Audience members seated outdoors watch a live acoustic music performance on a rustic wooden stage surrounded by pine trees and rock formations at Curt Gowdy State Park.

Tunes on the Trail

Blending live acoustic music with outdoor adventure, this initiative offers unique performances in Wyoming’s scenic state parks.

2027 Submission Window Opens: December 1, 2026
2027 Submission Window Closes: January 15, 2027

Blending live acoustic music with outdoor adventure, Tunes on the Trail brings Wyoming musicians and audiences together in scenic state parks and historic sites.

Tunes on the Trail is a collaborative program of the Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming State Parks, and the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. Launched in 2025, the program combines live acoustic performances with outdoor recreation, creating opportunities to experience Wyoming’s music, landscapes, and public spaces.

The program is part of the Wyoming Independent Music Initiative (WIMI), which supports Wyoming musicians by expanding performance opportunities and helping artists reach new audiences. Tunes on the Trail is supported in part by the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources’ Spark Tank! initiative.

2027 Tunes on the Trail Concert Series

Tunes on the Trail returns in summer 2027 with three free, family-friendly acoustic concerts at Wyoming state parks and historic sites. Each event will feature a Wyoming musician performing a 90-minute set, along with an outdoor recreation activity before the concert.

2027 Dates and Locations

  • Saturday, June 5: Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
  • Friday, Aug. 13: Sinks Canyon State Park
  • Saturday, Aug. 14: Buffalo Bill State Park

Performance times, featured musicians, and additional event details will be announced closer to the concert dates.

Park Admission & Accessibility
Tunes on the Trail events are free to attend. Standard day-use or admission fees apply at select locations. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore the park.

Call for Wyoming Musicians

The Wyoming Arts Council is seeking three Wyoming-based musicians to perform during the 2027 Tunes on the Trail concert series.

Selected musicians will perform a 90-minute, family-friendly acoustic set at one of the participating state parks or historic sites. Each artist will receive a $550 performance payment.

Artist Eligibility and Application Details

  • Applicants must be Wyoming residents.
  • Musicians must be able to perform an unplugged acoustic set.
  • Performances must be appropriate for audiences of all ages.
  • Artists may indicate their preferred performance locations in the application.
  • Selected artists will help promote their performances.

Applications open: Dec. 19, 2026
Application deadline: Jan. 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.

Full eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and application instructions are available through the Wyoming Arts Council’s Submittable platform.

Apply for Tunes on the Trail

What to Expect

Tunes on the Trail combines live music with outdoor recreation. Audiences can participate in an outdoor activity before enjoying an acoustic concert in a Wyoming state park or historic site.

Concerts are free to attend. Standard park entrance or day-use fees may apply at some locations. Additional information about activities, admission, accessibility, and parking will be shared as event details are finalized.

Why It Matters

Tunes on the Trail creates new performance opportunities for Wyoming musicians while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the state’s public lands. By bringing music and outdoor recreation together, the program supports local artists, strengthens community connections, and introduces audiences to Wyoming’s creative talent.

Questions?

For questions about artist applications, contact:

Kimberly Mittelstadt
Creative Arts Specialist, Wyoming Arts Council
Kimberly.Mittelstadt@wyo.gov

For questions about the concert series or outdoor recreation activities, contact:

Jamie Hansen
Outreach Coordinator, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation
Jamie.Hansen@wyo.gov
307-460-8794

Past Tunes on the Trail Performers

Explore the Wyoming musicians and who have participated in Tunes on the Trail

2026: Shawn Hess at Guernsey State Park; Box of Rocks at Seminoe State Park; The Tinderwoods at South Pass City State Historic Site; Pathfinder at Hot Springs State Park

2025: Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo at Keyhole State Park; Bonamo at Curt Gowdy State Park; Kalyn Beasley at Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site; Kaspen Haley & Boxelder Stomp at Edness K. Wilkins State Park

Want more information?

Contact Kimberly Mittelstadt, Creative Arts Specialist, below.

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