ANNUAL WESTERN HERITAGE EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
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JANUARY
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW
nationalwestern.com
With over 100 years, this 16 day exciting Denver event, including a rodeo, horse shows, concerts, clinics and food, it also offers Colorado's largest trade show.
HIGH NOON AMERICANA AUCTION
highnoon.com
The premier museum-like auction of the best in Americana West, with memorabilia, fine art, and rare pieces from famous figures of the West-for all passionate collectors and westerners.
FEBRUARY
SPIRIT OF THE WEST
ellensburgcowboygathering.com
Set in the historic town of Ellensburg, one can embrace all that is a part of the life of a cowboy, through poetry, song, cooking, ranching skills and more to feel the Spirit.
SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO
sarodeo.com
In 65 years, this event garnered 8 PRCA prestigious event awards, featuring top rodeo talent and country music acts as fans also take in the world famous Riverwalk.
MARCH
COWGIRL UP!--ART SHOW & SALE
westernmuseum.org
With more than 200 pieces of art by 58 talented women, the rich expression of the American West is represented in every medium and style.
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO
hlsr.com
With more than a million fans and one of the largest purses, this giant celebration features over 360 of the best along with post rodeo entertainment on the Stars Over Texas stage.
APRIL
GATHERING OF NATIONS
gatheringofnations.com
With 30 years as the largest gathering of tribes in the nations, this celebration includes the crowning of Miss Indian World and showcases the rich heritage of Native American culture in music, art, dance, food history, traditions, and fashion as it has been voted as one of the top 100 events.
SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL
cowboyfestival.org
Featuring top names in music, poetry and films, celebrating the cowboy heritage and all taking place at the world famous Medody Ranch.
SOMBRERO HORSE DRIVE
sombrero.com
A Colorado epic drive of 60 miles in stunning country with hundreds of horses, chuck wagon camping, and the cowboy way of yesterday and today.
WESTERN VISIONS ART SHOW & SALE
westernvisions.org
Signature event at the Jackson Hole Art Festival, it features over 150 artists and presented by the National Museum of Wildlife Art while visitors enjoy music and more under the majestic Grand Tetons.
WESTERN LEGENDS ROUNDUP & FILM FESTIVAL
westernlegendsroundup.com
The legacy of classic Hollywood film and television giants live on in a celebration of classic films and the industry which produced some of the best westerns of all time. Music, food and fun for the whole family and all westerners alike.
MAY
MILES CITY BUCKING HORSE SALE
buckinghorsesale.com
BISHOP MULE DAYS
muledays.org
The long-eared legacy of the versatile mule is showcased in a Wild West celebration with over 700 mules and 181 events to even include chariot racing before over 30,000 fans. A futurity and sale with the best in bucking horse and bull stock, including a concert, match bronco ride and wild horse race that follows.
WESTERN HERITAGE RANCH RODEO CLASSIC
http://www.westernheritageclassic.com
Some of the largest and most historic ranches nationwide gather for traditional ranching competition and festivities, a rodeo and celebration of the great ranches and open range.
JUNE
WEST OF THE PECOS RODEO
pecosrodeo.com
"The World's First Rodeo" features some of the best names in rodeo for top prizes and festivities, all in the famous historic western Texas town of Pecos.
BILL PICKETT RODEO
billpickettrodeo.com
One of the most important traveling rodeos of the west, honoring a true pioneer of rodeo, in bull-dogging and much more while paving the way for many others. Featuring top cowboys from across the country, this event is exciting history.
BUFFALO BILL DAYS
buffalobilldays.com
A leading celebration of Buffalo Bill, with a parade, vendors, music, impersonators, food and more. An annual honor ride up Lookout Mountain joins other festivities at his gravesite and famous museum which overlooks an incredible view of the great plains of Colorado.
PRIX DE WEST
nationalcowboymuseum.org
With a focus on contemporary western art, this high-profile event showcases over 300 pieces representing a broad spectrum of styles and mediums. Enjoy the museum and all that Oklahoma City has to offer.
END OF TRAIL
sassnet.com
Featuring some of the most talented passionate westerners, these trick sharpshooters host major competitions nationally and internationally, with an annual year's end Wild West Festival and Conference/Ball. They keep the West alive with re-enactors and the spirit of the west--so draw!
WILD BILL DAYS
deadwood.com
Wild as the West, this celebration features ghost walks, free concerts, main street shootouts dances, food, booths and more, An event to remember that would make even Calamity Jane tired with all this historic town offers.
RED EARTH
redearth.org
One of the premier gatherings of over 1200 American Indian artists in all art forms, including great events, culture, dance, music, history, food and more. Visit their museum and learn more when you are there.
JULY
GREELEY STAMPEDE
greeleystampede.org
With one of the largest Independence Day parades in the nation, come see a great rodeo and hot country music on the Fourth to have a taste of the Colorado West.
PIKES PEAK OR BUST RODEO
pikespeakorbust.org
An historic Colorado Springs western event which used to be based at the famous Broadmoor and now at Penrose Stadium. This rodeo is loaded with annual champions and includes a parade, music, and food-all under the majestic Pikes Peak. Visit the Pioneer Museum and learn more about Zebulon Pike.
PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS
worldsoldestrodeo.com
Since 1888, this famous rodeo event offers a parade, music, barbeque, music and top athletes for the best excitement, all in a historic Arizona town and setting.
CALGARY STAMPEDE
calgarystampede.com
Join our Canadian partners in the west for 10 days of the world's richest tournament-style rodeo, with world class chuck wagon races and entertainment.
CATTLEMEN'S DAYS
cattlemensdays.com
The "Grandaddy of Colorado Rodeos" for over a century, the Gunnison valley setting is stunning as you relive the legacy of ranching in the great outdoors with a carnival, parade and barn dance. Be sure to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Crested Butte when you're there.
CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS
cfdrodeo.com
Truly the "Daddy Of 'Em All", this giant of the rodeo world features the best in rodeo champions, country music, dancing, carnival and Indian Village for everyone to enjoy in the historical capital of Cheyenne. Over 100 years of cowboy tradition have given this premier spectacle the legacy it deserves.
DODGE CITY DAYS
dodgecitydays.com
Visit the Wild West where Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill and Bat Masterson walked the streets to bring justice and send many to famous Boot Hill. Enjoy an art show, barbeque, shootouts, parade, concert and much more while you take in the Boot Hill Museum. Now you can have a real taste in keeping the West alive.
LITTLE BRITCHES RODEO
nlbra.com
With rodeo stars of tomorrow face off at the finals for pride and prizes. Enjoy the Colorado State Fair and the Pueblo Riverwalk while you're there.
AUGUST
CROW FAIR
montana.gov
Considered the largest modern day American Indian encampment with over 1500 lodges. It is called the "Teepee Capital of the World" and features a rodeo, parade, powwow, horse racing, arts and crafts, music, and food while showcasing all the rich heritage of this important Nation.
CELEBRATE BANDERA
celebratebandera.com
The "Cowboy Capital of the World" offers a cattle drive, shoot outs, art show and much more as it celebrates the colorful life of the West --and the Cowboy Way!
BUFFALO BILL SHOOTOUT
bbhc.org
Shotgun challenges from the best in the West aim for over 350 targets, many sharpshooters competitions, festivities and prizes. Visit the incredible Buffalo Bill Center of the West while you explore all of Cody and stay at the historic Irma Hotel.
CALDWELL NIGHT RODEO
caldwellnightrodeo.com
As one of the top 20 rodeos in the country, this unique event brings the best in rodeo as it also honors our veterans under a beautiful Idaho star-filled night.
SANTA FE INDIAN MARKET
swaia.org
One of the largest in the world, it attracts over 150,000 visitors and artists featuring all forms of native arts, crafts, culture, food and music while discovering the rich history of Old Santa Fe and all it offers.
SEPTEMBER
FT. BRIDGER RENDEZVOUS
fortbridgerrendezvous.net
The largest mountain man gathering in the nation gives the visitor the chance view the daily life of the frontiersmen in every way. With competitions, crafts, cooking, music and kinship with other passionate westerners who revere the lifestyle of yesteryear and are committed to preserve it for future generations. Activities include Native American culture and educations, history, tours and the important role of the forts on the American frontier. Learn more at the Museum of the Mountain Man.
THE FORT RESTAURANT/RENDEZVOUS
thefort.com
Nestled in the Colorado foothills, with a breathtaking view of the plains and Denver city lights, is an exact replica of Old Bent's Fort, serving great authentic western cuisine of wild game. It also hosts a black powder rendezvous and Spanish market with art, crafts, music, cooking seminars and much more of the flavor of the West. Learn more at Bent's Old Fort in La Junta.
NATIONAL COWBOY SYMPOSIUM & CHUCKWAGON COOK-OFF
cowboy.org
Important cowboy culture is featured in this great family event. Learn about the cowboy way through demonstrations, entertainers, poets, educational booths, arts and crafts, author’s exhibits, Native American culture and a national gathering of chuck wagons with a world cook-off championship. Be hungry and learn. Visit the National Ranching Heritage Museum while you are here.
CUSTER PARK BUFFALO ROUNDUP
gfp.sd.gov
See cowboys and cowgirls drive over 1,000 buffalo through majestic Custer Park for branding, vaccinating and sorting as you enjoy a pancake feed, art festival and over 150 vendors as they honor this icon of the American West.
PENDLETON ROUNDUP
pendletonroundup.com
Come live the legend with one of the wildest rodeos and enjoy the Happy Canyon Indian Night Pageant, while visiting the world famous Pendleton Mills.
OCTOBER
ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS
oqha.com
The world's largest single-breed horse show with over 650,000 horse lovers.
PBR WORLD FINALS
pbr.com
Heart beating excitement on a bull with 35 of the best riders in the world and a $1 million bonus for the champion.
NOVEMBER
APHA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
aphaworldshow.com
The world's biggest Paint Horse show which showcases all the incredible attributes of this special breed and its versatility, nature and role in the western history. Watch for breed events in many disciplines.
WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION SHOW
westernmusic.com
Great names from all of Western, Cowboy music as they soothe the West. It also features an awards show and many festivities of the industry. Visit Canyon Records for all Native American artists and great music also.
WRCA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RANCH RODEO
wrca.org
An important event in Amarillo featuring working ranches in teams for traditional events and World Champion honors. Bronc riding, penning, team branding and wild cow milking reflect the rodeo events with the flavor of the great ranches of the West, such as 6666, Matador, XIT, Wagoner, Pitchfork, King Ranch and more. A cowboy trade show, horse show, poetry, music and Christian gathering are all part of the family festivities which also help the WRCA provide financial assistance to ranching families, scholarships to our future wranglers and cowboys in need. Be sure to visit the Quarterhorse Associaton Museum while you are there. And learn more about the great ranches at the National Ranching Heritage Museum in Lubbock.
WESTERNAIRES
westernaires.org
A Colorado treasure of almost a 1,000 young rider who dazzle audiences with their trick riding Cossack pyramids, precision formations while carrying American flags. Their show also includes soldier re-enactments with cannon and Indian dancing with drums. A spectacle not to be missed!
DECEMBER
NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
prorodeo.com
This world championship is the goliath of all and final of the year with pageantry, major awards, big purses, and a Cowboy Christmas Gift Show to unwind after a week of nail-biting rodeo action and festivities.
INDIAN NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
infr.org
Hosted at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, over 20,000 expected fans will be cheering on over 500 Indian cowboys, representing up to 70 tribal nations from the U.S. and Canada. Many of the rodeo events will carry $35,000 purses, while the team roping prize is $70,000. Another highlight tradition will be the passing of the crown to the new Miss Indian Rodeo as all enjoy this major exciting and colorful event.
SUMMER/WINTER
GRAND TETON MUSIC FESTIVAL
gtmf.org
Some of the nation's finest orchestras along with world class conductors perform at acoustically-acclaimed Walk Festival Hall, with the backdrop of the majestic Grand Tetons in the beautiful mountain setting of Jackson Hole. Orchestras from Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, St. Louis and more will perform some of the greatest works of classical music while part of even more festivities surrounding this great event.
DEFEAT OF JESSE JAMES DAYS
djjd.org
Jesse James and his gang met with a barrage of bullets from the citizens of now famous Northfield in a failed bank raid. While several members were killed, Cole Younger was wounded and Jesse and Frank were never caught. This was an important turning point in Jesse's life and in Northfield where the townspeople fought back. Watch the re-enactment video and learn more.
KARL MAY FEST
karl-may-fest.de
The "Louis Lamour" of Europe, Karl May was the premier author of western novels--while living, breathing and dressing the legacy of the west--though never setting foot in the Great American West! Worldwide fans of his novels and the west--celebrate annually with reenactments and more--as they share the grand passion!