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.