Just before 6 p.m. six summer nights a week in Jackson Town Square, cowboys, gunslingers and saloon girls gather for a fictional reenactment of frontier town justice in the historic Jackson Hole Shootout. For more than 65 years now, “outlaws” and good guys have been entertaining and thrilling visitors while bringing the Old West to life in what is the longest-running shootout in the country.
Beloved Jackson Hole Tradition
The Shootout Gang is made up of actors from the Jackson Hole Playhouse who later perform a Western-themed musical at the theater following the free gunfight on the square. The costumes and characters impress spectators and, although the Gang has become a bit more refined since the early Shootout days of wild abandonment, they continue to present a truly spectacular show filled with the lore of Jackson Hole, bringing characters to life in the streets of present-day Jackson. While they use real guns during the shootout (and yes, the sound is loud) please rest assured: They are shooting blanks!
“We were walking in downtown Jackson and saw a crowd. We took a look and were rewarded with a short performance of a shootout. The actors were very good; the crowd was into it! What a nice way to end the evening.” – Family from Florida, on TripAdvisor
The original mission of the Shootout back in 1957 was to attract visitors to stay in local hotels and motels, eat in the restaurants after the show and spend their money in the gifts shops. The Shootout was an immediate success, with crowds in the thousands and then tens of thousands each season since.
Quick Facts
What: Jackson Hole Shootout, the longest-running shootout in the country!
When: 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Where: Jackson Town Square
How much: Free
What To Expect
The action of the Jackson Hole Shootout takes place on the northeast corner of Town Square in front of the elk antler arches. We recommend you arrive early—around 5:30—in order to get a good seat. The gun fighting, singing, dancing and laughter lasts about 20 minutes and kids can pose with the actors afterwards.
The chaps wearing, cowboy-hatted and -booted and flouncy-dressed actors regale the crowd with a tale of gold and woman stealing injustice, punctuated by the bang of pistols and rifles that echo throughout the square and into the surrounding hills. Puffs of smoke waft through the early summer evening air during the action, along with the delighted squeals of children. The good guys and bandits also break into song and dance to move the plot along, often grabbing members of the audience out into the street with them for a good-natured twirl or two to the old-timey Western music.
“If you are heading to Jackson Hole you must head to the Town Square for this performance. The show was entertaining and lasts no more than 20 minutes and depicts the Old West. A must-see if you’re heading to this cowboy town." — Visitors from New Jersey, on TripAdvisor.
For a taste of old Jackson Hole make your way into Town Square during your visit for this classic, best-of-the-West entertainment. The Shootout takes place Monday through Saturday at 6 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Unique Shooting Experience
Many families and groups are looking for unique outdoor activities in Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole Shooting Experience offers safe, fun and educational multi-gun shooting experiences that will strengthen connections and build memories, making your vacation a huge success. Reserve your experience today.