Pendleton Round-Up
Sept. 15–18
Pendleton, Ore.
800-457-6336, pendletonroundup.com
Set to celebrate its 100th anniversary inSet to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010, the Pendleton Round- Up continues to thrive as one of the West’s oldest and largest rodeos. When 7,000 people showed up to the first Round-Up in 1910—“the largest crowd in Pendleton’s history,” one newspaper reported—the event seemed destined to grow. Held in small town Pendleton, Ore., today’s event draws upward of 50,000 spectators for four days of rodeo, pageants, parades, and crafts. The one-of-a-kind grass field is unique on the rodeo circuit, and a serious challenge for many competitors. To celebrate its centennial, the Round-Up folks will also unveil new and improved covered grandstands.
Feb. 12–14
Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering
Ellensburg, Wash.
888-925-2204, ellensburgcowboygathering.com
Cowboy poetry, music, art and gear make this event a hub of cowboy culture.
June 21–26
National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival
Weiser, Idaho
208-414-0255, fiddlecontest.com
Sept. 10–12
Hells Canyon Mule Days
Enterprise, Ore.
888-323-3271, hellscanyonmuledays.com
April 7–10
Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo
Pocatello, Idaho
208-233-1546
August 6–8
1860 Days Celebration
Pierce/Weippe, Idaho
208-435-4406, pierce-weippechamber.com
Pierce/Weippe, Idaho
You’ll feel like it’s 1860 again during this festival that celebrates Idaho’s first Gold Rush settlement.