[January]
10–12
MONTANA PRCA CIRCUIT FINALS
Great Falls, Mont.
406-223-5473, www.montanaprorodeo.com
Dust off your boots for this great winter rodeo! The region’s top cowboys and cowgirls compete for the circuit championship and one of two spots in each event at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in the spring.
11–26
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW
Denver, Colo.
303-295-6124, www.nationalwestern.com
In its 108th year, the 16-day show hosts one of the world’s richest regular-season pro rodeos and Colorado’s largest tradeshow. Don’t miss the Coors Western Art Show and Sale!
25–26
HIGH NOON WESTERN AMERICANA AUCTION & ANTIQUE SHOW
Mesa, Ariz.
310-202-9010, www.highnoon.com
The auction and antique show is like a museum—where you can actually buy all the incredible historical artifacts! Bid on items like Bohlin parade saddles, Hollywood Western memorabilia, and fine art. One saddle to take note of is a 19th-century Walker & Wegner from the legendary Visalia Stock Saddle Company, complete with headstall, martingale, bit, spurs, and monogrammed conchos.
**EDITOR’S PICK**
Jan. 27–Feb. 1
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Elko, Nev.
888-880-5885, www.westernfolklife.org
Connect with friends, family, and strangers—all celebrating the Western life—in this small buckaroo town. Together, listen to live music and poetry readings, learn about cowboy culture, take in some great art and Western films, learn a craft, eat, drink, and swap stories.
“I’ve never been here and it’s always been on my bucket list. It’s really where it all started in terms of reviving cowboy music and poetry as a stand-alone genre.” —Bob
[FEBRUARY]
Feb. 1–March 16
MASTERS OF THE AMERICAN WEST FINE ART SHOW AND SALE
Los Angeles, Calif.
323-667-2000, www.theautry.org
Be inspired by some of the best art the Western world has to offer, at the famed Autry National Center. More than 75 nationally recognized artists challenge themselves—using a variety of media, themes, and styles—to capture the Western experience.
**EDITOR’S PICK**
6–23
San Antonio Stock Show And Rodeo
San Antonio, Texas
210-225-5851, www.sarodeo.com
Headed into its 65th year, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has accumulated eight PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year Awards! After the rodeo, stick around for the concert. This year’s lineup includes Alan Jackson, Kacey Musgraves, Billy Currington, and Trace Adkins.
“I’ve been a dozen times or more. I love the weather in South Texas this time of year. I never miss a trip to Mi Tierra’s for the huevos rancheros, a walk on the river walk, and a trip to Gruene for chicken-fried steak at the Gristmill and some boot scooting with my bride at Gruene Hall.” —Bob
7–9
COCHISE COWBOY POETRY AND MUSIC GATHERING
Sierra Vista, Ariz.
520-678-9952, www.cowboypoets.com
This gathering features workshops for aspiring artists, as well as poetry and live music. Don’t miss the Student Poetry Contest performances, showcasing the next generation of cowboy poets.
8
FORT WORTH’S LAST GREAT SHOOTOUT
Fort Worth, Texas
Watch a reenactment of the city’s most famous gunfight—that between sheriff Jim Courtright and saloon owner Luke Short on Feb. 8, 1887, just outside the historic White Elephant Saloon.
13–16
SPIRIT OF THE WEST COWBOY GATHERING
Ellensburg, Wash.
888-925-2204, www.ellensburgcowboygathering.com
Hear cowboy crooners and poets capture the spirit of the West through rhyme, story, and song at this gathering in historic downtown Ellensburg.
14–16
GOLD RUSH DAYS AND SENIOR PRO RODEO
Wickenburg, Ariz.
928-684-5479, www.wickenburgchamber.com
Celebrate Wickenburg’s Wild West heritage with a rodeo, concert, carnival, old-fashioned melodrama, gold panning, and barbecue. Don’t miss the Senior Pro Rodeo, in which contestants must be 40 years old or older.
15–23
LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS TUCSON RODEO
Tucson, Ariz.
800-964-5662, www.tucsonrodeo.com
Cowboys and cowgirls count down the days ’til sunshine and fresh air at the Tucson Rodeo, the first major outdoor rodeo of the year. Don’t miss the Coors Barn Dance for some Southwest country dancing.
19–23
SADDLE UP
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
865-453-8574, www.mypigeonforge.com/saddleup
The West heads South with this four-day event featuring singers, cowboy poets, workshops, dances, a chuckwagon cookoff, and (free!) cornbread sampling.
21–22
TEXAS COWBOY POETRY GATHERING
Alpine, Texas
432-837-2326, www.cowboy-poetry.org
More than 50 performers gather to celebrate the oral tradition of the working cowboy through poetry, story, and music. On Friday and Saturday morning, join the performers at Poet’s Grove for an authentic chuckwagon breakfast.
Feb. 26–March 2
WINNEMUCCA RANCH HAND RODEO
Winnemucca, Nev.
775-623-2220, www.ranchrodeonv.com
At this ranch rodeo—the largest in Nevada—30 teams compete for bragging rights in saddle bronc, calf roping, ranch doctoring, wild mugging, team roping, and team branding. Don’t miss the trade show and horse sale!