets. Processing fees are the Buyer’s responsibility.
• Resale: You may resale an animal to the sale. Buyer will pay the difference between the bid and resale price.
• Donation: Please make sure to have the charity’s correct name and address. Buyer is responsible for processing fees.

Register to be a 2026 Buyer: https://laramie.fairwire.com/buyerlogon.aspx
Already registered as a buyer in 2025? You're all set! Only new buyers need to complete a registration. Register ahead of time to save time from being in line.

Welcome to the Targhee Bluegrass Festival at Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming! Get ready to experience the soulful melodies and vibrant energy of the Targhee Bluegrass Festival on August 8, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM. This event is a local favorite, bringing together music lovers from all around to enjoy a day filled with incredible performances.

The Targhee Bluegrass Festival is not just any music event – it's a celebration of talent and passion. From toe-tapping beats to heartwarming lyrics, this festival promises to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. The performers at this year's festival are sure to captivate audiences with their exceptional musical abilities and infectious energy.

Located at the picturesque Grand Targhee Resort, the venue offers a stunning backdrop for this unforgettable event. Nestled in the heart of nature, with easy accessibility and breathtaking views, Grand Targhee Resort provides the perfect setting for a day of music and fun.

Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Grab your tickets now and join us at the Targhee Bluegrass Festival for a day filled with music, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. We can't wait to see you there!