One of the world’s largest elk herds lives at the National Elk Refuge, and nearby Jackson is celebrating the animals with a weekend event known as Elkfest, May 17-18. The annual festival includes a chili cook-off, music, a kids’ activity corner, a crafts sale, and an antler auction to benefit the refuge and several local Boy Scout troops. The antlers are shed by elk wintering at the refuge. Artisans transform the antlers into everything from chandeliers to furniture; others use them as wall decorations. Last year’s event sold 5,379 pounds of antlers for a total of $59,748. For more information, visit http://elkfest.org/

Great American Comedy Festival, June 17-22

Comedian Robert Klein and talk-show host Dick Cavett will be among those at a comedy festival being held at the Johnny Carson Theater in Norfolk, Neb. The event was created in honor of the late Carson, who spent much of his childhood in Norfolk. The event will start with a comedy showcase featuring Klein. The festival also includes workshops, a youth comedy camp and a competition. Details at http://www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com/.

National Folk Festival, July 11-13

The three-day festival changes venues every three years and goes to historic Butte, Montana this summer. The mix of “music, dance and tradition from across America” includes 24 acts on seven stages. Among the featured performers are: Washington’s Wylie & the Wild West, a Western music group featuring Yahoo! yodeler Wylie Gustafson; Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas from Louisiana; the Alex Meisner polka band from Pennsylvania; and New York’s Yuri Yunakof Ensemble, performing Bulgarian wedding music.
The National Council for the Traditional Arts chose Butte over 22 other cities that bid to host the multicultural event for the next three summers. There is no charge for admission to the festival, which features continuous performances, participatory dancing, children’s activities, ethnic foods and craft exhibits. Details at http://nationalfolkfestival.com., www.mainstreetbutte.org/, or 406-497-6464.

Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 18-27

A mix of rodeos, musical entertainment, culture and history, tours and food comprise a Wyoming tradition. Attractions include the Old West Museum; an Indian Village where you can see traditional costumes, dancing, storytelling and crafts; a Western Art Show and Sale; a carnival midway with games and rides; and parades, pancake breakfasts and a “Chuckwagon Cook-off.” Details at http://www.cfdrodeo.com.