5–7
2nd Annual Leather Silver Tool Show
Wickenburg, Ariz.
800-942-5242, website
6–8
Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering
Sierra Vista, Ariz.
520-249-3535, website
This year, the Cochise Gathering will celebrate the Roundups & Rodeos of yesteryear and today through performances by musicians and artists from all over the West.
12–March 1
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio, Texas
210-225-5851, website
As they say in San Antonio, “Let’s Rodeo!” The PRCA has awarded the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo nine awards for best “Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year” and even more all-star performers are headlining the entertainment stage.
13–15
Gold Rush Days and Senior Pro Rodeo
Wickenburg, Ariz.
928-684-5479, website
Recognized by the Library of Congress as one of America’s Living Legacies, this event is designed to celebrate Wickenburg’s ranching and gold mining history. Fun activities abound, including a parade and carnival, as well as an old-fashioned melodrama.
Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering
Ellensburg, Wash.
888-925-2204, website
Held in Historic Downtown Ellensburg, this event is sure to please with its Gear & Art Show, workshops, and entertainment. With activities like the fiddle contest and the Saturday Night Dance, Ellensburg is the 2015 President’s Day Weekend place to be.
18–22
Saddle Up
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
865-429-7350, website
The West moves east for this five-day Appalachian cowboy celebration featuring top performers, such as the famed poet Baxter Black and the highly revered musician, Chuck Pyle.
21–March 1
Fiesta de los Vaqueros / Tucson Rodeo
Tucson, Ariz.
520-741-2233, website
Honoring the cowboys and cowgirls of the Southwest since its beginning in 1925, Fiesta de los Vaqueros is the first major outdoor rodeo of the year. The Tucson Rodeo Parade—also in existence since 1925—attracts more than 200,000 spectators per year and is not to be missed.
Editor’s Pick: “After a long, cold Colorado winter, all I want to do is enjoy some sunshine! As the first big outdoor rodeo of the year, the Tucson Rodeo offers up justthat. The barn dance and parade are musts, and while you’re in town, visit the Old Tucson studios.”
—Associate Editor, Lauren Feldman
25–March 1
Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend
Winnemucca, Nev.
775-623-5071, website
Thirty different teams compete in this event, making it the largest ranch rodeo in Nevada. Don’t miss the rush as these real-deal cowboys and cowgirls give it their all in events like the Saddle Bronc Riding, the Wild Mugging, the Team Roping, and the Trailer Loading.
27–28
Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Alpine, Texas
800-561-3712, website
The only trouble with this event is picking which of the 50-some performers to catch in this star-studded, two-day gathering. Also, don’t forget your raffle tickets to have a chance at winning some beautiful custom gear.