Wagon Days Weekend: A September Tradition in Sun Valley, Idaho

There are few sights more quintessentially Idaho than a team of massive Shire horses pulling historic ore wagons down Main Street.

Every Labor Day weekend, the Wood River Valley steps back in time for Wagon Days in Ketchum, Idaho. In 2026, the celebration returns September 4–5 with historic wagons, horses, music, community, and plenty of Western spirit.

If you’re planning a September getaway to Sun Valley, Wagon Days is the perfect reason to make it a weekend.

Experience Sun Valley’s Western Heritage

Wagon Days dates back to 1958. That year, Ketchum began celebrating its mining heritage with a non-motorized parade.

More than six decades later, the tradition remains one of the region’s biggest events. It is also one of the most distinctive celebrations in the West.

The centerpiece is Saturday’s Big Hitch Parade. The parade features restored buggies, carriages, carts, stagecoaches, and other historic vehicles.

However, the real showstoppers are the Lewis Ore Wagons. Six enormous wagons roll through downtown Ketchum behind a hitch of 20 Shire draft horses.

It is an unforgettable sight. More importantly, it connects modern-day Ketchum with the area’s mining and transportation history.

Start Your Wagon Days Weekend with History

Wagon Days begins Friday, September 4, with several ways to explore the history of the Wood River Valley.

Start the morning with the Sun Valley History Bus Tour. The guided tour offers a closer look at historic places throughout the area.

Then, head to the Ore Wagon Museum for afternoon Cowboy Poetry. Idaho Cowboy Poets share stories and reflections inspired by Western life and the region’s past.

Friday evening brings the Grand Marshal Reception at Ketchum Town Square. The community gathers to honor the 2026 Wagon Days Grand Marshal.

Together, these events show that Wagon Days is about more than a parade. It is also about preserving the stories, people, and traditions that shaped Ketchum.

Saturday: The Big Hitch Takes Center Stage

Start Saturday morning at the 5B Kids Fund Pancake Breakfast in Ketchum Town Square. The breakfast runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It is a classic community tradition and a convenient way to fuel up before the day’s events.

By 10 a.m., the celebration is in full swing. Head to Champions Meadow for horsemanship and cultural demonstrations. Meanwhile, downtown Ketchum offers children’s and cultural activities.

Then comes the highlight of the weekend.

Don’t Miss the Big Hitch Parade

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, the Big Hitch Parade begins at Sun Valley Road and travels along Main Street in Ketchum.

Find a spot along the route and settle in for one of Sun Valley’s most memorable traditions.

You’ll see polished carriages, historic stagecoaches, horses, riders, and the enormous Lewis Ore Wagons. Together, they create a scene that feels wonderfully old-fashioned while still being right at home in modern-day Ketchum.

Want a guaranteed view? Reserved seating is available in a prime viewing area near Sun Valley Road and Main Street.

Keep the Wagon Days Celebration Going

When the last wagon passes, the fun continues.

The Wagon Days Street Party begins at 2:30 p.m. in Ketchum Town Square. The afternoon includes food vendors, beverages, family-friendly activities, and live music from country-rock singer Susie Brown.

So, grab something to eat and enjoy the music. Browse downtown shops, relax in the square, and take in the energy of Ketchum.

It is the perfect way to shift from the excitement of the parade to a relaxed mountain-town afternoon.

Make It a Sun Valley Weekend

Wagon Days gives you a great reason to explore beyond the parade route.

Between events, stroll through downtown Ketchum and browse its local shops and galleries. You can also make the short trip to Sun Valley Village.

September is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors. Summer is winding down, and the first hints of fall begin to appear in the mountains.

For an iconic mountain experience, consider riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola up Bald Mountain. Summer operations offer sweeping views of the Wood River Valley.

You can also slow down and enjoy the atmosphere at Sun Valley Resort, one of the valley’s most historic destinations.

For a closer look at local history, make time for the Ore Wagon Museum. The museum adds context to Wagon Days and the mining heritage behind the iconic ore wagons.

Why Visit Sun Valley in September?

Wagon Days captures what makes Sun Valley special: Western history, outdoor adventure, community, and mountain-town charm.

September adds another layer to the experience. The busy summer season begins to wind down, while the valley takes on an early-fall feel.

As a result, it is a wonderful time to explore on foot, spend time outside, enjoy a long meal, and settle into a slower pace.

And then, right in the middle of it all, 20 Shire horses come down Main Street pulling six historic ore wagons.

That’s Wagon Days.

Plan Your 2026 Wagon Days Getaway

The 2026 Wagon Days celebration takes place September 4–5 in Ketchum, Idaho, with the Big Hitch Parade on Saturday, September 5 at 1 p.m.

Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a weekend with friends, or looking for a memorable reason to visit Sun Valley in September, Wagon Days offers a unique experience.

Come for the horses and historic wagons. Stay for the music, mountains, food, and unmistakable spirit of the Wood River Valley.

Wagon Days only comes once a year. Make a weekend of it.

For the latest schedule and event details, visit the official Wagon Days website or Visit Sun Valley’s Wagon Days guide.