The Werner Wildlife Museum will host University of Wyoming graduate student Joel Sorensen on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6 p.m. for “Studying Scale-Dependent Disease Dynamics in Prairie Dogs.” The free, family-friendly presentation will explore how sylvatic plague affects black-tailed prairie dogs and how researchers study disease patterns at the individual, colony, and grassland levels.

 

Sorensen’s research combines long-term colony maps, landscape and climate data, network analysis, and field surveys to investigate factors associated with plague outbreaks. The findings could help wildlife managers better anticipate outbreaks and plan mitigation efforts while improving understanding of prairie dogs’ role in grassland ecosystems.

Casper is expected to experience mild temperatures and blustery conditions on Wednesday, October 28, as the community prepares for Halloween festivities. With daytime temperatures near 55°F and clouds gradually clearing, residents may have opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, finish decorations, and take care of last-minute holiday preparations.

 

As breezy conditions and cooler evening temperatures arrive, residents are encouraged to secure lightweight decorations, dress comfortably for outdoor plans, and check the forecast before attending seasonal events. With Halloween just around the corner, a little preparation can help Casper families and businesses enjoy the festivities while adapting to fall weather.

Natrona County residents were invited to meet Sheriff Harlin at Coffee with Sheriff Harlin, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at 1632 Heathrow Avenue. The informal gathering offered an opportunity for community members to connect with local law enforcement in a relaxed setting.

 

Informal community forums provide an additional way for residents to ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about public safety services. While they do not replace formal public processes, gatherings like these can encourage communication between local leadership and the people they serve.

The concept behind The Science of Superheroes uses popular comic book and movie characters to introduce scientific questions about physics, biology, genetics, and human capabilities. By examining fictional powers through real scientific principles, the approach encourages curiosity and critical thinking while making complex topics more approachable.

 

For Casper-area families and science enthusiasts, the idea highlights how popular culture can serve as a starting point for learning. Specific details about the Casper College lecture series, including its schedule, admission, and presenters, should be confirmed through the college before readers are invited to attend.

Backwards Distilling Company is hosting The Other Side, a Halloween pop-up at its downtown Casper tasting room from October 21 through November 1, 2026. The seasonal experience features themed cocktails and a spooky atmosphere inspired by Halloween, offering visitors a limited-time way to experience the local distillery.

 

Located at 214 South Wolcott Street, the family-owned business was founded by the Pollock family in 2014 and later expanded to downtown Casper. Visitors interested in the pop-up can check the distillery’s official website for event updates and tasting room hours before stopping by.

The YMCA of Natrona County will host the Jack O’ Lantern Jog 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., the 5K starts at noon, and the one-mile run begins at 12:15 p.m. Registration costs $50 for YMCA members and $65 for nonmembers for the 5K, and $20 for members and $35 for nonmembers for the one-mile event.

 

Proceeds benefit LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free, 12-week cancer survivorship program supporting people living with, through, or beyond cancer. The day continues at 1 p.m. with the annual Pumpkin Plunge Festival, featuring a pool full of pumpkins, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bowling, face painting, and other family-friendly activities.

The 16th Annual Dancing with the Stars of Casper takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Ford Wyoming Center. Presented by Mercer Family Resource Center, the western-themed fundraiser features six local personalities paired with professional dancers for an evening of live performances and community entertainment.

 

The event supports Mercer Family Resource Center’s work providing education, counseling, and prevention services for children and families. By bringing local personalities, professional dancers, and community supporters together, the fundraiser helps spotlight the importance of resources that strengthen families throughout the Casper area.

The Casper City Council approved municipal winter readiness contracts totaling $348,800 during its October 20, 2026, meeting, according to the information provided. The spending includes $305,300 for 2,500 tons of Category 2 solid anti-icer and de-icing salt from Saltworx LLC and $43,500 for snowplow equipment upgrades.

 

The investment is intended to help prepare city crews for snow and ice during the 2026–2027 winter season. Securing de-icing supplies and snow removal equipment in advance supports the city's ongoing work to maintain streets, improve access, and respond to winter weather conditions.

The 2026 Wyoming Early Childhood Collaborative Conference will take place October 23–24 at the Best Western Downtown Casper Hotel. Organized by Align and the Wyoming Department of Family Services, the event brings together professionals working across early childhood care and education, including infant and toddler specialists, preschool and school-age educators, childcare leaders, and professional development trainers.

 

The conference emphasizes professional learning, collaboration, and stronger connections across Wyoming’s early childhood system. By creating opportunities for people in different roles and settings to exchange ideas, the gathering aims to support the workforce responsible for children’s early learning and care, while highlighting the wider importance of accessible, quality childcare for families and communities.

Casper residents are invited to a Community Conversation on the Property Tax Initiative on Thursday, October 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Casper College’s Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center, Room 225. Led by Mayor Ray Pacheco, Vice Mayor Kyle Gamroth, and Councilor Amber Pollock, the meeting will focus on helping residents understand property taxes and the proposed Proposition 1 ballot measure.

 

The session is expected to include an educational presentation, small-group discussions, and an open question-and-answer period. Proposition 1 proposes exempting 50% of the assessed value of qualifying primary residences from property taxation. Residents can use the conversation to learn more about the proposal and its potential implications ahead of the November 3 election.

Standard Oil No. 1, a compact steam locomotive built in 1920, has returned to Casper after more than six decades at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. The engine spent 42 years switching tank cars at Casper’s Standard Oil refinery before retiring in 1962. Its return to Fort Caspar Museum restores a tangible connection to the city’s oil industry and railroad heritage.

 

The museum is raising $15,000 to support transportation costs, permanent placement, and cosmetic restoration. Plans include making the locomotive accessible for closer public exploration as restoration progresses. The project offers Casper an opportunity to preserve an important part of its industrial history and help future generations understand the industries and workers that shaped the community.

Love’s Travel Stop has opened near Interstate 25 Exit 191 in Casper, adding 52 free truck parking spaces for customers, six diesel fueling bays, driver amenities, RV services, food options, and 24-hour operations. The 11,703-square-foot facility is the company’s sixth travel stop in Wyoming and has created 80 local jobs, contributing additional services along a major freight and travel corridor.

 

To mark the opening, Love’s is distributing $10,000 in charitable grants to the Food Bank of Wyoming, Dress for Success Casper, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. The site also reserves space for possible future electric vehicle chargers. A formal ribbon-cutting is scheduled for October 21 at 10 a.m. While the new facility is not a complete solution to the national truck parking shortage, it adds capacity and services that benefit commercial drivers, other travelers, and the local community.

The University of Wyoming’s 12th annual Giving Day, themed “It’s Giving,” brings supporters together for a 24-hour fundraising campaign featuring more than $1 million in matching funds and challenge incentives. With approximately 280 campaigns spanning colleges, departments, and regional campuses, the event offers multiple ways to support students and university programs.

At the University of Wyoming at Casper, fundraising initiatives such as “A Fresh Start” and “Pokes Never Ride Alone” focus on scholarships and emergency assistance for students facing financial or personal challenges. Other campaigns support academic enrichment, student writing, faculty and staff well-being, and broader university engagement.

Natrona County Library will host a free 3D Scanning Intro & Demo on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Creation Station at its downtown Casper location. Led by Scott, the library’s Technology and Makerspace Specialist, the all-ages program will introduce participants to the Revopoint Miraco 3D scanner and demonstrate how physical objects can be converted into digital three-dimensional models.

The demonstration will introduce the basics of 3D scanning and explain how digital models can support creative projects, design work, and potential 3D printing applications. The program is free, and residents can contact the library or check its official events page for additional information.

The 6th Annual Natrona County 4-H Pumpkin Fest takes place Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds Arena Building in Casper. Activities include pumpkin carving, pumpkin bounce, pumpkin bowling, a craft booth, ring toss, a fall photo booth, a live animal display, a scavenger hunt, and a pumpkin food and nutrition area. WYO Philly Food Truck and eight local vendors will also be part of the celebration.

An activity donation of $5 per child is requested to support Natrona County 4-H programming, with proceeds going directly toward countywide opportunities for youth. Activities are planned for approximately 500 attendees and will be available while supplies last.

Casper Swag has introduced its Active Swag collection, featuring six apparel styles: hoodies, T-shirts, leggings, joggers, shorts, and women’s tank tops. The collection includes the “Casper Proud 307” design, celebrating local identity through activewear, with a variety of colors and sizes available.

The collection offers options for workouts, outdoor activities, and everyday wear. Shoppers can explore the available styles and find more information through the Casper Swag online store at casperswag.com.

Taking care of our health starts with making time for prevention, learning about recommended screenings, and understanding where to find support. Brunch & Breast Health brings these priorities to the Casper community through breast health information, mammogram opportunities for eligible individuals ages 40 and older, and access to local resources.

The free event will take place Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to noon at Casper Medical Imaging. The Wyoming Cancer Program will provide on-site support to help eligible uninsured and underinsured individuals explore available assistance, alongside brunch and giveaways.

Hogadon Lodge on Casper Mountain will host The Blind Pour: A Bourbon Pairing Dinner on Friday, October 16, 2026. The experience features four courses paired with selected bourbons, with the menu and pours revealed throughout the evening. Guests will gather around communal farmhouse-style tables and explore how flavors, aromas, and textures work together.

Doors and bar service open at 5:30 p.m., and the tasting begins at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost $100 per person, with limited seating available. The event is designed for both experienced bourbon drinkers and guests who are curious about food and bourbon pairings.

The Casper College Western History Center will host a free screening of Hole in the Wall on Friday, October 16, 2026. Produced by Bighorn Films, LLC, and directed by Stephen Howard Tucker, the award-winning documentary explores the legendary Hole-in-the-Wall country in Johnson County, including its association with Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. The film also examines broader regional history, including the Johnson County War and Indigenous connections to the land.

The documentary won Best Wyoming Documentary at the 2026 Wyoming International Film Festival and Best Rocky Mountain Feature at the 2026 Spark of Madness Film Festival. The screening will include a live Q&A with Tucker, offering audiences an opportunity to learn more about the filmmaking process and the stories behind the film. Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first-served.

The 62nd Annual Oil Bowl is scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026, bringing the Natrona County High School Mustangs and Kelly Walsh High School Trojans together at Harry Geldien Stadium in Casper. The long-running rivalry draws students, families, alumni, and fans to celebrate school spirit and support local athletes. Kelly Walsh won the previous year's matchup, 35–25, adding another memorable result to the schools' ongoing football rivalry.

 

Beyond the competition, the Oil Bowl is a community tradition that celebrates teamwork, school pride, and the connections built through high school sports. Fans should check official school athletics channels for the confirmed kickoff time and gate details before attending. Whether cheering from the stands or following updates from home, Casper residents can take part in a tradition that brings generations together.

Stage III Community Theatre is partnering with the Casper Senior Center for a special sneak-preview performance of Deathtrap on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $15 at the door, with 100% of ticket sales from the preview benefiting the senior center and its community services.

The event offers Casper residents an opportunity to support local theatre while helping sustain programs for older adults, including meal services that assist people who may have difficulty accessing or preparing food independently. Community members can attend the performance, enjoy an evening out, and contribute to the local organizations that help make Casper a caring and connected place to live.

The Science Zone in Casper will host Family STEAM Night: Forensic Science on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. The hands-on educational program invites families to explore scientific thinking through forensic-themed activities and simulated investigations. By encouraging observation, problem-solving, and curiosity, the event offers children an engaging way to experience science beyond the traditional classroom.

 

Admission is listed as free, providing families with an accessible opportunity to enjoy an educational activity together. The Science Zone is located at 321 W. Midwest Avenue in Casper. For additional information about the event, contact 307-473-9663.

The Kiwanis Club of Casper is collecting new and gently used winter clothing for its annual Coats for Kids Drive to help local children, families, and adults prepare for Wyoming’s cold season. Donations of clean, good-quality coats in infant through adult sizes are welcome, along with hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and snow boots. Collection locations include local banks, schools, businesses, community organizations, and the Salvation Army Hope Center. Donations will be accepted through November 30, 2026.

 

People who need winter clothing can visit the new distribution location at Wind City Kids near 15th Street and Melrose Street on November 7, November 21, or December 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents can support the effort by donating usable winter gear, sharing information about the drive, and encouraging others to participate. For more information, contact Linda Miller at 307-262-5853.

The Casper Senior Center, operated by Central Wyoming Senior Services, brings people together through creative activities that encourage friendship, skill-sharing, and a sense of belonging. Its First Annual HeArts and Crafts Maker’s Market will take place on October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering visitors an opportunity to shop for handmade goods and support services that benefit older adults throughout Natrona County. Local crafters and artists were also invited to register as vendors, with booth rentals including a six-foot table and two chairs.

 

The fundraiser supports the center’s broader community mission, including programs such as Meals on Wheels that help older adults access nutritious food and remain connected to their communities. Because the advertised vendor registration deadline was October 9, interested makers should contact the center to ask whether spaces remain available. Community members can support the event by attending, shopping from local makers, and learning more about the services provided by Central Wyoming Senior Services.

For nearly 80 years, Wagon Wheel Roller Rink in Mills has been more than a place to skate. It has served as a gathering place where generations of Casper-area residents can make memories, build friendships, and enjoy time together. After facing the possibility of permanent closure, the rink found new local owners in Elisa and Jon Odlin in 2023, whose efforts to preserve and improve the facility are helping keep this longstanding community tradition alive.

 

On Tuesday, October 13, Wagon Wheel will host Groovy Skate Night from 6 to 8 p.m. in celebration of National Roller Skating Month. The all-ages event will feature music inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, inviting visitors to enjoy a retro-themed evening on the rink. More than a themed skating session, it is an opportunity for the community to support a local landmark and help ensure that future generations have a place to create memories of their own.

Dress for Success Casper will host its annual Little Black Dress Luncheon on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Western Heritage Hotel and Conference Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by the noon-to-2 p.m. program featuring a plated meal, a fashion show highlighting transformation stories, and personal accounts from women whose lives have been influenced by the organization's programs.

 

The fundraiser supports Dress for Success Casper's mission to help women pursue economic independence through professional attire, career development resources, and a network of support. By bringing local supporters, sponsors, and community members together, the luncheon highlights how practical resources and encouragement can help women move toward new opportunities and stronger professional futures.

Casper's October 10–11 weekend brings together a range of musical experiences that reflect the city's creative variety. Saturday features Wyo-Legacy Productions' independent hip-hop showcase at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, followed by Sunday's all-ages rock and metal concert at Oil City Beer Company, featuring Opal In Sky and other performers.

 

While each gathering offers a different atmosphere, together they highlight the role music plays in supporting independent artists and creating shared experiences around town. Whether residents choose a grassroots showcase or a high-energy concert, the weekend offers another opportunity to enjoy Casper's music scene and support the people who help it thrive.

Bar Nunn will welcome its inaugural Harvest Hoedown on Saturday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bar Nunn Community Center. The free, indoor community event will feature local craft vendors, family-friendly games and activities, and food options, including WyoPhilly’s slow-cooked pulled pork and loaded Mac Mountains.

 

As a new addition to the area’s fall calendar, the Harvest Hoedown offers residents an opportunity to support small businesses, discover local makers, and enjoy a relaxed autumn outing close to home. The first-year gathering also opens the door for a community tradition that could grow in the years ahead.

The Nicolaysen Art Museum will host its free Fall Open House on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 400 E. Collins Drive in downtown Casper. The family-friendly celebration will feature a pumpkin carving demonstration by guest artist Marissa Butler, a community pumpkin carving contest, hands-on fall art activities, and complimentary seasonal food and refreshments. Families will receive one free pumpkin to carve and enter in the contest, with additional pumpkins welcome for those who wish to participate further.

 

The event will also give visitors an opportunity to explore four featured exhibitions: On the Coast by Conrad Schwiering, A Home for Steamboat featuring original illustrations by Zachary Pullen, Artists Are Scientists by Rachel Hawkinson, and Different but Same. By combining seasonal traditions with gallery experiences and creative activities, The NIC is offering the Casper community a welcoming way to celebrate autumn, connect through art, and enjoy a free cultural experience together.

The Sunrise Fall Craft Fair returns to Sunrise Shopping Center on October 10 and 11, creating a two-day indoor marketplace where local makers can share their work directly with the Casper community. The family-friendly event is built around supporting local creators, particularly those without storefronts, while giving shoppers an opportunity to discover handmade goods, unique finds, and the people behind them.

New vendors are also being welcomed for the fall fair, with a flat $75 booth fee and limited space available. To protect applicants from scams, all applications and payments are handled in person only at the Sunrise Shopping Center Management Office, 4000 S. Poplar St., during office hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.