There is something special about the changing of seasons in Casper. As the final days of summer begin to fade, the cooler air invites people outside for one more round of gatherings, good food and time with friends and family.

This September, Casper Mountain will be the setting for exactly that kind of celebration as the Great Mountain Mingle returns to Hogadon Lodge for three Sundays of fall fun. Presented by OVG Hospitality, the family-friendly event brings the community together on September 13, September 20 and September 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Best of all, admission is free.

The Great Mountain Mingle is built around the simple idea of enjoying the mountain together. Guests can bring their own chairs and blankets, settle in at Hogadon Lodge and spend the afternoon surrounded by fresh mountain air while local musicians provide live entertainment. The musical lineup for the 2026 celebration will be announced separately.

There will be plenty to keep families entertained between performances as well.

Cornhole will offer some friendly competition, while sidewalk chalk activities on the balcony give kids and families a chance to get creative. Scavenger hunts will add another reason to explore, with prizes including ski passes, gift bags and more. Local vendor booths will also be part of the gathering, giving visitors an opportunity to browse and connect with local businesses and makers.

One of the new additions for 2026 is an ice cream bar, bringing a little extra sweetness to the mountain afternoon. Guests can build their own creation with waffle or cake cones and bowls, choosing from chocolate, vanilla, mint chocolate chip, bubble gum and Pop Rock ice cream. Sprinkles, nuts, whipped topping and cherries will be available to finish it off.

For those looking for something more substantial, the outdoor grill will be serving a selection of freshly prepared favorites. The menu includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chili burgers, hot dogs, chili dogs, chicken sandwiches, chicken Caesar wraps, hummus wraps, potato twists and chips.

The event will also feature a beer tasting for adults who want to sample some of the participating breweries. Guests can try up to four beers before voting for their favorite. The Hogadon bar will remain open for full-service drinks as well, with beverages available to enjoy outdoors in designated areas.

The beer tasting adds a little friendly competition to the afternoon, too. The community's favorite brew will earn a year-round featured spot at Hogadon Lodge and the Ford Wyoming Center, giving visitors a chance to have a say in what eventually makes its way onto the menu.

What makes the Great Mountain Mingle particularly appealing is that there is no need to make it an elaborate outing. A chair, a blanket and a few hours are enough. Families can come for the activities, friends can meet up for music and food, or visitors can simply head up the mountain to enjoy the atmosphere and take a break from the usual weekend routine.

It is also a chance to experience Hogadon Lodge in a different season. Rather than waiting for winter to return to Casper Mountain, the Great Mountain Mingle invites the community to enjoy the area while autumn is settling in.

And whether someone comes for the ice cream, the BBQ, the music, the games, the vendors or simply the chance to spend a Sunday outdoors, the event offers something that can be easy to overlook during a busy week: time together.

The Great Mountain Mingle takes place on September 13, September 20 and September 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hogadon Lodge on Casper Mountain.

Admission is free, and the event will take place rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of live music, food, drinks, outdoor activities and mountain views.

For Casper, saying goodbye to summer doesn't have to mean staying indoors.

Sometimes, the best way to welcome fall is to head up the mountain, find a place to sit, listen to some music and enjoy a little more time outside with the people around you.

At Casper Buzz, we're always looking for the local stories, creative projects, community activities, and people that give Casper its character.

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Photo Credit: Ford Wyoming Center