July 3-5, 2026
An old-fashioned celebration including live music, an art show, barbecues, car show, reunions, a parade and kids activities!
Friday, July 3
- Platte Valley Arts Council Quilt Exhibit - Experience the Story Time Cherrywood Challenge, a traveling art quilt exhibit featuring over 40 imaginative quilts created with hand-dyed fabrics and inspired by storybook themes. Join us from 10am - 4pm with a special presentation by Karla Overland on Friday, July 3 at 11 AM.
- Teense Willford Memorial Reveal & Ceremony - Join us at 5:30pm for the reveal of the Teense Willford Statue, with a ceremony to follow.
- Festival of Arts Opening Night Gala - Kick off the 11th Annual Festival of the Arts Opening Gala from 6-8 PM at the Platte Valley Community Center. Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to meet featured artists from across the western United States.
Celebrate art, creativity, and community at the 11th Annual Festival of the Arts at the beautiful Platte Valley Community Center in Saratoga, Wyoming. The holiday weekend begins with the Artists Gala on Friday, July 3 from 6–8 p.m., followed by the full art show on Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, July 5 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday, July 4
- Platte River Independence 5K Run - Start your 4th off right with a 5K! Adults will be able to participate in a timed official 5K, with a kids Fun Run after the 5K ends.
- Free Pancake Breakfast - Enjoy some hot free pancakes served by our local volunteer fire department. Serving from 7am - 10am!
- Car Show - Bring your classic car down to the Platte Valley Community Center and show it off! The car show is a fun way to spend the afternoon.
- Independence Day Parade - Starting at 11am, the parade wanders through downtown Saratoga. It includes vintage cars, silly costumes, live animals, fire trucks, and political candidates. Call 307-710-8998 to enter.
- Old-Fashioned Bake Auction - Right after the parade, don’t leave yet! There will be fresh baked pies, cakes, and goodies that you can bid on right on Main Street.
- Platte Valley Arts Council Quilt Exhibit - Experience the Story Time Cherrywood Challenge, a traveling art quilt exhibit featuring over 40 imaginative quilts created with hand-dyed fabrics and inspired by storybook themes. Join us from 10am - 4pm.
- Festival of Arts Art Show & Sale - Come down to the Platte Valley Community Center to experience the arts. Vote for your favorite painting, photograph, or sculpture, and purchase some of your favorite pieces.
- WeenieFest - It’s the 10th Annual WeenieFest! Enjoy a free hotdog lunch and lots of fun.
- Kids Art Experience - Drop the kids off at 110 W. Bridge in Saratoga between 1-3pm. They will get to make their own patriotic art and take it home.
- “Legacy For A Nation: Journeys to Carbon County, WY” Movie - Legacy For A Nation: Journeys to Carbon County, WY is a 30-minute documentary about the history and identity of Carbon County, Wyoming. Show times are at 2pm and 4pm.
- Corn Hole Tournament - Find a friend and enter the Corn Hole Tournament from 2-4pm. Please call 307-320-6512 to get registered.
- Saratoga Days - Dance the night away with free music with headliner Ned LeDoux! You can also find food trucks, crafters, and shopping.
- Fireworks - Starting at dusk, enjoy firework shows in Saratoga and Encampment.
Sunday, July 5
- Platte Valley Arts Council Quilt Exhibit - Experience the Story Time Cherrywood Challenge, a traveling art quilt exhibit featuring over 40 imaginative quilts created with hand-dyed fabrics and inspired by storybook themes. Join us from 10am - 4pm.
- Festival of Arts Art Show & Sale - Come down to the Platte Valley Community Center to experience the arts. Vote for your favorite painting, photograph, or sculpture, and purchase some of your favorite pieces. Join us from 10am - 4pm.
Wednesday, July 8
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence - Come down to the Saratoga Museum and listen to the Declaration of Independence, read by the Saratoga Museum with music by the Saratoga Community Choir.
