Western Events Calendar: October
3–6
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Durango, Colo.
970-749-2995, www.durangocowboygathering.org
Taking place at Durango’s Diamond Circle Theater, Durango’s cowboy poets bring their most moving poetry and music. Don’t miss: Performances from some of the local talent like Jeff Carson, Jerry Bell, and Kristyn Harris.
4–27
All American Quarter Horse Congress
Columbus, Ohio
740-943-2346, www.oqha.com/aaqhc
This inspiring show attracts more than 17,000 entries a year. Don’t miss: The NYATT Youth Competition—a rodeo for up-and-coming teams.
8–10
Cowboy Crossing
Oklahoma City
208-865-2006, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/events/cc/
This exhibition and sale, hosted by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, highlights traditional cowboy arts, including saddle making, bit making, and silver smithing. Don’t miss: The autograph party and luncheon on October 12.
11–13
Lone Pine Film Festival
Lone Pine, Calif.
760-876-9909, www.lonepinefilmfestival.org
Lone Pine’s best films past and present will be on display for this festival. Don’t miss: On-set tours and celebrity mystery guests! Crossings Banquet, featuring a lavish spread and presentations.
11–13
Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium
Ruidoso, N.M.
575-378-4431, www.cowboysymposium.org
A full weekend of Old West history in Ruidoso County. Don’t miss: The nation’s top chuckwagon crews competing for $13,000 in prize money.
12–13
Industry Hills Pro Rodeo
City of Industry, Calif.
626-961-6892, www.industryhillsprorodeo.org
The Gabriel Foundation’s annual rodeo works to support charity and is run entirely by volunteers. Don’t miss: The Saturday night dance with a tri-tip BBQ concession for those with big appetites.
15–19
Cowboy Mounted Shooting World Championship
Amarillo, Texas
888-960-0003, www.cmsaevents.com
The world’s best mounted shooters gather to shoot it out for the year-end title. Don’t miss: Friday’s mounted shooting clinic, featuring Rock and Cody Clark and Curt Moore.
18–20
Llano Chuckwagon Cook-off
Llano, Texas
325-247-5354, www.llanochuckwagoncookoff.com
Chuckwagon teams (dressed in 1880s attire) receive set ingredients, cook by traditional methods, and are judged in the categories of chick-fried steak, beans, bread, potatoes, and dessert. Don’t miss: A relaxing walk along the Llano River.
23–27
PBR World Finals
Las Vegas, Nev.
719-242-2800, www.pbr.com
All bulls, all the time—the world’s best bull riders compete for glory on the world’s meanest bulls. Don’t miss: The pyrotechnics—the PBR finals does not skimp on the lights, music, and fanfare.
25–27
Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering
Ft. Worth, Texas
817-624-4741, www.redsteagallcowboygathering.com
This yearly festival at the Stockyards celebrates the National Historic District of Fort Worth. Don’t miss: Red Steagall, himself, the beloved grandfather of cowboy poetry and Western music.
