Longmire Days in Buffalo, Wyoming
Longmire Days, the annual celebration in Buffalo, Wyoming, honoring Craig Johnson’s fictional city of Durant in Absaroka County and his Longmire Mystery Series, was inspired by real places and landmarks in the community. Johnson, who lives in nearby Ucross, created the fictitious setting of Durant and Absaroka County Wyoming for his Longmire Mystery Series with the first book being published in 2004. Of course, readers knew from Johnson’s references to the Bighorn Mountains, the repurposed Carnegie Library building, and the Busy Bee Cafe that Johnson was inspired by a place with which he was very familiar: Buffalo, Wyoming, and Johnson County.
The community is proud to be the home for the neo-Western series featuring a well-read lawman who shows empathy when it’s needed and toughness when it’s required. Craig Johnson’s books have made The New York Times Best Seller List and earned multiple awards. Longmire was adapted as a television franchise that was extremely popular on A&E from 2012 to 2014 and Netflix from 2015 to 2017.
What is Longmire Days?
Longmire Days is an annual celebration in Buffalo based on the successful Longmire Mystery Series in books and on television.
The event is a celebration of author Craig Johnson’s work and the light he shines on the community through his work. It is designed to allow fans of the Longmire universe to be able to immerse themselves in that world for a long weekend.
Several of the actors from the TV series visit the town and interact with fans at events throughout the week. Events include a 5K run, a parade on Main Street, autograph sessions, a softball game, a talent show, and musical performances.
Why is Longmire Days in Buffalo, WY?
Longmire Days takes place annually in Buffalo, Wyoming because, while the city is not named directly in the books, it clearly is the home of the Longmire series. Author Craig Johnson said he did not name Buffalo specifically so that he could have a little more leeway with the setting, such as placing some of the action on a nearby reservation whereas the closest such one is in southern Montana.
However, many of the places Sheriff Walt Longmire travels in his investigations are places familiar to Johnson County residents. His office in the old Carnegie Library building is actually the location of the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. The Euskadi Hotel is based on the Historic Occidental Hotel & Saloon. The Busy Bee Cafe is in fact the Busy Bee Cafe, a popular stop on Main Street along Clear Creek for lunch and dinner.
Planning Your Visit to Longmire Days
People from around the world schedule trips to Buffalo based on the timing of the Longmire Days event. And Buffalo sees visitors year-round who want to follow in the footsteps of Walt Longmire, Henry Standing Bear and other characters from the series.
If you plan to come to Longmire Days, pay attention to the announcement of the dates when they are released in January or February. Hotel rooms in Buffalo book quickly following that announcement.
If you come at other times of the year, stop at the Bucking Buffalo Supply Co. in downtown Buffalo for Longmire merchandise, including autographed books. And, of course, enjoy the Busy Bee Cafe and other stops in the area that serve as inspiration for Johnson’s books.
When is Longmire Days?
Longmire Days takes place each summer in Buffalo, Wyoming but the event’s dates are subject to change from year to year based on the availability of the actors. Since many of the TV show’s stars enjoy coming to Buffalo for the celebration, it is scheduled at a time that is convenient around their work schedules.
Cast members Robert Taylor (Walt Longmire), Louanne Stephens (Ruby), John Bishop (Bob Barnes), A Martinez (Jacob Knighthorse) and others regularly come to Buffalo for the event.
For that reason, the dates are not finalized and announced until January or February prior to that year’s event.
The 2024 event is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, to Sunday, July 21.
Where to Stay for Longmire Days
When looking for places to stay in Buffalo, Wyoming there are a number of hotels to choose from for those visiting for the Longmire Days celebration.
The Historic Occidental Hotel & Saloon in downtown Buffalo is right in the middle of all the action, and many of the events are within walking distance.
The Big Horn Motel and Mansion House Motel are on Main Street as well, a little north of downtown. They offer the motor court-style of accommodations.
Several brand-name hotels are just a short drive away along Highway 16/Hart Street, including the Hampton Inn & Suites, SureStay Plus by Best Western, and the Holiday Inn Express.
What to Bring to Longmire Days
Most importantly, bring a variety of clothing. The weather can change drastically in a short time, so be prepared for warm days and potentially cold nights. Make sure you have water around to stay hydrated and sunscreen to prevent burning.
Longmire fans can also bring merchandise they want signed and should always carry a sharpie!
For the autograph sessions, each ticket holder for the autograph sessions can bring two items to be autographed. People who attend Longmire Days are encouraged to carry items with them throughout the weekend, as the actors are seen out and about in Buffalo during the entire weekend.
Places to Eat & Drink Locally for Longmire Days
Looking for a restaurant in Buffalo, WY? Every Longmire fan will want to stop in at the Busy Bee Cafe, which serves up Longmire-themed specials. While the Red Pony Saloon does not exist in real life, a makeshift version at the Cowboy Carousel Center can be accessed with a ticket. You might find the actors around town at The Occidental Saloon or the TA Ranch.
Downtown restaurants can get crowded, so check out Papa Bino’s (Mexican), Dash Inn (burgers and more), Albertano’s (Mexican), and Bozeman Trail Steakhouse. There is also a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on the Saturday morning of Longmire weekend.
How to Get Around Buffalo During Longmire Days
Expect a lot of foot traffic downtown during Longmire Days. There is public transportation available through the Buffalo Area Transportation Service.
Most of the venues for the celebration have parking, but some of the most convenient to consider are the public lot on the northwest corner of Fort and Main streets, and Prosinski Park just a block west of Main Street.
Almost all venues are accessible for those with disabilities, but Longmire Event organizers are willing to assist with parking and access for those who need it. If the attendees have a problem accessing some venues and parking, Longmire Days staff will work to help them gain access.
Most Popular Experiences for Longmire Days
Each day of the Longmire Days celebration is filled with activities to suit your interests. Some events require more activity than others, but you can craft your own Longmire experience whether you want to do a 5K run or take a horseback ride, dance the nights away to live music, get insight about writing from author Craig Johnson, or learn how the actors and show-runners approach their craft.
Must-See Events & Activities
The main attraction for those who attend Longmire Days is the chance to interact with the stars from the television series.
Each day offers such opportunities, but the highlights include:
- The parade on Saturday.
- Tea with Ruby on Thursday, and Sunday brunch with Ruby, both hosted by Louanne Stephens.
- Autograph sessions on multiple days.
- Question-and-answers with the cast on multiple days.
- Native American performances in Crazy Woman Square on multiple days.
- A softball game on Saturday night.
- Horseback riding on Sunday morning.
- The wrap party on Sunday, which in 2024 will feature musician Jalan Crossland.
Staying Connected in the the Longmire Days Community
One of the best sources for information about Longmire Days is the official Longmire Days website, which includes a link to the Facebook page for the event.
In addition, information about the Bucking Buffalo Supply Co.’s Longmire merchandise, Craig Johnson’s books and his public appearance schedule can be found on the Longmire Store.
Stay up to date on Longmire and all other Buffalo, Wyoming events.
