4–6
RAM NATIONAL CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-232-7787, www.rncfr.com
Each of the 12 PRCA circuits sends two competitors from each event to participate at the RNCFR—one of the centerpieces of the ProRodeo season—for the chance to win cash, a national championship, and a RAM truck vehicle voucher.
5
SCOTTSDALE ART AUCTION
Scottsdale, Ariz.
480-945-0225, www.scottsdaleartauction.com
The Southwest’s biggest art auction features work from the masters of the West. Last year, the top lot was a Frederic Remington oil painting that sold for $1,035,000.
5–6
WANENMACHER’S TULSA ARMS SHOW
Tulsa, Okla.
918-492-0401, www.tulsaarmsshow.com
There are no cheap flea-market knick-knacks here! At Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show, it’s purely guns, knives, ammo, and military artifacts. This is the place to come to find antique Western firearms.
11–12
WESTERN HERITAGE AWARDS
Oklahoma City, Okla.
405-478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
At this black-tie affair, the prestigious Wrangler award is presented to the works in literature, music, film, and television that best reflect the stories of the American West. Also honored at the event are inductees into the prestigious Hall of Great Westerners and the Hall of Great Western Performers.
24–27
SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL
Santa Clarita, Calif.
661-250-3735, www.cowboyfestival.org
Hosted at the famed Melody Ranch—where over 750 Westerns were filmed—this cowboy poetry festival has the perfect Old West setting for its multi-day lineup of music, food, entertainment, and activities for Western fans of all ages. Be sure to try the peach cobbler at the chuckwagon—it’s a favorite!
[EDITOR’S PICK]
April 30–May 4
SOMBRERO HORSE DRIVE
Craig, Colo.
970-586-4577, www.sombrero.com
Help drive one of the largest horse herds in the state through 60 miles of stunning Colorado country. There’s no nose-to-tail dude riding here—this is the real deal! Riders tough enough to ride gate to gate are rewarded with a trophy buckle and memories to last a lifetime.
“Hundreds of horses? Chuckwagon camping? Cowboys at work? Count me in!” —Bob