Hear Free Music
Attending the Jackson Hole Hootenanny in the Silver Dollar Showroom in the historic Wort Hotel is sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your visit to Jackson Hole. This real deal, Western acoustic musical event has been around for more than 65 years.
The Hoot was brought to life in 1957 by extreme skier and writer/musician Bill Briggs—the first person to ski the Grand Teton!—and was originally called “Teton Tea Parties." Every week, a group of old-time country and western musicians would gather under a bridge in Grand Teton National Park to sing and play the night away. Several of those original pickers—plus many talented younger, “homegrown” and traveling acts—still get together at The Silver Dollar Showroom every Monday night from 6 to 9 p.m. There is no cover charge to enjoy this unique musical experience.
The Hoot is presented in a concert-like setting—i.e. don’t even think about chatting during the performances—and you’ll want to get there early to grab a good seat.
You can also find live music for free at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on Town Square, just around the corner from the Wort Hotel, and at the iconic Virginian Saloon on Broadway.
Chase the Sun (Safely!)
Wyoming Stargazing offers free, year-round, public stargazing events every (clear sky) Thursday, when the temperature is above zero degrees Fahrenheit, in the northwest corner of the Stilson parking lot off Hwy. 390 and 22, behind the bus hut where there are no lights. Astronomy educators use one of their large aperture telescopes to show you planets, stars, planetary nebulae, galaxies, and more. There is no need to reserve your spot in advance; just come and go as you please. Visit wyomingstargazing.org.
Dine For Free(ish)... Really!
One of the perks of visiting Jackson Hole in the off-season is what we locals really look forward to in both fall and spring: The arrival of two-fer's (two-for-one meals) at many of the restaurants around town. These dining deals—two-fer's and/or discounted meals—usually begin mid-to-late October and last into the early part of November.
Visit jhfinedining.com or bluecollarjh.com for more details on discounts at specific restaurants.
Free food! Best. Vacation. Ever.
Play Disc Golf
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s free 18-hole disc golf course starts uphill from the base of the gondola. The course begins short and technical, with tunnel and treed shots. It winds back and forth up the lower Gros Ventre and Tramline trails, shooting in open fields and tightly wooded areas. The course design incorporates three loops, each going a bit higher up the mountain. Innova discs are available to purchase at JH Sports in the Bridger Center—or bring your own! Playing disc golf amongst the brilliant fall foliage is indeed priceless.
Watch a Ski Flick
Ski season is really just a moment away!
Catch free ski movies at the Teton Gravity Research retail store on Town Square. It includes a 30-seat theater in the back of the store where from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. you can see the TGR-produced feature film "Jackson Hole Wild" (on loop!) and previews of other TGR ski flicks.
Bonus Freebie
Kids of all ages, really, can enjoy two different JH Public Art installations, created using natural materials: "Mama Mimi" the giant troll out in Rendezvous Park in Wilson ("R Park"), and the "Bison and Wallow" sculpture at the Greenspace on the Block off of Town Square.