Dance the Night Away
By Meagan Murtagh 
Favorite venues for live music and western dancing.
There’s something so charming about cowboy traditions in the Wild West.
One of my personal favorites has to be Western dancing. By no means do I have any idea what I’m doing on the dance floor, but stopping by an old watering hole with my friends to swing around with cowboys and cowgirls reminds me of why I love Jackson Hole. You simply cannot visit Wyoming without experiencing live music and dancing. The locals take this seriously, so make sure you bring your cowboy boots!
There is no shortage of amazing local bands and fun bars to check out during your trip to Jackson Hole. One place you can always count on for live music and dancing is The Wort Hotel in downtown, right off the Town Square. This historic hotel was recently renovated by adding a new bar, connected to the famous Silver Dollar Bar and Saloon, a large stage, and a beautiful dance floor. The energy is always contagious, so even if you plan to watch from the sidelines, chances are you’re going to hit the dance floor.
My friends and I recently went for drinks and a chance to dance with Ralph, a local cowboy dancing legend. Even if you have two left feet, this guy will make you look like a pro. I’ve known him for 10 years, first meeting him on the dance floor in 2008, and I always make sure he saves me a dance or two. Like a lot of cowboys, he follows the dancing around town, so if you spot him in his all-black western attire, you know you’re in the right spot. And ladies, don’t be surprised if he asks you to dance. Be sure you say yes, trust me! Check out The Wort Hotel’s live music lineup.
Another go-to for dancing is The Cowboy Bar, a must-see if you’re coming to Jackson Hole. Saddle up at the bar for a true Wyoming experience. It’s fun to chat with friendly locals, including ranchers from around the county, who pop in for a beer and a shot of whiskey. I love the rawness of this place with the knotty pine, antique lighting and vintage horse saddle seating. I feel like I step back in time whenever I enter those swinging saloon doors and it has me imagining what the West was truly like back in the day; it warms my heart to be a part of such a fun culture and the history of our country.
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