Wild West Days headed to Yuma Territorial Prison on January 31

Wild West Days will transform the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park into a full-day family festival on Saturday, January 31, running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will feature Wild West and stunt performers, live music and dance, historical presentations, a Victorian runway show, whiskey tastings, food vendors, and an on-site beer saloon hosted within the park grounds.

The program is being presented as a community event listing through the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and is open to the public with paid admission. Pre-sale tickets were available from December 21 through January 30; day-of prices are listed for purchases at the gate. Organizers direct visitors to the ticketing link on the event listing for purchase and up-to-date pricing and availability. Residents planning to attend should note that the pre-sale window closes the day before the event, which may affect both price and entry lines.

Attendees must follow Arizona State Park regulations: firearms are not permitted on park property, and outside food or drink is prohibited. Those restrictions apply to everyone on site and will be enforced by park staff and event personnel. With whiskey tastings and a beer saloon as part of the festivities, the combination of alcohol service and strict park rules means attendees should bring valid ID and expect compliance checks. These policies aim to balance public safety with the historic site’s preservation and visitor experience.

The event has local economic implications. A full-day festival at the prison site can boost foot traffic downtown, support vendor income, and raise the profile of Yuma’s historic attractions during winter tourism months. It also places operational demands on the park and city services—parking, crowd management, and sanitation will require coordination between organizers, Yuma Territorial Prison staff, and municipal agencies. Clear ticketing and rules help reduce friction, but residents should plan for heavier traffic and limited on-site amenities.

Wild West Days also offers a community moment for civic and cultural engagement. Historical presentations and period programming create opportunities for local schools, heritage volunteers, and small businesses to participate and reach a broader audience. At the same time, the event underlines the need for transparent event logistics and enforcement so that the historic park remains accessible and preserved for future visitors.

The takeaway? If you’re headed to the prison yard on January 31, buy your ticket before January 30 to avoid day-of lines, leave outside food and firearms at home, bring ID for any tastings, and expect a busy downtown—plan your arrival accordingly. Our two cents? Treat it like a special trip to the Crossing: come for the show, but be ready for the practicalities.