Wagon Days

Since 1958, the City of Ketchum has celebrated its mining history with one of the largest non-motorized parades in the West. Come spend the weekend with the whole family and watch the Big Hitch Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m, featuring quality buggies, carriages, carts, and stagecoaches. It is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the Pacific Northwest.

The Ore Wagon Museum serves as the Wagon Days headquarters. There, you’ll find all event information, maps, and merchandise, and can explore Ketchum’s mining heritage with displays that showcase the town’s past, including an opportunity to get up close to the massive Lewis Ore Wagons. The Ore Wagon Museum is located at 500 East Avenue in Ketchum, and it will be open daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Aug. 11 through 31.

Full event details will be released later this spring. Below is a tentative schedule based on previous year’s events. Visit wagondays.com for details.

Schedule

Friday, September 4th

SUN VALLEY HISTORY TOUR BY BUS

10:30 a.m. at the Visitors Center (491 Sun Valley Rd.)

Advance registration is recommended as space is limited. Sign up in person at the Sun Valley Visitor Center inside Starbucks, located at 491 Sun Valley Road in Ketchum, or by calling or emailing the Visitor Center at (208) 726-3423 | info@visitsunvalley.com.

Meet at the Visitor Center at 10:30 am for a prompt departure at 10:45 am.

COWBOY POETRY

1 – 4 p.m. at the Ore Wagon Museum (500 East Ave., Ketchum)
Join Idaho Cowboy Poets as they share tales reflecting the land, lifestyle, and stories of times past.

GRAND MARSHAL RECEPTION

5:30 – 7 p.m. at Ketchum Town Square (480 4th St. East)
This ceremony celebrates the 2026 Grand Marshals who will be honored for their enduring contributions to the community of Ketchum. Food and beverages are provided, courtesy of the City of Ketchum.

Saturday, September 5th

5B KIDS FUND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

8 a.m.–noon at Ketchum Town Square (480 4th St. East)

Saturday ONLY this year.

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat country breakfast of pancakes, sausages, and eggs, served by club members and local personalities. Proceeds benefit children’s programs throughout the Wood River Valley. A community tradition since 1977, the 5B Kids Fund (formerly Papoose Club)

CHILDREN’S AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
10 a.m. at East Ave. and 4th St.
Explore pioneer living with a host of fun family activities.

HORSEMANSHIP AND CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS

10 a.m. at Champions Meadow (200 Sun Valley Rd.)

The Eh-Capa Bareback Riders will exhibit their exceptional and courageous riding skills in a style similar to that of Native American culture.

THE BIG HITCH PARADE

1 p.m. at Sun Valley Rd. and winding north on Main St.
Prepare to be transported back in time with one of the country’s most remarkable non-motorized parades, featuring an impressive display of museum-quality carriages, carts, and stagecoaches and a host of other Idaho equestrian traditions. For the grand finale, the Big Hitch showcases the iconic (and last of their kind!) Lewis Ore Wagons, pulled by a hitch of twenty Shire draft horses.

Reserve Seats: A limited number of reserved bleacher seating is also available for a fee. Seats may be reserved online at wagondays.com/reserved-seat-2026 or at the Ore Wagon Museum (500 East Avenue), which will be open daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting mid-August.
Below is last year’s Parade Detour Map for reference

STREET PARTY
2:30 p.m. at Ketchum Town Square and East Ave. (480 4th St. East)

After the Parade – Wagon Days Street Party Following the passing of the Big Hitch down Main Street, pop over to Ketchum Town Square for the Wagon Days Street Party, featuring a live concert with music from country rock singer Susie Brown.